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 watery red pulp ripen.A diet based solely on watermelon helps not only lose weight, but also improve the health of the body.But let's also see what disadvantages and contraindications this method has to lose extra kilos.After all, our goal is not to harm the body, but only to benefit it.
Watermelon composition
Although watermelon is mainly composed of water, it also contains a series of valuable substances for the body.
The berry 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 and improves heart function.
- Fiber: improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cleanses it of toxins, accelerates metabolism and promotes weight loss.
- Fructose - stimulates brain function, relieves fatigue and saturates the body with energy.
- Folic acid is necessary for the absorption of proteins, 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 long time, which is why the watermelon diet has been around for decades.It is especially popular in hot countries.
Benefit
A diet based on juicy watermelon will help you not only lose extra pounds, but also cleanse your body and improve your 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.
- Reduces cholesterol levels, reduces cholesterol plaques in blood vessels.
- Normalizes intestinal function.
- Stimulates metabolism.
- Burns fat 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.Already in the first 2-3 days it expels all excess fluid from the body.The 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 diseases, hypertension, anemia, etc.The watermelon diet is very effective for dermatitis and psoriasis.The product is also recommended for men and women with problems in the genitourinary system.The berry is believed to help you lose a significant amount of weight in just a few days.It is not surprising, because, despite the sweetness of watermelon, it has very few calories: only 25 kcal per 100 g.At the same time, it perfectly satisfies hunger and thirst.Its flavor is very pleasant, so the diet does not cause hostility.
Is there any damage?
There are monodiets, which include only one berry, and combined, 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 numerous beneficial effects, the watermelon monodiet is prohibited for 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 kidney stones.You cannot follow such strict diets if you have gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes.
It is worth considering that with a watermelon diet, weight loss can occur very quickly.Not every body can adapt instantly, so a deterioration in general well-being and an exacerbation of any disease is possible.People who are slightly overweight should take special care.
Even if a person feels healthy and does not suffer from chronic diseases, it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting a diet.Nutritionists recommend eating watermelon to lose weight by listening carefully to your feelings.If you experience discomfort and your health worsens, 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.Today, "green stripes" can be found much earlier on store shelves.But these berries are almost always grown artificially with the addition of large amounts of saltpeter.They have much fewer benefits and, in addition, you can be poisoned by watermelons filled with chemicals.
So let's see how to choose the right quality product:
- A ripe watermelon has a smooth, shiny, intensely colored rind.
- There should be no obvious damage, stains or cracks on the crust.A large point of light (usually yellow) does not count.This is the place where the watermelon lay, in contact with the ground.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.
- When tapped, the berry should make a ringing sound.
- A ripe watermelon has a shrunken, dark tail.
It is not recommended to buy watermelons in trays near roads.Lying for a long time along roads, they absorb exhaust gases, dust and other pollutants.
How many days can you stay on a watermelon diet?
Many of those who want to try this method to lose weight for the first time are interested in knowing how many days they can follow a watermelon diet without negative consequences.
The duration of the diet depends on several factors: initial weight, health status and nutritional option chosen.A strict watermelon monodiet should not exceed 5 days.If a person tries this type of diet for the first time, then the optimal period would be 3 days.With a diet that includes other foods, you can extend the diet to 10-12 days.
Do not forget that one watermelon cannot replenish all the daily needs of nutrients that the body needs.If you follow these types of diets for too long, you can become deficient in vitamins and seriously harm your health.It is also necessary to make the correct entry and exit of a strict watermelon diet.
How to properly prepare for and get off the watermelon diet?
Under no circumstances should you make sudden transitions from a “feast” to a hunger strike.Thus, the body, and especially the stomach, will only be harmed.
3 days before starting the diet, it is necessary to switch to soft and as natural foods as possible.It is advisable to eat porridge, vegetables, steamed or baked dishes and fermented dairy 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.
It is also necessary to increase fluid intake so that the body gradually gets used to its increased volume.It is advisable to drink water, green tea, rosehip infusions and infusions can be included.Strong coffee and tea are allowed in minimal quantities.
Once the watermelon monodiet is completed, the same gentle exit is required.You should eat low-calorie foods for another week.The diet should be dominated by fruits, vegetables and greens.
Several options for watermelon diets
There are several options for the watermelon diet, everyone can choose the one that suits them best.
Strict diet (mono)
Such a strict watermelon diet guarantees less than 10 kg per week.But it is very difficult to stay in it.It is designed for 5 days, but another 2-3 days after abandoning it, the body undergoes intense fat burning and cleansing.You can start such a diet only after examination and consultation with a doctor.
During the first two days only watermelon is eaten.To maintain hydrobalance, it is necessary to drink more water, green tea or herbal tea.
To correctly calculate the amount of watermelon per day, it is necessary to calculate the relationship between the glycemic index of the product and body weight.The GI of watermelon is 70 to 80 units.For every 10 kg of weight, it is quite acceptable to eat 1 kilogram of juicy pulp.For example, if you weigh 70 kg, you can consume up to 7 kg of watermelon per day, but no more.
Note!You can repeat the watermelon monodiet, designed for 3 days, 2-3 times a month.
This portion should be divided into 5-7 doses.You need to eat berries every 2-3 hours.In the periods between meals it is advisable to drink water or tea, but not in excess, so as not to overload the kidneys.
If hunger is unbearable, you can eat a few crackers, crusty bread, or eat a serving 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 here it is important not to overdo it.
Watermelon and 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 against parasites.
Take the same amount of melon and watermelon, you should eat them in turn.Melon is more caloric and nutritious, it relieves hunger better.It is advisable to start having breakfast with him.Melon consumed on an empty stomach has an antiparasitic effect.
If hunger is too unbearable, don't torture yourself.Add some protein to your diet.You can eat white meat, cottage cheese, lentils and low-fat cheeses.
Fasting days with 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 consumed in the first half of the day (before 2:00 p.m.), in the second half snacks are made from fermented milk products.Watermelon and cottage cheese cannot be eaten together.It is necessary that at least 2 hours pass between meals.It is acceptable to eat the berry with rye, bran or whole wheat bread in small quantities.The watermelon-kefir (curd) diet will help you lose 3 to 5 kg in a week.Its only disadvantage is that increased gas formation may occur.
Watermelon diet to lose weight 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 additional products and 3 purely berries.
Sample menu for the day:
- 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 and a couple of crusty breads.
- The last snack is 2 slices of watermelon.
For breakfast you can use any porridge: oats, 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 better to eat only protein.
High protein and watermelon diet
This method of losing weight is suitable for those who cannot tolerate hunger.You can maintain this nutrition program for up to 10 days.2-3 meals a day should be rich in protein.For breakfast you can eat watermelon with low-fat cheese or eggs, for lunch and dinner - diet meat (up to 200 g at a time).The snacks consist solely of berry slices.
Other types of watermelon diets
There are also watermelon-apple, watermelon-cucumber, watermelon-banana diets.All of them should be aged for no more than 3 to 5 days.These products can be consumed together or separately at intervals.On a banana diet, eating no more than 1 piece per day is allowed.Don't forget that bananas are rich in calories and very nutritious.The results of these types of diets are approximately the same.
Watermelon diet: can it be preserved during pregnancy?
During the gestation period, a woman's body needs a greater supply of vitamins.Any diet during pregnancy can only be prescribed by a doctor if there is a reason for this.Sometimes pregnant women experience an insatiable appetite and gain too much weight.In 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 useful and even necessary.But you cannot follow a strictly limited diet alone during pregnancy.
Note!Pregnant women often experience bloating, especially in the final 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.
Advantages:
- Delicious.
- Available.
- Produces an effective cleansing of the body.
- It makes you healthier.
- Eliminate excess liquid.
- Quick results.
Cons:
- Appropriate only during certain periods of the year.
- Hungry (if we talk about monodiet).
- It can be kept for a short time.
- Over a long period of time, it can remove beneficial substances from the body and put a serious burden on the kidneys.
Contraindications
People with the following diseases and health problems should not follow a watermelon diet:
- Kidney failure.
- Pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis in the acute phase.
- 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 suffering from vitamin deficiency.
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 a wrong opinion;For some people it is strictly contraindicated.And if done incorrectly, it can cause harm.
- 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 process large amounts of liquid.
- 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 not recommended.Optimal weight loss is up to 10 kg per month.
The best and safest option for a fasting monodiet based on watermelon berries is 1 day a week.But the rest of the 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 if you eat like this only 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 recurring, it is necessary to eat less salt, move more and constantly follow proper nutrition.