Single Food Diet

Single food diets involve consuming various forms of one specific food over a short period. These diets tend to be popular among those who are looking to reach a weight-loss goal quickly . Typically, slow food diets are not recommended for long-term use. Any diet that promotes a single food as a good way to lose weight is somewhat deceiving and should be examined carefully before using.

Benefits

Single food diets are helpful if you are not looking to permanently change your weight or eating habits. According to Dr. Hensrud, Ph.D., in a 2009 article on MayoClinic.com, the quick-fix methods aren't beneficial; a slow approach to any weight goal is easier to maintain and usually has better results in the long term. As with any diet, contact your doctor before beginning.

Types

Some single food diets that claim to make you lose a large amount of weight are the cabbage, grapefruit, potato and tomato. Other, sweeter diets are the lemonade diet, the chocolate diet and even the cookie diet. All of these and other fad diets usually work until you discontinue them and regain your previous eating habits. If there isn't medical research or statistics on a certain diet, most likely it is too good to be true.

Warning

All single food diets lack elements that are necessary to maintain balanced nutrition, such as carbohydrates or certain vitamins or minerals. According to the American Council on Exercise, daily consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and non-fat or low-fat dairy product within caloric intake requirements is best. Without all of these, you may risk growth defects, dehydration, muscle weakness or loss of energy that can interrupt daily activities.

Misconceptions

Most single food diets are effective at causing weight loss simply because they don't meet the daily caloric intake requirement. The lowest intake per day recommended for women is 1,200 calories and for men is 1,500 per day. A very low-calorie diet of 500 to 800 calories per day is possible but only under medical supervision, according to FamilyDoctor.org.

Expert Insight

Researchers at the American Dietetic Association recommend that you avoid diets that allow an unlimited quantity of any single food or that strictly restrict entire food groups. Vital nutrients are still lost even if you substitute foods for supplements or multivitamins.

According to the American Heart Association, single food diets are so boring and monotonous that it is nearly impossible to stay on them for long periods. Food should not only be good nutritionally but should be enjoyable as well.