Losing weight is something which befuddles people of all ages. While we all know that the keys to a healthy, fitter lifestyle lies in healthy eating habits, there are some diets that do promise faster and effective weight loss. The world-famous Military diet is one amongst them.
The Military Diet plan as a weight loss regime has been talked about for years now, and has quite a many takers. The popular diet also vouches to make one lose upto 10 pounds or around 4.5 kilos, that too within a week. But it is really something you should try?
Can following this diet help you lose weight quick? Let's find out
What is the Military Diet?
The military diet plan is a unique weight loss diet that promises speedy weight loss, propagating upto 4.5-kilo weight loss in a week's time, which is one of the claims that make the diet so popular amongst weight watchers. Unlike other fad diets, it's also free and easy to follow, since there are no specific books or specific ingredients to be used for the diet plan to work.
Simply explained, the diet plan works to promote upto 4.5-kilo weight loss per week through a specially followed diet plan, wherein an individual follows the instructed diet for 3 days, and gets a 4-day rest period. The same cycle is followed until and unless the goal weight is reached. The dietplan is said to be designed by nutritionists who worked closely with the US military to help get soldiers in shape 'quick' and became famous ever since. However, there are also claims that state otherwise, and it is also referred through other names. Since one of the base rules of the diet focuses on cutting down calories, this quick diet is also seldom referred to as a low-calorie diet plan.
How does the diet work help a person lose weight?
While the Military Diet may be known by several names, it's designed as a low-calorie diet that cuts down calorie consumption significantly and promotes faster weight loss.
The diet, which spans out over a 7-day window is split into two parts- during the first 3 days, an individual is supposed to consume 1100-1400 calories in the form of three meals in a day, and no snacks are allowed in between. During these 3 days, the calorie consumption is cut by a good margin and wards off unhealthy snacking habits as well. It is also seen as a combination of Intermittent fasting on the first three days and no dieting post that.
Once the three days are done, individuals are recommended to follow healthy eating patterns in the next 4 days of the week, while continuing to keep the calorie intake on the lower side. Propagators of the diet believe that doing so can cut down upto 4.5 kilos (or 10 pounds ) a week and if people follow this diet pattern consistently (3 days diet-4 days rest), it can promote a healthy weight and make a person meet their goals.
As for the meals, almost all sorts of food groups, nutrients are allowed to be had when the diet is being followed. There is no hardcore rule which states you cannot eat carbs, fibre, fats, proteins or vitamins. You are allowed to eat everything, just in a very controlled proportion.
Is it good to lose weight?
The diet emphasises the two basics of weight loss- cutting down on total calorie intake (creating a deficit) and eating in controlled portion sizes. While having fewer calories over the 3-day cycle helps a person consume lesser calories as a whole (on average, every adult needs to have 1800-2000 calories), it helps reach a deficit faster. Similarly, with the inclusion of all different kinds of foods, the focus shifts to having a little bit of everything, in controlled quantities instead. By doing so, an individual tends to practice portion control, which also is a great way to lose weight and keep a watch over one's diet. The calorie in and calorie out principle blends well in this diet plan and hence, makes a person lose weight faster.
Are there shortcomings?
While the diet is touted to help lose weight in a speedy manner, it promotes rapid weight loss. Not only can rapid weight loss promoted through fad principles be temporary, it is not generally sustainable and may often pose health troubles in the long run. A good weight loss plan should be completely holistic, and work to correct both your diet and lifestyle as a whole.
