Moderate use of salt and sugar are allowed. The diet does not restrict calories. Despite unrestricted calorie consumption, Dr. Ornish believes most people adopting the Reversal Diet will consume fewer calories than the average U.S. citizen. Dr. Ornish dispels the myth that a diet lower in protein is harmful. He states the amount of protein recommended in his Reversal Diet is sufficient.
Plant based foods contain the three critical amino acids in varying amounts.
For this reason, it is important to eat a variety of foods to obtain the necessary amino acids. Dr. Ornish's recipe for consuming the correct amount of protein is to eat grains and legumes, or to combine grains or legumes with small amounts of non-fat yogurt or skim milk. The protein found in plants is identical to the protein found in animal products, so nothing is compromised by eating beans rather than a hamburger. Dr. Ornish also dispels the myth that a person must consume a significant amount of fat to receive enough essential fatty acids. To satisfy the daily requirements of essential fatty acids, the average person need only consume 14 grams or less of fat each day.