Three-day diets are popular because they are not protracted weight loss programs. They are short-term and vary in what is eaten. But they all promise rapid weight loss.
The aim with three-day diets is to lose up to 6 pounds over 3 days. Most people struggle to lose a pound in a week, so the promises made by these quick diets are appealing.
But do these diets really work? If they do, how safe are they?
Actually, they sometimes work. For those desperate to lose pounds quickly in order to look better for some event, say, then these diets can be very effective. As long as the dieter sticks to the instructions, these diets will help to lose pounds and inches.
These diets are not for the long-term because they will then be detrimental to health. They work by causing a rapid loss of water weight and the low carbohydrate content of the food in the diet.
All rapid weight loss diets work on water weight. However, as soon as normal eating resumes, back will come the weight. That is just a part normal body chemistry. Any gain in weight loss will be gone.
Three-day diets are by their nature very low in bulk. This means that the waistline reduces because the gut contains little bulky food: empty intestines take up less room.
These diets can cause some fat loss. By their nature they are low in calories and are short enough in duration so as to have little impact on metabolic rate. Only if they are extended will these short diets adversely affect body chemistry. However, depending on the dieter's size and level of activity, it will be unreasonable to expect more than a pound of fat come off.
Are three-day diets safe? The answer is yes. Followed correctly, most diets are safe. The body can easily adapt to the types and amounts of food eaten. In reality, we can eat anything for short periods with no ill effects at all.
Most three-day diets are perfectly safe for people who have no underlying health issues. It is practically impossible to become mineral or vitamin deficient over a period of three days.
In addition, most three-day diets lead to those undergoing them to eat healthier than normal because of the lack of sugars. Fructose for instance, is the sugar behind most cases of obesity. It is bad for the liver and turns readily into visceral fat. That will not be missed with three-day diets.
So what actually do three-day diets consist of?
Typically, there is meat, vegetables and fruit. No sugars or starchy foods are allowed.
The thing about these diets is that they are extremely low in calories. 1,000 calories or less are consumed on a typical day. This amount of energy intake is simply not enough to survive on for a prolonged period of time, which is why three-day diets are not safe for extended use.
A good way to use three-day diets is via a three-on, four-off program. During the three-day period, the diet is followed exactly as planned. Then, for the next four days, the same foods are eaten - but without limiting portions. This routine prevents reduction in metabolic rate, which helps to burn fat.
As usual for any dieting routine, consult your doctor if you have any concern about your health.
George Blays writes a weekly newsletter on ways to lose weight and other health issues. You can subscribe to it for free here.
George also writes a blog on health, fat loss, food, and dieting. Visit it here at George Blay's Blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/George_Blays/2299554
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