Much like the cabbage soup diet, the sacred heart diet has been ruled out by some as a fad diet, while others view it as a potential solution for weight loss. It is believed to have originated from the Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital, where patients first used the meal plan to lose weight fast before undergoing surgery. Whether you are a curious skeptic or are in desperate need of a weight loss boost, understanding how this diet works can help you make an informed decision for your health.
How Does the Sacred Heart Diet Work?
Following the sacred heart diet entails consuming certain food groups on specific days to achieve rapid weight loss. Although the meal plan has been modified over the years, there are strict guidelines dieters have to follow to achieve results. It is a 7-day meal plan and advocates of this diet claim that participants can expect weight losses of 5 to 17 pounds a week.
The Sacred Heart Meal Plan
As mentioned earlier, this diet is designed to span over 7 days. You are only allowed to eat certain foods on specific days while others are strictly prohibited.
Day one
On the first day of the diet, participants are allowed to eat only soup and fresh fruit. The soup can be made from a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, beans, cabbage, celery, peppers and onions. This soup can be eaten all the days of the week. However, on day one, it is to be consumed with fresh fruit only. All fruit is permissible except bananas and there is no limit on the quantity. Make sure you drink 7-8 glasses of water as well.
Day two
The second day is all about vegetables. Dieters can consume any kind of vegetable in any amount. Vegetables can be consumed raw or cooked, as long as they are not prepared using oil. Fruits are strictly prohibited on this day. Only soup and water can be added to the menu.
Day three
Day three combines fruit and vegetables, as well as soup and water. Eat without restriction and until you are fully satisfied.
Day four
This might come as a surprise to many, but day four of the sacred heart diet recommends eating 2 bananas and a glass of skim milk for breakfast, lunch and supper. Bananas and milk are required on this day because this is when the body needs carbohydrates and potassium. Milk and bananas can be consumed in conjunction with water and soup.
Day five
On the fifth day, your diet should comprise of 10-20 ounces of beef, up to 6 tomatoes, soup and 9-10 glasses of water. Vegetable soup should only be eaten once today.
Day six
According to the sacred heart diet, you should eat as much beef and vegetables as you can on day six. Serve soup once and hydrate with plenty of water.
Day seven
On the final day, fill up on soup and vegetables. You can also add a cup of brown rice and opt for unsweetened juices as beverages. If you adhered to the guidelines, you should expect to be 10-17 pounds lighter by the end of the diet.
The sacred heart diet is an interesting meal plan that can yield results if followed religiously. It is mainly based on eating fresh produce, which can have nutritional benefits. Many patients attest to its effectiveness, but like any diet, you should proceed with extra caution and consult your doctor first.
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