The Militery Diet: Everything You Need To Know
What is the Militery Diet?
The militery diet, also known as the 3-Day Diet or the Army Diet, is a short-term weight loss plan that claims to help you lose up to 10 pounds in just one week. The diet is said to have originated from the military, hence the name, and is designed to be a quick fix for those looking to shed pounds in a short amount of time.
How Does it Work?
The militery diet is a low-calorie diet that lasts for three consecutive days, followed by four days of normal eating. The three-day plan is repeated each week until the desired weight loss is achieved. The diet typically consists of three meals per day, with no snacks allowed, and promises a strict intake of about 1,000 to 1,400 calories per day.
The Menu
The following is a sample meal plan for the three days of the militery diet:
- Day 1
- Breakfast: 1 slice of toast, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, half a grapefruit, and a cup of coffee or tea
- Lunch: 1 slice of toast, half a cup of tuna, and a cup of coffee or tea
- Dinner: 3 ounces of any meat, 1 cup of green beans, half a banana, 1 small apple, and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream
- Day 2
- Breakfast: 1 slice of toast, 1 hard-boiled egg, and half a banana
- Lunch: 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 hard-boiled egg, and 5 saltine crackers
- Dinner: 2 hot dogs, 1 cup of broccoli, half a cup of carrots, half a banana, and half a cup of vanilla ice cream
- Day 3
- Breakfast: 5 saltine crackers, 1 slice of cheddar cheese, and 1 small apple
- Lunch: 1 hard-boiled egg and 1 slice of toast
- Dinner: 1 cup of tuna, half a banana, and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream
Note that the meal plan remains the same for each of the three days and cannot be substituted with other foods.
The Truth Behind the Weight Loss
The militery diet promises quick weight loss of up to 10 pounds in a week, which may seem appealing. However, it is important to understand that this weight loss is mostly water weight and not fat loss. Having a calorie deficit of 3,500 to 7,000 calories is required to lose 1 to 2 pounds of fat in a week, but the militery diet only provides an average of 1,000 to 1,400 calories per day. This means that any weight lost in one week is likely to be gained back once you return to your regular eating habits.
Is the Militery Diet Safe?
While some may consider the militery diet to be a strict calorie restriction plan, others may see it as a form of intermittent fasting. However, the diet is not recommended for certain individuals, including those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. It may also lead to nutrient deficiencies due to the limited food choices.
The Bottom Line
The militery diet may provide quick weight loss, but it is not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution. It is important to focus on long-term lifestyle changes that promote a balanced and nutritious diet, along with regular exercise, for sustainable weight loss and overall health. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan and always prioritize your health above quick fixes.