There are many 7-day diets, but none are more popular than the one touted by Oprah and diet guru, Bob Greene. This 7-day diet consists of specific foods to be eaten on specific days, with the claim that by doing so your body will detoxify and lose weight. With the diet consisting of vegetables, fruits and various low-fat, low calorie foods, dieters say it is possible to lose up to 14 pounds in 1 week. People who have successfully completed the 7-day diet claim that they did not crave foods after the second day, as most of their needs were fulfilled. The sensation of cleansing and losing water weight is another plus in helping dieters to stick to the regimen.
What to Look for
When shopping for 7-day diet foods, buy the freshest vegetables and fruits you can find, and preferably those that are in season. If you can buy organic foods, it is all the better, as you will be assured that your fruits and vegetables are of the highest quality. Buy meat and chicken that is hormone and additive free. Look for fish with low mercury levels, such as tilapia. If you are including condiments in the diet, look for those that contain no sugar. These are easily found in health food stores. If you are including yogurt, as Oprah does, make sure it is sugar, saccharine and high fructose-free. A natural, plain yogurt is the best and supplies the calcium you need. Add soy milk to the diet for your calcium supply. To assure that you are staying as low fat as possible, keep your saturated fat intake to less than 5% of your total calorie intake. Olive oil is a good choice when selecting a dressing for your salads. The ideal proportion of food intake on the 7-day diet is 20% protein, 30% fat, and 50% carbohydrates in the form of whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Common Pitfalls
The 7-day diet does not mention the restriction of watermelon, which has a very high glycemic index of sugar and water. Eating too much watermelon can spike your blood sugar index, which can sometimes create an adverse reaction. Also, because this particular 7-day diet has designated days where you are only eating certain foods, many nutritionists claim that the diet is not balanced. When you are not eating a daily regimen of balanced foods, this can lead to weakness and fatigue. If you feel any adverse symptoms while on the 7 day diet, consult your heath care provider and begin adding foods that will balance out your meals. Another drawback to the 7-day diet is that it does not assist dieters in keeping to a healthy diet regimen after the 7 days are over. Without the continuity of a healthy and balanced eating plan along with emphasis on exercise, it can be difficult to keep lost weight from returning.
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