Diets designed for rapid weight loss have been around for decades, and the sacred heart diet is one of the most well-known and widely used. While others argue that this meal plan is ineffective and potentially dangerous, others affirm its effectiveness and health benefits. If you’ve been searching for a way to shed a few pounds fast, take time to understand how this meal plan works and if it suits your needs.
What is the Sacred Heart Diet?
Although there is no official record to confirm this, the sacred heart diet is believed to have begun at the Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital. This 7-day meal plan was supposedly used by patients to shed weight before surgical procedures. Today, it is a diet followed by millions of people around the world, some of whom claim to have lost between 5-17 pounds in just a week.
How Does the Sacred Heart Diet Work?
The meal plan is quite simple. Dieters are required to consume vegetable soup and 7-8 glasses of water every day, along with a specific food group. On day one, participants eat as many fresh fruit as possible, while on day two, only vegetables are allowed with soup and water. Day three combines both vegetables and fruit.
On day four, 2 bananas and 1 glass of skim milk should be added to every meal. These foods should be consumed with soup and plenty of water. Day five re-introduces beef to the menu. You should only consume 10-20 ounces of beef with plenty of vegetables and a single serving of soup for that day. On day six, unlimited amount of beef, vegetables, water and soup can be eaten. Finally, on day seven, the sacred heart diet recommends vegetables, soup, unsweetened juice and a cup of brown rice.
Pros of the Sacred Heart Diet
One of the reasons why the sacred heart diet is considered as a weight loss option is simply because it yields results. Many people claim to have lost up to 17 pounds with this meal plan in 7 days. Another benefit can be consumption of nutritious foods on which the diet is based. Vegetables, fruits and beef have many health benefits and can provide the body with the useful nutrients.
Also, a lot of dieters claim that they got into the habit of eating fresh produce after the diet. Studies show that a majority of the world’s population does not consume enough fruit and vegetables. By following this plan, dieters can quickly become accustomed to eating healthy foods daily.
Cons of the Sacred Heart Diet
Experts argue that the sacred heart diet does not contain all the nutrients the body needs. This makes it potentially dangerous, especially for those with longstanding conditions and deficiencies. Another argument against the meal plan is that the weight loss is not sustainable. While it is very possible to lose weight rapidly on this diet, some regain it as soon as diet patterns return to normal.
For those looking for a weight loss kick start, the sacred heart diet can be a solution worth trying. However, for this meal plan to be effective, it requires discipline and a long-term fitness plan to sustain weight loss after the diet has ended. Make it a point to consult your doctor before starting as this diet can be potentially harmful to your health.
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