It sounds too good to be true! Yet at last there’s a diet that might let you lose as much as 10 pounds (that’s 4.5 kg) in just three days. It’s the perfect quick-fix for those times when you need to squeeze into a clingy dress in a few days’ time! Rumour has it that this diet was designed for the US army to help get troops into shape quickly. The diet involves 3 days of following a low- calorie, set meal plan, followed by four days of eating normally. Those who want to lose more weight can then repeat the 3 low- calorie days, but only after 4 days of eating normally – it is important not to follow the diet for more than 3 days in a row. The diet uses foods which are cheap and readily available. You’ll love the results!
What You Will Eat On the Military Diet
What you eat on the military diet is pre-set – there is no room for variation or snacking, at least during the 3 days of low-calorie eating. These 3 days consist of 9 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner on each day). Other than the set menu you are only allowed water, coffee and green or black tea (but milk, cream and sugar are not allowed). Some adjustments can be made in cases of food allergies, but only adjustments which are approved by the diet. For example you can swap the peanut butter for almond butter, or the tuna for almond nuts, as long as the calories remain the same. The meal plan is as follows:
Day 1
Breakfast:
- 1 slice of toast and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- Half a grapefruit
- 1 cup of black coffee or tea (optional)
Lunch:
- 1 slice of toast
- Half a cup of tuna
- 1 cup of black coffee or tea (optional)
Dinner:
- 3oz (85 grams) serving of meat with a cup of green beans
- Either 1 cup of cooked beetroot or half a banana
- 1 small apple
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
Day 2
Breakfast:
- 1 slice of toast
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- Half a banana
- 1 cup of black coffee or tea (optional)
Lunch:
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 5 saltine/tuc crackers
- 1 cup of black coffee or tea (optional)
Dinner:
- 2 hot dogs, with no bun
- Half a cup of carrots and half a cup of broccoli
- Half a banana
- Half a cup of vanilla ice cream
Day 3
Breakfast:
- 1-ounce (25g) slice of cheddar cheese
- 5 saltine/tuc crackers
- 1 small apple
- 1 cup of black coffee or tea (optional)
Lunch:
- 1 slice of toast
- 1 egg, cooked however you like
- 1 cup of black coffee or tea (optional)
Dinner:
- 1 cup of tuna
- Chose from EITHER: 1 cup of beetroot, 1 cup of cauliflower, half a small honeydew melon and half a cup of vanilla ice-cream OR: half a banana and one cup of vanilla ice-cream.
Remember to drink lots of water during the 3 days of restricted eating.
On the remaining 4 days there are no specific restrictions, although you are encouraged to eat healthily and try not to eat more than about 1500 calories.
Does it Work?
The food on this diet has been specifically chosen for its weight-loss properties. By severely restricting calorie intake the diet will be effective in helping lose weight quickly. The actual weight lost will vary from person to person, depending on metabolism and other factors, such as how much exercise is taken. The 10 pounds in a single week figure does happen for some and is more likely to apply to those who are very overweight.
Is it Safe?
If in doubt, speak to your doctor before starting any extreme diet plan. Having said that, the diet is safe for most healthy people provided they eat enough healthy food on the 4 days of ‘normal eating’ to provide essential nutrients. It is important that participants do not follow the diet plan for more than 3 days and return to eating healthily for at least 4 days following this.