The "bananas for breakfast" concept originated in Japan, when a pharmacist named Sumiko Watanabe devised the plan as a weight loss method for her husband Hitoshi. Hitoshi successfully lost 37 lbs. by following the diet and announced his secret on a large Japanese social network website named Mixi. The diet quickly gained followers, and there was a nationwide shortage of bananas after an opera singer appeared on TV and claimed she had lost 15 lbs. in six weeks by following the Morning Banana Diet.
Meals
Breakfast on the Morning Banana Diet should consist of eating only raw bananas and drinking room-temperature water. You may eat as many bananas as you wish, but your bananas should be chewed well and mindfully; ideally, you should eat your breakfast slowly without outside distractions. If you do not like bananas, you can substituted another type of fruit for them. If you still feel hungry after eating your bananas and wish to eat an additional food, that is permitted, but you must wait at least 15 minutes, preferably longer.
Lunch and dinner can consist of any foods you wish, but you are encouraged to avoid fried foods. Dessert cannot be taken at either meal.
You are permitted one mid-afternoon snack, which can consist of a savory food or a sweet food such as chocolate, fruit or biscuits. Sweet foods containing trans fats such as pies, cookies or donuts should be avoided when possible,
At each meal, you should stop eating when you feel 80 percent full.
You should eat your last meal before 8 p.m., preferably earlier. If you do feel hungry before bed, drink water. If your hunger persists, a piece of fruit is permitted.
Liquids
No beverage is banned completely, but Sumiko Watanabe recommends drinking water served at room temperature regularly throughout the day. Teas or coffee can be taken in moderation. Sodas are not completely disallowed, but you are encouraged to drink only water to restore your taste buds. Sumiko claims drinking flavored beverages can dull the palate, but this can be restored by drinking only water. After your taste buds are restored, you will be able to taste your foods more and will be satisfied with less food. Beer or wine can be taken occasionally when you are in a social setting.
Exercise
Exercise is not an obligatory requirement of the Morning Banana Diet. You are advised to walk a little every day, but only to the extent that it does not cause you stress or discomfort. Very overweight people are advised not to exercise as it may cause damage to the knees.
Sleep
Sleep is an important consideration of the diet, and you should be in bed by midnight. If possible, you should awaken naturally without using an alarm clock.
Pros and Cons
According to Doug DiPasquale, a Canadian holistic nutritionist, eating only bananas for breakfast is not unhealthy. However, DiPasquale recommends making the bananas into a smoothie and adding some greens for additional mineral and vitamins and some nuts for a portion of protein.
Bananas are a healthy natural fruit that contain high levels of potassium. They also contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese. The diet is easy to follow due to it's simplicity, and you have no real restrictions to cause feelings of deprivation. However, DiPasquale feels the diet does not address the reasons why the dieter became overweight to begin with.
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