A mono food diet is a diet that focuses on one particular type of food, which is credited with having special weight loss or fat-burning powers. This "magic" food is often eaten to the exclusion of most other foods during the diet. Mono food diets are often used for quick, short-term weight loss, since they are often difficult to sustain for any length of time. Some examples of popular mono food diets include the Grapefruit Diet, the Cabbage Soup Diet and the Cookie Diet. The American Heart Association cautions that eating only one type of food is likely to result in a lack of adequate nutrition. Consult your doctor prior to going on a mono food diet.
History
The American Heart Association reports that some of the mono food or "food folklore" diets have been popular since the 19th century. In 1829, a minister named Sylvester Graham introduced his "graham diet," which focused on graham crackers along with vegetarian foods, according to TIME magazine. The Cookie Diet, which consists primarily of eating six cookies per day, was introduced in 1975. Many mono diets, such as the grapefruit diet and the cabbage soup diet, have reappeared numerous times under different names.
Claims
The American Dietetic Association reports that several foods have been touted as "superfoods" for their superior nutritional value, or for their ability to burn calories or fat. These foods are sometimes incorporated into a mono food diet, or in some cases, are sold in supplement form. In other cases, it is the combination of particular foods that is said to have this unique weight loss effect, the American Heart Association notes.
Expert Insight
The American Council on Exercise states that the association of one particular food with weight loss is erroneous. According to the Council, grapefruit is not known to have any magical weight loss benefits, nor does lemon juice or any other single food. The American Dietetic Association's position on the issue is that it is more important to have a varied, balanced diet than to emphasize any one food for health or fitness. The American Heart Association notes that it considers the concepts of "fat burning foods" and "food combining" to be myths.
Exercise
Due to the caloric restrictions of many mono food diets, exercise may not be required while you are dieting. While this may sound appealing, it's actually detrimental to your long-term success. Exercise is an important way to maintain metabolism and build lean muscle, and it is a useful part of any long-term weight loss plan.
Considerations
Although some mono food diets promise rapid weight loss, such drastic results are unlikely to last. According to the American Council on Exercise, diets that allow you to lose 10 to 20 lbs. in a week are likely to reduce only retained fluids or muscle tissue. As soon as you resume your regular diet, you will regain the weight, the American Council on Exercise notes. By learning how to eat a balanced diet of different types of food, you will be able to enjoy more varied meals while maintaining complete nutrition.
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