Granted, there is actually no official ‘Michael Jackson’ diet, but his lifestyle is worth knowing if you’re interested in losing weight. There are two basic principles to follow if you want to achieve the physique of that slim and mean dance machine that was (and still is) the King of Pop.
1. Eat healthy: In Michael Jackson’s case, this meant vegetarian. That doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate all animal products (which is vegan). But the rules of Michael Jackson’s diet included vegetarianism. What does that mean for weight loss?
Well, a vegetarian diet is generally higher in fiber and water, because most of its protein comes from nuts, beans, and grains in combinations to provide excellent low-fat nutrition. That helps with weight loss by
* make you feel fuller for longer so you can eat less,
* keep your blood sugar levels stable for more sustained energy,
* remove toxins from the body that can inhibit weight loss,
* and even carry a certain amount of undigested fat through the system so that it never enters the ‘weight gain equation’ at all.
2. Exercise as much as you can every day. That’s right! Michael Jackson rehearsed for concerts and performances for about five hours each day, his personal trainer recently reported. He was in excellent physical shape. So a ‘Michael Jackson diet’ is not just about eating healthy, but also burning large amounts of energy.
For you, it may not be possible to include a 5-hour dance rehearsal every day of the work week. But think about this: if you really took every possible opportunity to use your body energetically, how much exercise could you get?
* Don’t just take the stairs, take as many stairs as you can. (Maybe even take a flight to the top twice, just for fun.)
* Bike to work even when it rains. (More exercise available with a change of clothes).
* Dance with your ipod for five minutes during your coffee break.
You get the idea. As much exercise as possible.
The two basic principles of healthy eating and exercise are often the fundamental principles of an energetic and lean physique. That’s certainly something we remember from Michael Jackson. So even if the only way to commemorate it is by adopting a ‘Michael Jackson diet’ to lose a few pounds and look good on the dance floor, maybe that’s what would make you the happiest.