The Cambridge diet has several different weight loss programs, each of which allow different amounts of food. Learning about each of the Cambridge programs empowers you to make an informed choice about whether or not the Cambridge diet is right for you and which program best meets your needs. Consult your physician prior to starting the Cambridge diet or any other weight loss program.
Regular Program
Approximately 820 calories per day is consumed on the regular program. Each day you eat three 140-calorie Cambridge meal replacements and 400 calories of regular food. Meal replacement options include prepackaged cereal, soup or shakes. No foods are off-limits as long as they contain a total of 400 calories or less. You can eat all of your regular food at once and enjoy a meal or spread out your food to eat several snacks throughout the day.
Fast Start Program and Physician Monitored Program
The fast start and physician monitored programs both allow you to eat three 140-calorie meal replacements per day, choosing between shakes, soup or cereal. No other food is consumed on these programs. The fast start program can be followed for no more than two weeks because it is not physician supervised. The physician monitored program is supervised by a physician and can be used until you are within 10 to 15 lbs. of your healthy body weight.
Considerations
A minimum of 1,200 calories per day is required for healthy and normal metabolic function, according to "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies." The regular Cambridge Diet program provides only 820 calories and the fast start and physician monitored programs provide a mere 420 calories per day.
All of the programs require you to consume three meal replacements per day. However, variety in diet is key to preventing boredom and complying with any weight loss program, according to "Handbook of Obesity Treatment."
Alternatives
You don't have to survive on meal replacements or stick to a very low calorie diet to successfully lose weight. In fact, "Handbook of Obesity Treatment" mentions that losing weight slowly at a rate of 1 lb. to 2 lbs. per week and incorporating a wide variety of foods in your diet increases your odds of successful long-term weight loss. Eating 500 to 1,000 calories less per day than your body burns would lead to a 1 lb. to 2 lb. weekly weight loss. Enjoying all foods in moderation -- with an emphasis on lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables -- is the cornerstone of a balanced diet. Seek the assistance of a dietitian if you are struggling to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
References
- Cambridge: Regular Program
- Cambridge: Fast Start Program
- Cambridge: Physician Monitored Program
- "Handbook of Obesity Treatment"; Thomas A. Wadden PhD, et al.; 2004
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
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