There are hundreds of different diets to control and lose weight.Fasting diets based on fruits, berries and vegetables are very popular.The watermelon diet is seasonal.The best time for this is August and the first half of September.It is at this time that juicy, sweet and tasty berries with a green striped rind and red watery pulp ripen.A diet consisting only of watermelon not only helps in losing weight, but also improves the health of the body.But let's also look at what are the disadvantages and contraindications of this method of losing extra pounds.After all, our goal is not to harm the body, but only to bring benefit.
Watermelon composition
Although watermelon consists mainly of water, it nevertheless contains a number of substances valuable to the body.
The bay contains:
- Vitamins – A, C, B, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, PP.All of them are necessary for our body, without them metabolic processes are impossible.
- Pectin – cleanses blood vessels of cholesterol deposits, improves heart function.
- Fiber – improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cleanses it of toxins, accelerates metabolism and promotes weight loss.
- Fructose – stimulates brain functions, relieves fatigue, saturates the body with energy.
- Folic acid is necessary for protein absorption, participates in the formation of hemoglobin, regulates cell division and promotes rejuvenation.
- Minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, sodium, zinc) - all of 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 particularly appreciated in hot countries.
Advantage
A diet based on juicy watermelon will help not only lose extra pounds, but also cleanse your body and improve its health, because the berry has a number of beneficial properties.
What effect does the watermelon diet have?
- Eliminates toxins and waste from the body.
- Cleanses the kidneys and liver.
- Lowers cholesterol levels, reduces cholesterol plaques in blood vessels.
- Normalizes intestinal function.
- Stimulates metabolism.
- Burns fatty deposits.
- Reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases.
- Increases the level of immunity.
- Improves general well-being.
Watermelon has a powerful diuretic effect.This is precisely the main effect of the diet.From the first 2-3 days, it expels all excess fluid from the body.Swelling disappears, lightness appears in the body and the condition improves.
The berry is very beneficial for the kidneys, liver and gallbladder.The diet is recommended for diseases such as arthritis, gout, hepatitis, heart disease, hypertension, anemia, etc.The watermelon diet is very effective for dermatitis and psoriasis.The product is also recommended for men and women with problems with the genitourinary system.The berry is believed to help you lose a lot of weight in just a few days.This is not surprising because, despite the sweetness of watermelon, it contains very few calories - only 25 kcal per 100 g.At the same time, it perfectly quenches hunger and thirst.Its taste is very pleasant, so the diet does not cause hostility.
Is there any harm?
There are mono-diets, which include only one berry, and combined diets, when in addition to watermelon, the diet also includes other products.But monoration is considered very strict and is not suitable for everyone.
Despite its many beneficial effects, the watermelon mono-diet is prohibited in inflammatory diseases and some other diseases of the kidneys and urinary system (cystitis, urethritis) during periods of exacerbation.Diuretic products should be used with great caution in cases of kidney stones.You cannot follow such a strict diet if you suffer from gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes.
It should be noted that with a watermelon diet, weight loss can occur very quickly.Not everyone can adapt instantly, which allows for a deterioration in general health and an exacerbation of any illness.People who are slightly overweight should be especially careful.
Even if a person feels healthy and does not suffer from chronic illnesses, 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 discomfort is present and your health deteriorates, you should stop the diet immediately.
The benefits and harms of a watermelon diet largely depend on the quality of the berry.
How to choose a good watermelon?
The natural time for watermelons to ripen is late summer and early fall.Nowadays, “green stripes” appear on store shelves much earlier.But these berries are almost always grown artificially with the addition of large amounts of saltpeter.They have much less benefit and, besides, you can poison yourself with watermelons stuffed with chemicals.
So let's see how to choose the right quality product:
- A ripe watermelon has a richly colored skin that is shiny and smooth.
- There should be no obvious damage, stains or cracks on the crust.A large bright spot (usually yellow) does not count.This is the place where the watermelon rests, in contact with the ground.The sun doesn't hit it, so it stays light.
- You should not choose too large berries.The optimal weight is 3-4 kg.
- When tapped, the bay should make a ringing sound.
- A ripe watermelon has a shrunken, dark stem.
It is not recommended to buy watermelons in trays near roads.Left along highways for a long time, they absorb exhaust gases, dust and other contaminants.
How many days can you follow a watermelon diet?
Many who want to try this method of losing weight for the first time are interested in how many days they can follow a watermelon diet without negative consequences.
The duration of the diet depends on a number of factors: initial weight, state of health and the chosen nutritional option.A strict watermelon mono-diet should not exceed 5 days.If a person is trying this type of diet for the first time, the optimal period would be 3 days.With a diet that includes other foods, you can extend the diet for up to 10 to 12 days.
Remember that one watermelon cannot replenish the entire daily requirement of nutrients necessary for the body.If you follow such diets for too long, you can suffer from vitamin deficiency and seriously harm your health.It is also necessary to make the right entries and exits from a strict watermelon diet.
How to properly prepare for the watermelon diet and get through it?
Under no circumstances should you suddenly move from a “feast” to a hunger strike.Thus, the body, and especially the stomach, will only suffer.
3 days before starting the diet, you must switch to a gentle and as natural diet as possible.You should eat porridge, vegetables, steamed or baked dishes and fermented milk products.Smoked meats, pickles, fast foods, baked goods, snacks and carbonated drinks are completely excluded from the diet.Food should be taken in small portions 5-6 times a day.
You should also increase your fluid intake so that the body gradually gets used to its greater volume.It is advisable to drink water, green tea, you can include rosehip infusions and herbal teas.Coffee and strong tea are permitted in minimal quantities.
After the watermelon mono-diet is completed, the same smooth exit is required.You should eat low-calorie foods for another week.The diet should be dominated by fruits, vegetables and greens.
Various options for watermelon diets
There are different options for watermelon diets, everyone can choose the one that suits them best.
Strict diet (mono)
Such a strict watermelon diet guarantees minus 10 kg per week.But it's very difficult to stick to it.It is designed for 5 days, but another 2-3 days after leaving it, the body undergoes intense fat burning and cleansing.You can start such a diet only after examination and consultation with a doctor.
The first two days, only watermelon is eaten.To maintain hydrobalance, you need to drink more water, green or herbal tea.
To correctly calculate the amount of watermelon per day, it is necessary to calculate the ratio of the glycemic index of the product to body weight.The GI of watermelon is 70-80 units.For 10 kg of weight, it is quite acceptable to eat 1 kilogram of juicy pulp.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, designed for 3 days, 2-3 times a month.
This portion should be divided into 5 to 7 doses.You need to eat berries every 2-3 hours.Between meals you need to drink water or tea, but not too much, so as not to burden the kidneys.
If hunger is intolerable, you can eat a few crackers, crusty bread or eat a portion of pulp with black bread.
If you feel good, you can extend the diet for another week, the result will be even more effective.But it's important not to overdo it here.
Watermelon-melon 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, you need to eat them in turn.Melon is more caloric and nutritious, it satisfies hunger better.It is advisable to start having breakfast with it.Melon eaten on an empty stomach has an antiparasitic effect.
If hunger is too unbearable, don't torture yourself.Add protein to your diet.You can eat white meat, cottage cheese, lentils and low-fat cheeses.
Fasting days from 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 cooked milk and cheese curds.
Watermelon is eaten in the first half of the day (before 2:00 p.m.), in the second half of the day snacks are based on fermented milk products.Watermelon and cottage cheese cannot be eaten together.At least 2 hours should pass between meals.It is acceptable to eat the berry with rye, bran or whole grain bread in small quantities.The watermelon-kefir (curd) diet will help you lose 3-5 kg in a week.Its only drawback is that increased gas formation may occur.
Watermelon diet for weight loss for 14 days
This is a gentler program for those who do not need to lose as much weight (up to 5 kg).
A low-calorie menu is prepared for each day.There are 6 meals a day, 3 of which contain complementary products and 3 purely berries.
Example of daily menu:
- Breakfast – buckwheat porridge and 2 slices of watermelon.
- Snack – 2-3 slices of watermelon.
- Lunch – grilled chicken cutlet, 100 g of vegetable salad.
- Snack – 2-3 slices of berries.
- Dinner – 150 g of cottage cheese, a few crusty breads.
- The last snack is 2 slices of watermelon.
For breakfast, you can use any porridge: oatmeal, millet, wheat, rice, cooked in water.For lunch, it is advisable to combine protein and fiber.It can be any lean meat with vegetables, beans, lentils, asparagus, vegetable soup.
For dinner, it is best to eat only protein.
Satisfying protein and watermelon diet
This method of losing weight is suitable for those who cannot stand hunger.You can maintain this nutritional program for up to 10 days.2 to 3 meals per day should be rich in protein.For breakfast you can eat watermelon with low-fat cheese or eggs, for lunch and dinner - dietary meat (up to 200 g at a time).Snacks consist only of berry slices.
Other types of watermelon diets
There are also watermelon-apple, watermelon-cucumber, watermelon-banana diets.All should not be aged for more than 3 to 5 days.These products can be consumed together or separately at regular intervals.On a banana diet, you are not allowed to eat more than one piece per day.Remember that bananas are high in calories and very nutritious.The results of such diets are approximately the same.
Watermelon diet: can we keep it during pregnancy?
During the gestation period, the woman's body needs an increased supply of vitamins.Any diet during pregnancy can only be prescribed by a doctor if there is a reason.Sometimes pregnant women have an insatiable appetite and gain too much weight.During the last trimester, this can have a very negative impact on a woman's health and well-being.In such cases, several days of fasting under the supervision of a doctor may be helpful or even necessary.But you cannot follow a strictly limited diet alone during pregnancy.
Note!Pregnant women often suffer from swelling, especially in the last few months.They benefit from diuretic products, but in moderation.
Advantages and disadvantages of the watermelon diet
Any diet has advantages and disadvantages.The berry and watermelon diet is not devoid of them.
Benefits :
- Delicious.
- Available.
- Produces effective cleansing of the body.
- Makes you healthier.
- Eliminates excess liquid.
- Fast results.
Disadvantages:
- Only suitable for certain times of the year.
- Hunger (if we are talking about a mono-diet).
- Can be stored for a short time.
- Over a long period of time, it can remove beneficial substances from the body and put a heavy load on the kidneys.
Contraindications
People with the following diseases and health conditions should not follow a watermelon diet:
- Renal failure.
- Pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis in the acute stage.
- Stomach ulcer, gastritis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Stones in the kidneys or gallbladder.
- Pancreatitis.
- Infectious diseases.
The watermelon diet has contraindications for pregnant and lactating women, as well as those who suffer from vitamin deficiencies.
The opinion of nutritionists - myths and reality
Let's find out what experts say about the berry diet for weight loss.
- The watermelon diet is absolutely safe.This is an erroneous view;for some people it is strictly contraindicated.And if not done correctly, it can cause damage.
- Watermelon contains enough nutrients.The berry does not contain even half of the elements that the body needs daily.
- Watermelon is good for the kidneys.Only if they are healthy and can easily handle large amounts of fluid.
- You can quickly lose up to 20 kg in a week using berries.It all depends on the speed of a person's metabolism.But such drastic weight loss is strongly not recommended.Optimal weight loss can be up to 10 kg per month.
The best and safest option for a fasting mono-diet based on watermelon berries is one day a week.But on all other days the diet should also be dietary.In just one day, the berry will perfectly cleanse the intestines and remove excess fluid.Is it possible to lose weight by eating like this just 1 day a week?Yes, you need 1 to 3 kg per day.But keep in mind that most of it is liquid.To prevent it from returning, you need to eat less salt, move more and constantly adhere to a proper diet.