There are hundreds of diets used for weight control and weight loss.Fasting diets based on fruits, berries and vegetables are very popular.Watermelon's diet is seasonal.The best time is August and the first half of September.At this time, juicy, sweet and delicious berries with striped green skin and red flesh are ripe.Eating just watermelon not only helps you lose weight but also improves your health.But let’s also look at what the disadvantages and contraindications of this method of weight loss are.After all, the goal is not to harm the body, but to do good.
Watermelon ingredients
Although watermelon is mainly composed of water, it still contains many valuable substances for the body.
Berries contain:
- Vitamins – A, C, B, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, PP.All these are necessary for our body, without them metabolic processes would not be possible.
- Pectin – removes cholesterol deposits from blood vessels and improves heart function.
- Fiber – Improves gastrointestinal function, removes toxins, speeds up metabolism, and promotes weight loss.
- Fructose - stimulates brain function, relieves fatigue and fills the body with energy.
- Folic acid is necessary for protein absorption, participates in the formation of hemoglobin, regulates cell division, and promotes youthfulness.
- Minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, sodium, zinc) – all of which are needed by our cells, nervous system, bone tissue, muscles, blood.
This berry has been cultivated for a 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 not only helps to lose excess weight, but also cleanses the body and improves health, since the berry has many beneficial properties.
What are the benefits of watermelon for weight loss?
- Removes toxins and waste from the body.
- Cleanses the kidneys and liver.
- Lowers cholesterol levels and reduces cholesterol plaque in blood vessels.
- Normalizes intestinal function.
- Stimulate metabolism.
- Burn fat deposits.
- Reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases.
- Improve immunity levels.
- Improve overall well-being.
Watermelon has a powerful diuretic effect.This is the main function of diet.For the first 2-3 days, it removes all excess fluid from the body.The swelling disappears, the body becomes lighter, and the condition improves.
Berries are great for the kidneys, liver and gallbladder.This dietary therapy is recommended for arthritis, gout, hepatitis, heart disease, high blood pressure, anemia and other diseases.Watermelon diet therapy is very effective for dermatitis and psoriasis.This product is also recommended for men and women with genitourinary problems.It is believed that berries can help you lose significant amounts of weight in just a few days.This is not surprising, because although watermelon is sweet, it has very few calories - only 25 calories per 100 grams.At the same time, it perfectly quenches hunger and thirst.Its taste is very pleasant, so eating it does not arouse hostility.
What's the downside?
There are single diets (containing only one type of berry) and mixed diets (containing other products in addition to watermelon).But mono is considered very strict and is not suitable for everyone.
Despite the many beneficial effects of watermelon, it is contraindicated in the sole diet of watermelon during the exacerbation of inflammation and some other diseases of the kidney and urinary system (cystitis, urethritis).For kidney stones, diuretic products should be used with caution.You cannot follow such a strict diet if you have gastrointestinal problems and diabetes.
It's worth considering that weight loss can happen quickly with the watermelon diet.Not every body adapts immediately, so overall health deteriorates and any illnesses are likely to worsen.People who are slightly overweight should be especially careful.
Even if a person feels healthy and does not have chronic medical conditions, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting a diet.Nutritionists recommend eating watermelon to lose weight by listening carefully to how you feel.If discomfort occurs and your health worsens, you should stop eating and drinking immediately.
The benefits and downsides of a watermelon diet depend largely on the quality of the berries.
How to choose a good watermelon?
The natural ripening time of watermelons is late summer and early autumn.Today, "green stripes" appear on store shelves much earlier.But this berry is almost always cultivated artificially, with a large amount of saltpeter added.They offer far fewer benefits, plus, you can get poisoned from chemical-laden watermelon.
So, let’s take a look at how to choose the right quality product:
- Ripe watermelons have a richly colored, shiny and smooth skin.
- The casing should have no visible damage, stains or cracks.Large spots of light (usually yellow) are not counted.This is where the watermelon is placed, where it comes into contact with the soil.The sun doesn't hit it, so it's still light.
- You should choose berries that are not too large.The optimal weight is 3-4 kg.
- The berries make a crisp sound when tapped.
- Ripe watermelons have a shrunken black tail.
It is not recommended to buy pallets of watermelon on the roadside.They lie along highways for long periods of time, absorbing exhaust fumes, dust and other pollutants.
How many days can I stick to the watermelon diet?
Many people who want to try this weight loss method for the first time want to know how many days the watermelon diet can be continued without negative effects.
The duration of the diet depends on a variety of factors: initial weight, health, and nutritional options chosen.A strict watermelon-only diet should not last more than 5 days.If a person is trying this diet for the first time, the best time is 3 days.You can extend the diet to 10-12 days if other foods are included in the diet.
Don’t forget that one watermelon doesn’t provide all the nutrients your body needs every day.If you stick to this diet for too long, you could become deficient in vitamins and seriously damage your health.A strict watermelon diet with correct in and out is also necessary.
How to properly prepare for and get rid of a watermelon diet?
Under no circumstances should there be a sudden transition from a "feast" to a hunger strike.In this way, the body, especially the stomach, will only be harmed.
Three days before starting the diet, you need to switch to foods that are as bland and natural as possible.You should eat porridge, vegetables, steamed or oven-cooked dishes, and fermented dairy products.Bacon, pickles, fast food, baked goods, snacks and carbonated drinks were completely excluded from the diet.Food should be taken in small amounts and frequently, 5-6 times a day.
You will also need to increase your fluid intake so that your body gradually adapts to the larger fluid amounts.Water, green tea, rosehip infusion and herbal teas are recommended.Small amounts of coffee and strong tea are allowed.
After the watermelon single diet is completed, a soft exit is also required.You should eat low-calorie foods for another week.The diet should be based on fruits, vegetables and green vegetables.
Various options for watermelon diet
There are many options for watermelon weight loss, and everyone can choose the one that suits them best.
Strict diet (single)
Such a strict watermelon diet guarantees weight loss of 10 kilograms per week.But it’s very difficult to stick with it.It's designed to last for 5 days, but the body goes through intense fat burning and cleansing for an additional 2-3 days after leaving it.Such a diet should be started only after examination and consultation with a doctor.
I only ate watermelon for the first two days.To maintain your hydration balance, you need to drink extra water, green tea, or herbal tea.
To correctly calculate the amount of watermelon to eat per day, you need to calculate the ratio of the product's glycemic index to your body weight.The GI of watermelon is 70-80 units.It is perfectly acceptable to eat 1 kilogram of juicy pulp for every 10 kilograms of body weight.For example, if your weight is 70 kilograms, then you can eat up to 7 kilograms of watermelon a day, but not more.
notes!You can repeat the watermelon single diet, designed for 3 days, 2-3 times per month.
This portion should be divided into 5-7 doses.You need to eat berries every 2-3 hours.You should drink water or tea between meals, but not too much to avoid burden on the kidneys.
If hunger becomes unbearable, eat a few biscuits, crackers, or a serving of pulp with brown bread.
If you feel good, you can extend the diet for a week for better results.But it's important not to go too far here.
Watermelon Clean Eating
This nutrient can also help you lose weight quickly while cleansing your intestines well.Melon contains more fiber and is an excellent remedy against parasites.
Take equal amounts of cantaloupe and watermelon and take turns.Winter melon is high in calories and nutritious, and can satisfy hunger.It is recommended to start with breakfast.Eating melon on an empty stomach has anti-parasitic effects.
If hunger is too much to bear, don't torture yourself.Add some protein to your diet.You can eat white meat, cottage cheese, lentils, and low-fat cheese.
Watermelon and fermented dairy fast days
This type of nutrition is designed for 7-10 days.In addition to watermelon, the diet includes: kefir, cottage cheese, fermented roasted milk and cheese curds.
Eat watermelon in the first half of the day (before 14:00) and snacks made of fermented dairy products in the second half of the day.Watermelon and cheese cannot be eaten together.There must be at least 2 hours between meals.It is acceptable to eat berries in small amounts with rye, bran or whole wheat bread.Watermelon kefir (curd) diet will help you lose 3 to 5 kg in a week.Its only disadvantage is the potential for increased gas formation.
Watermelon diet for 14 days
This is a gentler plan for those who don’t need to lose much excess weight (up to 5kg).
Low-calorie menus are prepared daily.There are 6 meals per day, 3 of which contain add-on products and 3 of which are pure berries.
Sample menu of the day:
- Breakfast - buckwheat porridge and 2 slices of watermelon.
- Snack - 2-3 slices of watermelon.
- Lunch - grilled chicken steak, 100 grams of vegetable salad.
- Snack – 2-3 berries.
- Dinner – 150 g of cheese, a few crispbreads.
- The final snack was 2 slices of watermelon.
For breakfast you can use any porridge: oatmeal, millet, wheat, rice, boiled with water.For lunch, it is recommended to combine protein and fiber.It can be any lean meat with vegetables, beans, lentils, asparagus, vegetable soup.
It's best to eat only protein for dinner.
Watermelon Protein Satisfies Diet
This weight loss method is suitable for those who cannot tolerate hunger.You can maintain this nutritional plan for up to 10 days.2-3 meals a day must be rich in protein.You can have watermelon, low-fat cheese or eggs for breakfast, and diet meat (up to 200 grams at a time) for lunch and dinner.The snack consists solely of berry slices.
Other Types of Watermelon Diets
There are also watermelon-apple, watermelon-cucumber, and watermelon-banana diets.All aging times should not exceed 3-5 days.These products can be consumed together or separately at intervals.On a banana-eating diet, eat no more than 1 banana per day.Don’t forget that bananas are high in calories and nutritious.The results for this type of diet are generally the same.
Watermelon Diet – Can It Be Sustained During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman's body requires an increased supply of vitamins.Any diet during pregnancy should only be prescribed by a doctor if it is justified.Sometimes expectant mothers lose their appetite and gain excessive weight.This can have a very negative impact on a woman's health and well-being during the last trimester of pregnancy.In this case, fasting for a few days under a doctor's supervision may be useful or even necessary.But you can't strictly restrict your diet during pregnancy.
notes!Pregnant women often experience swelling, especially in their final months.They benefit from diuretic products, but in moderation.
Pros and Cons of the Watermelon Diet
There are pros and cons to any diet.Berry and watermelon diets are not without them.
advantage:
- tasty.
- available.
- Effectively cleanses the body.
- Make you healthier.
- Remove excess liquid.
- Quick results.
shortcoming:
- Only available during certain times of the year.
- Hunger (if we are talking about a mono diet).
- Can be saved for a short period of time.
- Over time, the beneficial substances in the body will be washed away, causing a serious burden on the kidneys.
Contraindications
People with the following illnesses and health problems should not eat watermelon:
- Kidney failure.
- Acute phase of pyelonephritis, cystitis, and urethritis.
- Gastric ulcer, gastritis.
- diabetes.
- Stones in the kidneys or gallbladder.
- pancreatitis.
- infectious disease.
Watermelon diet is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for patients with vitamin deficiencies.
A Nutritionist’s Perspective – Myths and Realities
Let’s see what the experts have to say about the berry weight loss diet.
- The watermelon diet is absolutely safe.This is a misconception; for some, it is strictly taboo.If done incorrectly, injury may occur.
- Watermelon contains enough nutrients.This berry contains less than half of the elements that the human body needs daily.
- Watermelon is good for the kidneys.Only if they are healthy and can handle large amounts of liquid easily.
- Using berries, you can quickly lose up to 20 kilograms in a week.It all depends on the speed of a person's metabolism.But such drastic weight loss is strongly not recommended.Optimum weight loss is up to 10kg per month.
The best and safest option for fasting from watermelon berries on a single diet is 1 day per week.But on all other days, the diet should be modest as well.In just one day, the berries perfectly cleanse the intestines and remove excess fluid.Can I lose weight by eating only one day a week?Yes, 1 to 3 kg per day is required.But remember, most of it is liquid.To prevent it from recurring, you need to eat less salt, exercise more, and consistently adhere to proper nutrition.