The moon phases diet is a cleansing diet timed to coincide with the changing phases of the moon. In theory, when the moon changes phases, it exerts a stronger gravitational pull on your body. Supposedly, this change in gravity can promote fluid loss by stopping water retention. You help flush the fluids from your body by not eating food for the 24-hour period following any of the four monthly moon phases: new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter.
The moon phases diet is a juice fast, which might not be appropriate for everyone. Consult your doctor before trying any diet.
Step 1
Consult the "Farmer's Almanac" to determine which day to start the diet. You'll drink water and fresh juices only -- no added sugars are allowed. Proponents of the diet say you can lose up to 6 lbs. in a single day, but no scientific evidence shows that timing your fast with the moon phases has a different effect on your body than fasting at any other time. MayoClinic.com notes that "successful weight loss requires making permanent changes in your eating and exercise habits. A slow and steady approach is easier to maintain and usually beats out fast weight loss for the long term."
Step 2
Combine your days of fasting with a healthy eating plan. The moon phases diet can be incorporated with any other diet. According to MoonConnection.com, "a single day of consuming only water and fresh juice simply detoxifies your body, and the lack of toxins makes further weight loss even easier." Use the juice fast day to jump-start your weight-loss plan, but be sure that nonfasting days include a balance of lean protein, high-fiber carbohydrates and healthy unsaturated fats. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and seafood.
Step 3
Stop your fast if you have any of the following symptoms: dizziness, light-headedness, shakiness, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness or anxiety. These symptoms are signs of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, a serious medical condition that can affect everyone -- not just diabetics. Severe hypoglycemia might cause fainting. Don't sacrifice your long-term health for a short-term weight-loss goal.
Tips and Warnings
- Weight lost quickly by fasting is often water weight, which you'll gain right back as soon as you start eating solid food again. MayoClinic.com recommends trying to lose between 1 and 2 lbs. per week for sustainable weight loss.
- Do not exercise strenuously on your fast days -- your calories are severely restricted, and you might not have your usual stores of energy. The moon phases diet is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.
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