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The Cambridge diet is a restricted calorie plan that has been popular for over twenty years.
The Cambridge diet includes an eating plan, formula foods, and the support of a counsellor. The Cambridge diet includes six steps of progressively increasing calories, as follows :
- Step 1 : 415-554 kcal
- Step 2 : 790 kcal
- Step 3 : 1000 kcal
- Step 4 : 1200 kcal
- Step 5 : 1500 kcal
- Step 6 : Maintenance
Step one relies entirely on the proprietary formula food in place of meals. It is very low calorie, and thus difficult to maintain for a long period, but may be suitable for those who feel the need to kick start their weight loss.
It's also a chance to completely avoid the temptations of conventional food for a short while. It is designed for people with a BMI above 25, or those who need to lose at least a stone.
Step two, also known as the 'green and white' stage, adds selected lean protein and vegetables to the 3 or 4 meal replacements, while in step three fruit and carbohydrates are added.
By the time you reach step four (1200 calories) a greater variety of conventional food can be added to your daily menu. This plan follows good basic principals, including:
- Avoiding fat
- Restricting salt
- Eating fibre
- Reducing sugar intake
- Restrict alcohol
- Avoiding fast food
With its emphasis on eating healthy foods, and structured maintenance programme, it offers a good choice for someone who wants to lose weight and keep it off. A week's supply of formula meals costs around £30-35, and includes the support of a counsellor.
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