The Anti-Estrogenic Diet

By Kara Warner | Special to amNewYork

December 17, 2007

At first glance, "The Anti-Estrogenic Diet" looks like a plan to rid oneself of certain feminine influences. A closer look, however, reveals that author Ori Hofmekler has discovered certain chemicals compounds in our food wreak havoc on our health, causing weight gain, estrogen disorders in women, sterilization in men and sometimes cancer. Hofmekler, author of The Warrior Diet, wants his "Anti-Estrogenic Diet" to rid us of those problems.

"Protect yourself against the estrogenic substances in the environment," reads the cover. "Lower your risk of metabolic disorders, serious disease, and chronic weight gain and learn how certain foods and herbs can protect you!" To be honest, I'm not one to be intrigued by such sensationalist-sounding declarations, but I was curious enough to try out Hofmekler's plan for a week, to see if I could remedy any imbalances I didn't know I had.

To be honest, I skipped over a lot of the first part of Hofmekler's book, in which he describes the dangerous chemicals we're surrounded by daily, (items like sunscreen, fabric softener, pesticides, preservatives, etc.) which doesn't sit well with my "Ignorance is bliss" mindset about issues I deem to be out of my control. Plus, the feminist in me took issue with his "There is too much estrogen in the world today," we must "declare war against excess estrogen," statements.

In fairness, however, Hofmekler's claims about the excesses of estrogen are tied to cited scientific research; I just skipped to "the goods" about the diet plan.

According to Hofmekler, there are three phases to ridding oneself of estrogenic influences. Phase I: detox the estrogen in your system. Phase II: eat a high fat diet to compensate for problems caused by eating too much estrogen. Phase III: reintroduce your favorite foods in order to understand your body's reactions to them. The meal plans are nothing too radical: They emphasize cruciferous veggies (cabbage, kale, sprouts, etc.), whole grains, Omega-3 oil, nuts and seeds. What I found to be the most cumbersome (aside from the lack of food consumed before dinner) were all the weird, hippie-sounding supplements (milk thistle, dandelion root, Shilajit, probiotics). I'm all for organic food and whole grains, but 5 horse pills, a glass of water and a grapefruit do not a breakfast make.

My results? Not so good. But had I been able to stick with the diet for more than two days, I'm sure I'd have a better report than a two pound loss. Unfortunately, I'm a person who needs more during the day and less at night. Also, my meager journalist's salary does not have room for the extra-pricey supplements, oils and the other recommended estrogenic inhibitors.

I'm happy that the diet has helped so many lose weight and according to their online testimonies, shrink enlarged organs, but it's not a plan for me. I'll stick to my own semi-successful plan of eating smaller portions and exercise. Also, addressing my main problem: avoiding all the damn holiday treats that dominate office desks and meetings this time of year.

Breakfast: 1 glass water, 5 probiotic supplements, 1 grapefruit, 1 cup coffee (freshly ground)

Mid-morning: Organic nonfat yogurt or kefir (8 oz.) or Pesticide-free whey protein shake (30 g protein) or a cup of organic strawberries

Lunch: Green salad with 1 teaspoon olive oil or vinaigrette, two poached eggs (fertile), 1-2 oz. of organic cheese

Mid-afternoon: Peeled Granny Smith apple or freshly squeezed juice (carrots, celery, cucumber, beet, parsley, celery)

Late-afternoon: Yogurt, kefir or protein shake

Dinner: Green salad and onions, Steamed broccoli and garlic (2-3 large bowls), Black beans and rice (1:1 portion), Avocado and salsa, 4-6 poached or boiled eggs (2 yolks), 8 oz. of wild-catch fish, or 2-3 oz. cheese.