The Cambridge Diet

The Cambridge Diet is a Very-Low-Calorie-Diet (VLCD), developed by Dr Alan Howard at the University of Cambridge, UK in 1970.

The Cambridge Diet uses a scientifically prepared powder which, when mixed with water, is a 411 calories per-day-formula containing carbohydrate, protein, fat and fiber, as well as thirty other nutrients that are necessary and essential for proper functioning of the body.

The Cambridge Diet uses the natural weight loss effects of “mildly starving the body”, while giving enough protein to protect the lean tissue. It provides the right level of carbohydrate to bring the body into a mild state of ketosis (the body’s fasting mode, which burns body fat) and to eliminate the sense of hunger. And it includes the right amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids that a body needs.

The pre-packed meals of the Cambridge Diet formula can be used in a flexible way:

  • For rapid weight loss as the sole source of a day’s nutrition
  • For more gradual weight loss, combining with normal food
  • For weight maintenance
  • As a nutritional drink which anyone will enjoy

Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, there are different Cambridge Diet Programs to suit your specific needs. Cambridge Diet Counselors will calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) and advise you of the suitable program.

How the Cambridge Diet works:

Your body stores energy in two different forms - fat and carbohydrate (in the form of glycogen and water). It's the fat that you want to lose permanently when you diet. However, the body will always use up the stored carbohydrate first. Only when there's no carbohydrate left in store does the body start to use your unwanted fat efficiently.

The small amount of carbohydrate in the Cambridge Diet is rapidly used up by the body for energy. Because this is not sufficient to supply all the energy needed, the body is forced to use up its stored carbohydrate. After about three days on the Diet, this carbohydrate 'storage' will be empty, and the body must switch to using its other energy store - unwanted fat. The breakdown of fat is then excreted from our body in the urine as "ketones", as part of the fat-burning process called "Ketosis". The level of carbohydrate in the Cambridge Diet is just right to keep the body in mild ketosis.

This 'fat burning' condition ('mild ketosis') has a number of advantages. It gives a feeling of wellbeing, protects against the loss of lean tissue and considerably reduces hunger. This lack of hunger makes it easier to resist the temptation to eat and helps you feel 'in control'. These benefits, combined with the encouraging weight loss and one-to-one support of a Cambridge Diet Counselor, make the Diet easier to stick with.

It is necessary and highly recommended to drink as much as possible during the diet.

Pros and Cons of the Cambridge Diet

Pros:

  • The Cambridge Diet is very flexible and easily adopted to your specific situation and your needs.
  • Following one of the recommended programs you will have the personal support and encouragement of a Cambridge Diet Counselor.
  • No Calorie counting is necessary, because you get your pre-packed meal formula for each day.

Cons:

  • Non if you have followed the Preparation Stage accordingly and consumed plenty of fluid daily.
  • A small proportion of customers may experience some temporary side effects, which are commonly associated with any weight loss regime.
  • Drinking plenty of fluid will help.

The following is a list of possible side effects. All of them can be minimized by increased fluid intake:

  • Headaches: caused by dehydration
  • Mild dizziness: Dehydration
  • Hunger: Temporary feature for first 2 or 3 days
  • Bad breath: Excretion of ketones

Meal Plan for The Sole Source Program of the Cambridge Diet:

for rapid weight loss (more than 3 kg)

The most effective way to lose weight is to use the Cambridge Diet as your sole source of nutrition. Replace all your daily meals with the Cambridge Diet drinks or soups. No other foods allowed.

Each day, you should have:

  • The recommended number of 3 servings of Cambridge Diet

    • Always have the correct number of servings each day. You will not lose weight more quickly by cutting down and you will be depriving your body of vital nutrients.

  • At least an additional 3 liters of allowed fluids

    • Allowable Fluids: In addition to the water used to mix your Diet, drink at least 3 liters of fluid a day from the following list: Tap water, Bottled water, sparkling or still (not the kind which is flavored with fruit), Black coffee or tea, no sugar or milk

  • Why 3 liters of water daily?

    • Food is largely composed of water, so you need to make up for not eating by drinking extra water. This way, you will avoid any potentially unpleasant sensations of dehydration, including muscle weakness, dizziness, headaches and bad moods.

    Extra fluid helps the body to eliminate the waste products resulting from the breakdown of fat, which happens as you lose weight.

    Sufficient fluid will reduce the occurrence of constipation.

    The Cambridge Diet is a highly concentrated food. Additional water helps to dilute the concentrated minerals to a level comfortable for the body.