There are several diet plans around that claim to be Mayo Clinic diets. The 3-day Mayo Clinic is one such fad diet. However, this quick weight loss diet is not endorsed by the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic does offer a heart-healthy weight loss program based on sound nutrition and exercise. It should not be confused with the 3-day diet.
Description
There are multiple versions of the 3-day Mayo Clinic diet, which may also be called the 3-day tuna or grapefruit diet. The diet includes a menu that restricts you to about 1,000 calories a day for a three day period. You are supposed to follow the diet exactly as described, with no additions or omissions, and drink at least 32 oz. of water each day. No between-meal snacks are allowed, but you do get dessert with some meals.
3-Day Diet
Breakfast for day one of the 3-day Mayo Clinic diet consists of five saltine crackers, an apple and 1 oz. of cheddar cheese. The breakfast for day two includes 1/2 tbsp. of peanut butter and 1/2 grapefruit. For day three you may eat 1 egg, 1/2 of a banana and a slice of toast. You can have coffee with artificial sweetener at breakfast and lunch, but not dinner. Lunches are composed mainly of vegetables plus an egg or tuna. Dinners also feature vegetables. On day one you are supposed to eat 1 cup of tuna. On day two this changes to 3 oz. of lean meat or chicken and on day three, two frankfurters. You also get vanilla ice cream for dessert. If the three-day diet version you are using emphasizes grapefruit, add 1/2 grapefruit to every meal.
Considerations
According to promoters, you can lose up to 10 lbs. in three days with this diet and lower your cholesterol as well. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. It is possible to lose some weight since your calorie intake is severely restricted. However, most weight loss will be water weight. The diet is extremely low in carbohydrates, which help your body to retain water. As soon as you go off the diet, this water weight will return. Also, because you are likely to become very hungry, you may overeat when the diet is over. In any case, this diet does not promote the changes in eating habits you need to achieve long term weight loss.
Healthy Dieting
Choosing to get rid of excess pounds is a good decision. However, to lose weight in a healthy way and make the lifestyle changes you need to keep it off, you should choose a diet based on sound nutrition and exercise. MayoClinic.com says 1 or 2 lbs. a week is a realistic and healthy rate of weight loss. Trying to lose weight faster means you will deprive your body of the nutrition it needs to stay healthy. Ask you doctor's advice when choosing a diet plan. You should select a diet that fits your budget and personality. Equally important, pick a plan that includes foods you like so you can enjoy your mealtimes. This will improve our chances of staying on the diet and achieving your weight loss goals.
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