In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is the Military Diet?Military Diet Foods ListIs the Military Diet Safe?Should You Try the Military Diet?FAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is the Military Diet?
Military Diet Foods List
Is the Military Diet Safe?
Should You Try the Military Diet?
FAQs
If hearing more about the Military Diet intrigues you, and you want to learn more about what it is, how to follow it, and the risks associated with adopting it, read on to get some serious knowledge bombs.
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While it doesn’t appear that the Military Diet is based on any dietary practices that military personnel are required to follow, this diet leans into the strictness associated with being a part of the military.
Unlike many trendy diets, the Military Diet doesn’t require participants to purchase any supplements, pre-made shakes or packaged meals. There are no exercise requirements involved, and lifestyle changes are not suggested.
How Does It Work?
By following a three-day low-calorie diet every week, you’ll go into a calorie deficit, which can help you lose weight. During this phase, you’ll be very strict with what you eat.
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The Military Diet leaves no wiggle room for dietary preferences or cravings. Here’s what you’re eating on the strict plan, according to theirwebsite:
What Not to Eat
While following the Military Diet doesn’t leave a lot of opportunity for making your own food choices, it recommends you avoid certain foods when following this diet:
There’s no research evaluating the safety of following the Military Diet. Here are the pros and cons to consider if you’re considering trying the diet.
Pros
If you maintain a calorie deficit, you will lose weight, according to a 2021 review in theJournal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome. In addition, the diet is pretty affordable with a relatively simple shopping list, particularly on the three-day “on” portion of the diet.
Cons
The Military Diet is extremely restrictive. The plan doesn’t allow substitutions unless a person follows a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. That’s a huge downside, because restrictive diets, such as low-calorie diets, are difficult to maintain long-term, points out 2021 research inCurrent Obesity Reports. This type of dieting may ultimately lead to weight gain and be psychologically damaging, potentially contributing to depression, irritability and eating disorders, according to a 2020 review inCureus.
It’s unlikely your health care provider will recommend following the Military Diet. While you may lose weight initially, this way of eatingisn’t a long-term solutionfor sustainable weight loss. It also may not provide enough calories to sustain your needs, especially if you live an active lifestyle.
If your goal is to lose weight, meeting with a registered dietitian, who can provide personalized weight-loss recommendations, is a safer approach.
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The Bottom Line
The Military Diet is a low-calorie, restrictive diet. While people may lose weight when following this diet, it’s unlikely that it will be a long-term solution to achieve your weight-loss and health goals.
Learn More:How Much Weight Can You Safely Lose in a Month?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe 3-day Military Diet may help people lose weight, but it’s not a healthy approach. It’s low in calories, restrictive and may not provide the nutrients your body needs for overall health.According to the Military Diet website, people may lose 10 pounds after one week of following the Military Diet.Water is the recommended beverage to enjoy when following the Military Diet. There’s no limit to how much water a person can drink on the Military Diet. Coffee and tea are also allowed.No type of soda is permitted on the Military Diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 3-day Military Diet may help people lose weight, but it’s not a healthy approach. It’s low in calories, restrictive and may not provide the nutrients your body needs for overall health.
According to the Military Diet website, people may lose 10 pounds after one week of following the Military Diet.
Water is the recommended beverage to enjoy when following the Military Diet. There’s no limit to how much water a person can drink on the Military Diet. Coffee and tea are also allowed.
No type of soda is permitted on the Military Diet.
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