Milk and bananas offer some important vitamins and minerals in a diet that has been around since the 1930s. In fact, in 1934 physician George Harrop recommended the Bananas and Milk Diet for many of the same reasons that people turn to it today. Although usually put in the "fad diet" category, the diet is portable and can be done for a day or two to jump start an eating plan.
Method
The Bananas and Milk Diet has taken several different forms over the past eight decades, but the most popular is a diet that simply consists of two or three bananas eaten with a cup of skim milk at least three times per day. Dieters should also drink plenty of water as bananas can be constipating.
Effects
You will lose weight on the Bananas and Milk Diet, although it will likely be a combination of both fat and lean muscle. The diet contains fewer than 1,000 calories per day, depending on the number of bananas you eat. A medium banana--7- to 8-inches long--will net you 100 calories. One cup of skim milk provides 80 calories. So if you eat six bananas and three cups of milk you will have consumed just over 800 calories per day. This will result in dramatic weight loss, but may also make you irritable.
Benefits
The Bananas and Milk Diet does have some benefits, thanks to the nutritional nature of both bananas and skim milk. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which can stabilize your blood pressure and iron to build the hemoglobin in your blood. Potassium also aids the kidneys by treating bloating and reducing your risk for kidney disease, according to bananasweb.com. Skim milk is a diet superstar too, since it contains lots of protein and no fat. The protein may help you feel satisfied for longer periods of time.
Modifications
The Bananas and Milk Diet is easy to follow and very specific in content. However, some dieters modify this to include the milk and bananas twice a day and then a low calorie, but nutrient rich dinner containing green vegetables and a lean protein source. This will add some calories to the diet, but may make it more palatable for more than a day or two.
Warning
This diet is lacking in many essential nutrients and vitamins and should not be followed without the addition of a multivitamin. It can also be very low calorie, which can cause blood sugar to get low. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy or nauseated, have something to eat and seek medical attention. Although there are some benefits to eating bananas and skim milk, the diet does not provide a wide range of nutrients and should only be followed for very short periods, if at all. Always talk with your health care provider before making any diet changes.
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