The Chemical Breakdown Diet comes with claims that it is possible to lose weight quickly – up to 10 lbs over 3 days is widely reported. If you feel the need to shed a little weight fast this is worth considering as the ingredients are foods commonly found in most supermarkets.
Perhaps better known as the 3 Day Diet and the Tuna Fish Diet, the Chemical Breakdown Diet is reported to succeed due to the chemical reaction of the ingredients in acting on fatty deposits and flushing them out of the system. This fat loss effectively produces a loss in weight.
Because the ingredients have been selected with this chemical reaction in mind, dieters are advised against substituting other foods and also to follow the order in which the ingredients are meant to be consumed.
Some versions of the Chemical Breakdown Diet refer to it as the 3 Days On and 4 Days Off Diet, meaning that it is intended to be followed for three days only and there should be four days of normal eating before repeating the diet. Naturally, dieters are cautioned against excessive or unhealthy eating during the four day break if the weight lost is to be permanent.
MENU
Salt and Pepper are the only recommended seasonings. Drink lots of water – 6-8 cups.
MENU
Salt and Pepper are the only recommended seasonings. Drink lots of water – 6-8 cups.
DAY 1:
Morning:: 1 tbs of peanut butter allowed with 1 slice of toast, half a grapefruit, and one cup of tea or coffee (no milk).
Midday:: 1 tbs of peanut butter allowed with 1 slice of toast, tuna (half cup), and one cup of tea or coffee (no milk).
Evening:: Skinless chicken breast (1 portion), green beans (1 cup), beets (1 cup), ice cream (1 cup), apple (small).
DAY 2:
Morning:: Boiled or poached egg (1), 1 slice of toast, banana (1/2), and one cup of tea or coffee (no milk).
Midday:: Tuna (1 cup), saltine crackers (6), and one cup of tea or coffee (no milk).
Evening: Frankfurter hot dogs (2), banana (1/2), broccoli (1 cup), carrots (1/2 cup), ice cream (1/2 cup)
DAY 3:
Morning:: Cheddar cheese (1 slice), saltine crackers (5), apple (1), and one cup of tea or coffee (no milk).
Midday:: Boiled or poached egg (1), 1 slice of toast.
Evening:: Tuna (1 cup), beets (1 cup), cauliflower (1 cup), ice cream (1/2 cup), cantaloupe (1/2)
Avoid snacking between meals. As the calories are limited and below what the body normally requires, the shortfall will be made up by consuming fatty deposits in the body. The low level of carbohydrates will prevent water retention and this also assists with weight loss. However for long term benefits and to avoid replacing the weight which has been shed, consider a change in eating habits that includes balanced nutrients and a wider range of foods to choose from.
Whilst the Chemical Breakdown Diet is simple to set up, free and convenient, its obvious limitations concerning nutrients, protein, carbohydrates and fats mean that it is not sustainable or recommended for long term use. As well consider how much easier it would be to follow a diet which does not leave you feeling hungry and craving for just a little more.
