The Sacred Heart Memorial Soup Diet is is a variation of the cabbage soup diet, and it has nothing to do with any Sacred Heart or Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital in the United States. The regimen, considered a fad diet, is based on a vegetable soup and a carefully constructed eating plan. It promises a weight loss of up to 17 lbs. in one week. The American Academy of Family Physicians cautions dieters to be wary of any weight-loss plan that promises quick results, as it probably won't be healthy, and the weight loss won't be sustained.
Daily Diet
The Sacred Heart Memorial Diet is a specific meal plan that is restrictive and low in calories and essential vitamins and minerals. You are permitted unlimited quantities of soup, plus some foods every day. On the first day you're allowed all the fruit you want except bananas. On the second day you can have all the vegetables you want except tomatoes. On the third day you can have a combination of fruits and vegetables. On the fourth day you're allowed only bananas and skim milk. On the fifth and sixth days you may eat animal protein and tomatoes. On the seventh day you're allowed brown rice, vegetables and fruit juice.
Soup Ingredients
The soup is low in calories but high in sodium because it contains canned tomatoes, canned green beans, canned beef broth, bullion cubes and/or dry soup mix. You can lower the sodium content by using fresh tomatoes and green beans and broth with no added salt. Other ingredients include onions, carrots, celery and pepper. Add water to your desired consistency -- if you prefer a thicker, stew-like soup, use less water. You can season your soup with Worcestershire or hot sauce, pepper, curry or parsley. Although some versions of diet claim the soup has magic fat-burning powers, the Mayo Clinic website says that "any time you drastically cut calories, you can lose weight."
Safety
The Sacred Heart Memorial Soup diet is not recommended for anyone with a serious medical condition, including heart disease, kidney failure or diabetes. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not attempt this diet. The low-calorie count may cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar -- leading to headaches, mood swings, anxiety, low energy and lack of focus. A very low-calorie diet, less than 1,200 calories per day, may also cause your metabolism to slow and stall your weight loss. A slower metabolism means the weight will come back quickly once you go off this diet.
Healthy Weight Loss
To successfully lose weight -- and keep it off -- you need to make permanent lifestyle changes, not rely on a fad diet that promises unrealistic results. Practice portion control and eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes. Limit added sugars, processed foods and trans fats, which are found in deep-fried foods and commercially baked cakes, cookies and snacks. Exercise regularly to burn more calories, build muscle and improve your cardiovascular health.
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