There are hundreds of different diets for weight control and weight loss.Fasting diets based on fruits, berries and vegetables are very popular.Watermelon diet is seasonal.The best time for this is August and the first half of September.At this time, juicy, sweet and tasty berries with green striped skin and red juicy pulp ripen.A diet consisting only of watermelon helps not only to lose weight, but also to improve the health of the body.But let's consider what are the disadvantages and contraindications of this method for losing extra pounds.After all, our goal is not to harm the body, but only to benefit it.
Composition of watermelon
Although watermelon consists mostly of water, it contains a number of substances that are valuable for the body.
Berries contain:
- Vitamins - A, C, B, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, PP.All of them are necessary for our body, without which metabolic processes are impossible.
- Pectin - cleans blood vessels from cholesterol deposits, improves heart function.
- Fiber - improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cleans it of toxins, accelerates metabolism and helps to lose weight.
- Fructose - stimulates brain activity, relieves fatigue, saturates the body with energy.
- Folic acid is necessary for the absorption of protein, participates in the formation of hemoglobin, regulates cell division and promotes rejuvenation.
- Minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, sodium, zinc) - all these substances are necessary for our cells, nervous system, bone tissue, muscles, and blood.
The berry has been cultivated for a very long time, so the watermelon diet has been around for decades.It is especially popular in hot countries.
Benefit
A diet based on juicy watermelon will help not only to lose extra pounds, but also to cleanse your body and improve its health, because the berry has a number of useful properties.
What are the effects of the watermelon diet?
- Removes toxins and waste from the body.
- Cleanses the kidneys and liver.
- Lowers cholesterol level, reduces cholesterol plaques in blood vessels.
- It normalizes the activity of the intestines.
- It stimulates metabolism.
- Burns fat deposits.
- It reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases.
- Increases the level of immunity.
- Improves general well-being.
Watermelon has a strong diuretic effect.This is the main effect of the diet.Already in the first 2-3 days, it removes all excess fluid from the body.Swelling goes away, lightness appears in the body, the condition improves.
Berries are very useful for kidneys, liver and gall bladder.Diet for arthritis, gout, hepatitis, heart disease, hypertension, anemia, etc.It is recommended for diseases such asWatermelon diet is very effective for dermatitis and psoriasis.The product is also recommended for men and women with problems in the genitourinary system.Berries are believed to help you lose a significant amount of weight within a few days.It is not surprising, because despite the sweetness of watermelon, there are very few calories - only 25 kcal per 100 g.At the same time, it perfectly suppresses hunger and thirst.Its taste is very pleasant, so the diet does not cause hostility.
Is there any harm?
There are mono-diets with only one berry and combined, in addition to watermelon, the diet also includes other products.But monoration is considered too strict and not suitable for everyone.
Despite its numerous beneficial effects, watermelon mono-diet is prohibited for inflammatory and some other diseases of the kidneys and urinary system (cystitis, urethritis) during the exacerbation period.Diuretic products for kidney stones should be used very carefully.If you have gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes, you cannot continue such strict diets.
It is worth considering that weight loss can occur very quickly with a watermelon diet.Every body cannot adapt immediately, so deterioration of general health and exacerbation of any disease are possible.People who are slightly overweight should be especially careful.
Even if a person feels healthy and has no chronic diseases, it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting a diet.Nutritionists recommend eating watermelon for weight loss by carefully listening to your feelings.If there is discomfort and your health deteriorates, you should stop the diet immediately.
The benefits and harms of the watermelon diet mainly depend on the quality of the berries.
How to choose a good watermelon?
The natural ripening time of watermelons is late summer and early autumn.Nowadays, "green strips" can be found on store shelves earlier.But such berries are almost always grown artificially by adding a large amount of saltpeter.They have less benefits, and besides, you can get poisoned from watermelons filled with chemicals.
So, let's see how to choose the right quality product:
- A ripe watermelon has a richly colored, shiny and smooth skin.
- There should be no visible damage, stains or cracks on the shell.A large light (usually yellow) is not considered a spot.This is where the watermelon comes in contact with the soil.The sun doesn't hit it, so it stays bright.
- You need to choose berries that are not too big.The optimal weight is 3-4 kg.
- When tapped, the berry should make a ringing sound.
- A ripe watermelon has a shriveled and dark tail.
It is not recommended to buy watermelons in trays near roads.They sleep on highways for a long time, absorbing exhaust gases, dust and other pollutants.
How many days can you stay on the watermelon diet?
Many of those who want to try this weight loss method for the first time are wondering how many days they can continue the watermelon diet without negative results.
The duration of the diet depends on a number of factors: initial weight, health status, and the chosen nutritional option.A serious watermelon mono-diet should not exceed 5 days.If a person tries this type of diet for the first time, the optimal period will be 3 days.With a diet containing other foods, the diet can be extended to 10-12 days.
Remember that one watermelon cannot meet all the daily requirements of nutrients that the body needs.If you stick to such diets for too long, you can develop vitamin deficiency and seriously damage your health.Proper entry and exit from a strict watermelon diet is also necessary.
How to properly prepare for the watermelon diet and how to get off it?
In no case should you make a sudden transition from a "feast" to a hunger strike.Thus, it will only harm the body and especially the stomach.
3 days before starting the diet, you need to switch to soft and natural food as much as possible.You need to eat porridge, vegetables, steamed or baked dishes, fermented milk products.Smoked meat, pickles, fast food, baked goods, snacks, carbonated drinks are completely excluded from the diet.Food should be taken 5-6 times a day in small portions.
You should also increase fluid intake so that the body gradually gets used to the larger volume.It is recommended to drink water, green tea, you can include rose infusions and herbal teas.Coffee and strong tea are allowed in minimum quantities.
After completing the watermelon mono-diet, the same soft exit is required.You should eat low-calorie foods for another week.Fruits, vegetables and greens should prevail in the diet.
Different options for watermelon diets
There are various options for watermelon diets, everyone can choose the most suitable for himself.
Strict diet (mono)
Such a strict watermelon diet guarantees minus 10 kg per week.But it is very difficult to stay on it.It is designed for 5 days, but after leaving it, for another 2-3 days, the body undergoes intensive fat burning and cleansing.You can start such a diet only after examination and consultation with a doctor.
In the first two days, only watermelon is eaten.Drink extra water, green or herbal tea to protect hydroball.
To correctly calculate the amount of watermelon per day, it is necessary to calculate the ratio of the product's glycemic index to body weight.The GI of watermelon is 70-80 units.It is quite acceptable to eat 1 kilogram of juicy pulp for every 10 kg of body weight.For example, if your weight is 70 kg, then you can consume up to 7 kg of watermelon per day, but not more.
Note!You can repeat the watermelon mono-diet for 3 days 2-3 times a month.
This part should be divided into 5-7 doses.You need to eat berries every 2-3 hours.In order not to burden the kidneys, you should drink water or tea between meals, but not too much.
If hunger is unbearable, you can eat a few crackers, crispy bread or eat a portion of pulp with black bread.
If you feel good, you can extend the diet for a week, the result will be even more effective.But it is important not to overdo it here.
Watermelon cleansing diet
This type of nutrition also helps you lose weight quickly and at the same time clean your intestines well.Melon contains more fiber and is an excellent remedy for parasites.
Take the same amount of melon and watermelon, they should be eaten alternately.Melon is more caloric and nutritious, it satisfies hunger better.It is recommended to start breakfast with it.Melon eaten on an empty stomach has an anti-parasitic effect.
If the hunger is too much, do not torture yourself.Add some protein to your diet.You can eat white meat, cottage cheese, lentils, low-fat cheeses.
Fasting days related to watermelon and fermented milk products
This type of nutrition is designed for 7-10 days.In addition to watermelon, the diet includes kefir, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, and cheese curds.
Watermelon is served in the first half of the day (until 14:00), and in the second half, snacks are prepared from fermented milk products.Watermelon and cottage cheese should not be eaten together.At least 2 hours should pass between meals.It is acceptable to eat berries with a small amount of rye, bran or whole grain bread.Watermelon-kefir (cottage cheese) diet will help you lose weight by 3-5 kg per week.Its only disadvantage is increased gas formation.
Watermelon diet for weight loss in 14 days
This is a gentler program for those who do not need to lose excess weight (up to 5 kg).
A low-calorie menu is prepared for each day.There are 6 meals a day, 3 of which are by-products and 3 of which are pure berries.
Sample menu for the day:
- Breakfast - buckwheat porridge and 2 slices of watermelon.
- Snack - 2-3 slices of watermelon.
- Lunch - fried chicken cutlets, 100 g of vegetable salad.
- Snack - 2-3 slices of berries.
- Dinner - 150 g of cottage cheese, some crispy bread.
- The last snack is 2 slices of watermelon.
You can use any porridge for breakfast: oatmeal, millet, wheat, rice, boiled in water.It is recommended to combine protein and fiber for lunch.It can be vegetables, beans, lentils, asparagus, any lean meat with vegetable soup.
It is better to eat only protein for lunch.
Watermelon-protein diet
This method of losing weight is suitable for those who cannot stand hunger.You can maintain this nutrition program for up to 10 days.2-3 meals a day should be rich in protein.You can eat watermelon with low-fat cheese or eggs for breakfast, lunch and dinner, diet meat (up to 200 g at a time).Snacks consist only of slices of berries.
Other types of watermelon diets
There are also watermelon-apple, watermelon-cucumber, and watermelon-banana diets.All of them should be aged for no more than 3-5 days.These products can be consumed both together and separately at intervals.In a banana diet, it is allowed to eat more than 1 banana per day.Remember that bananas are high in calories and very nutritious.The results of such diets are almost the same.
Watermelon diet - can you maintain it during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman's body needs an increased supply of vitamins.Any diet during pregnancy can be prescribed by a doctor only if there is a reason.Sometimes expectant mothers experience an insatiable appetite and gain excessive weight.In the last trimester, it can have a very negative effect on a woman's health and well-being.In such cases, fasting for a few days under the supervision of a doctor may be useful and even necessary.However, you cannot maintain a strictly restricted diet alone during pregnancy.
Note!Pregnant women often experience bloating, especially in the last months.They benefit from diuretic products, but in moderation.
Pros and cons of the watermelon diet
Any diet has advantages and disadvantages.The berry and watermelon diet is not without them.
Pros:
- delicious.
- Available.
- Provides effective cleansing of the body.
- It makes you healthier.
- Removes excess fluid.
- Quick results.
Cons:
- Only suitable at certain times of the year.
- Hungry (if we are talking about a mono-diet).
- It can be stored for a short time.
- For a long time, it can wash away useful substances from the body and put a serious burden on the kidneys.
Contraindications
People with the following diseases and health problems should not follow the watermelon diet:
- Kidney failure.
- Pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis in the acute stage.
- Stomach ulcer, gastritis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Stones in the kidneys or gall bladder.
- Pancreatitis.
- Infectious diseases.
Watermelon diet has contraindications for pregnant and lactating women, as well as those suffering from vitamin deficiency.
The opinion of dietitians - myths and reality
Let's find out what the experts have to say about the berry diet for weight loss.
- Watermelon diet is completely safe.This is a misconception;it is strictly contraindicated for some people.And if you get it wrong, it can hurt.
- Watermelon contains enough nutrients.Berries do not even contain half of the elements that the body needs on a daily basis.
- Watermelon is good for kidneys.Only if they are healthy and can easily process large amounts of liquid.
- You can lose weight up to 20 kg per week using berries.It all depends on the speed of the person's metabolism.However, such drastic weight loss is not recommended.Optimal weight loss is up to 10 kg per month.
The best and safest option for a mono-diet fasting on watermelon berries is 1 day per week.But on all other days, the diet should also be a diet.In just one day, berries will perfectly clean the intestines and remove excess fluid.Can you lose weight if you eat this way only 1 day a week?Yes, it weighs 1 to 3 kilograms per day.But remember that most of it is liquid.To prevent its return, it is necessary to eat less salt, move more and always follow a proper diet.