The Cambridge Diet has been available since 1979, sold through independent distributors and online. Marketers claim the liquid diet is a natural appetite suppressant that also provides 100 percent of your nutritional needs. This diet has stood the test of time, but consider whether its fast-track approach to shedding pounds is right for you.
History
Originally the brainchild of Alan Howard and his team of medical doctors and nutritionists at Cambridge University in England, the drink was developed in the early 1970s as a low-calorie meal replacement. By 1979 the product was ready to be sold, but in the early 1980s, nutritionist Robert O. Nesheim joined the team to rework the formula. With new nutritional guidelines available, additions were made to include more fiber and protein while still keeping calories extremely low.
The Diet Plans for Weight Loss
The Cambridge Food for Life diet plans offer five different nutrition plans. The regular plan includes three servings of Cambridge meal replacements plus 400 calories of conventional foods. This program provides dieters with a total of 820 calories per day. The Fast Start plan involves eating Cambridge products exclusively, three times per day. This program is suggested for those wanting to lose less than 15 lb. or as a beginning phase to the regular plan. Dieters eat only 420 calories per day on this plan. Cambridge suggests using the Physician Supervised plan if you have more than 30 lb. to lose. It is the same as their Fast Start plan, only done with doctor supervision.
Maintenance Plan and Beyond
When you reach your weight loss goal, Cambridge offers a maintenance plan. During this phase, you continue to eat the Cambridge meal replacements while adding in additional foods. Once your goal is met and maintained, they suggest you continue eating their products as a base to your diet for the rest of your life.
Research
A Vanderbilt University report indicated that some patients experienced significant health improvements after only a few weeks on liquid diets. However, the American Heart Association warns that diets promoting quick weight loss are unhealthy and cause disappointment when you regain the weight as quickly as you lost it. The Weight-Control Information Network, on the other hand, warns that diets this low in caloric intake should be considered only by people diagnosed as obese.
Warnings
Rapid weight loss may cause several side effects. First, overuse of lean muscles leads to slower metabolism, which makes continuing to lose weight difficult and regaining weight much easier. If used long-term, liquid diets may lead to menstrual problems, cramping, anemia, dizziness, fatigue and constipation. The Cambridge Food for Life website cautions you may experience prolonged headache, nausea or vomiting. Discuss this diet with your doctor before starting the plan.
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