The 3 Day Diet - Only 978 Calories a Day!

"The 3 day diet" - the name alone is very appealing for anyone who needs to lose 5 pounds fast in order to get into those designer jeans this weekend.

But what the heck is the 3 day diet, anyway? And with so few calories, is it really safe?

I thought it would be interesting to put a menu from the old grapefruit diet next to one day's menu from the 3 day diet. The 3 day diet has only one piece of grapefruit instead of three, much less meat and fat - and then look closely. Is that really 1 cup of vanilla ice cream??

Both diets have plenty of stimulants, (not necessarily a good thing for your health), in the form of caffeine, but only the 3 day diet includes any sugar or sugar substitute. Both are lower in calories than the average American diet, but the 3 day diet has only 978 calories.

According to John P. Foreyt, Ph.D, a leading expert on obesity and weight loss, a 150 pound person will maintain his or her weight while eating 2,250 calories a day. Other sources put the number needed to maintain your weight at around 1,800. If the individual would like to lose weight safely, she can reduce her normal intake by 300 calories a day, and increase her physical activity to burn an extra 200 pounds a day. This allows a 1 pound a week drop in weight without any adverse side effects.

So what happens when one reduces the calorie intake all the way to 978 a day? According to the National Institute of Health, a diet isn't considered a "Very Low-Calorie Diet" or VLCD until it goes down below 800 calories. A true VLCD is actually a meal-replacement regimen for severely obese individuals who are under the direct supervision of a physician. The side effects for this type of "crisis intervention" for people who's weight has become life-threatening, can include fatigue, constipation, nausea, and diarrhea, and gallstones.

Grapefruit ("mayo clinic") diet

BREAKFAST:
1/2 grapefruit or 8oz unsweetened juice.(39)
2 Eggs any style (158)
2 Slices of bacon (284)
Black coffee or tea, no sugar (0)

LUNCH:
1/2 grapefruit or 8oz unsweetened juice.(39)
Salad and or raw veggies (any dressing, not low fat or fat free) (150)
Meat (Cooked any way) (298)

DINNER:
1/2 grapefruit or 8oz unsweetened juice.(39)
Meat (cooked any way) (200)
Vegetables (any green or red, may be cooked in butter or Seasoning or a salad as above) (150)
Black coffee or tea, no sugar (0)

BEDTIME:
(opt) 8oz Tomato juice or skim milk (41)

TOTAL CALORIES: 1398

3 day diet

BREAKFAST:
Grapefruit or Juice (39)
1 Toast (65) with 1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter (95)
Black Coffee or Tea w/1-2 packets of Sweet & Low or Equal (0)

LUNCH:
1/2 Cup of Tuna (115)
1 Toast (65)
Black Coffee or Tea w/1-2 packets of Sweet & Low or Equal (0)

DINNER:
3 Oz. any lean meat or chicken (142)
1 cup green beans (36)
1 cup carrots (70)
1 apple (81)
1 cup regular vanilla ice cream (270)

TOTAL CALORIES: 978

Because the 3 day diet is so low in calories (well below safe levels), it would not be advisable to begin this diet without discussing it with your doctor, even if you believe that you are healthy and fit. Your doctor is sure to recommend a safer, more balanced diet - certainly one that replaces that ice cream with healthy food that your body actually needs.

If you'd like to lose weight without resorting to fad diets, learn how to say no to your food cravings. Learn how to lose weight naturally, here.

Jonni Good is the author of most of the original articles on this site. Jonni always looks for the easy way to solve common health problems, by working with human nature. Her books have helped hundreds of people lose weight, get fit, and regain their health - with less struggle. Please take a moment to visit her other sites:

Do You Gain Weight... Even when you eat less than your thinner friends? Learn why it happens, and how to use nutritious, satisfying food to break the metabolic pattern that causes some people to gain weight too easily.

Sugar Cravings and Addiction – Describes a simple program to help people break their addiction to sugar and fat. This book has been popular ever since it came out in 2003, and has helped hundreds of people lose their cravings for sugar and other simple carbs. Once the cravings are under control, it's easier to stick with your diet and regain your health.

Weight Lifting for Absolute Beginners – A guide to lifting weights for strong muscles and bones.

The Easy-Does-It Diet – A guide to creating your own delicious and healthy frozen diet meals. Eat healthy, low-fat meals without paying extra for store-bought frozen diet food.

Disclaimer: This site and the articles contained here are for information purposes only. The authors have made every effort to make sure the information is accurate, but no health decisions should ever be made based on this or any other website. Please contact your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

The 3 Day Diet - Only 978 Calories a Day!

"The 3 day diet" - the name alone is very appealing for anyone who needs to lose 5 pounds fast in order to get into those designer jeans this weekend.

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