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The water diet is a type of diet in which only water is consumed for a while. It is a zero-calorie diet because water has no calories. The water diet is actually a fasting diet. For this reason, it is also known as a water fasting diet.
Fasting has many benefits. One of them is that it helps to lose weight. Those who want to lose weight fast can do this diet. Up to 10 kg of weight can be lost in 6 days. This is a short-term diet plan. It should not be done for more than 10 days or it may be harmful.
What is the Water Diet?
The water diet is a diet plan in which the person does not eat, but only drinks water. Following this diet will give the body a chance to rejuvenate itself and remove toxins that have long accumulated in the body. The most important feature of the water diet is that the brain is more alert and its ability to focus increases.
You may feel tired while on a water diet. You may need more sleep. Therefore, do not do this diet on the way to work or school or on special days. Seek help from a professional such as a dietitian. This way you will get better results.
How is the Water Diet Made?
The water diet is divided into 3 phases to be effective. The first phase is the pre-diet phase and lasts for 2 days. It is designed to accustom the body to consuming less solid food.
The second phase, or water diet phase, is the most difficult. However, when you complete this stage, you will feel like a new person. This stage is 5 days. Drink neither less nor too much water. Drinking less water can dehydrate you. Drinking a lot of water can flush out all the salts from the body, which can be fatal. Drink about 2 liters of water per day during the water diet phase.
The last stage, called post-water diet, is very important. You slowly start eating solid foods or other liquid foods (juices or soup) over a three-day period.
Water Diet List – 10 Days
Below is a list of water diets planned according to these stages. In this list, which is an example, you can make appropriate changes according to you.
Pre-Water Diet Phase (Day 1)
Early morning | Detox drink made with lemon, honey and warm water |
Breakfast | Probiotic drink with 1 bowl of fruit or 1 banana |
Lunch | Veggie sandwich (no cheese or mayo) or grilled vegetables |
Afternoon | 1 glass of fruit juice |
Afternoon snack | 1 cup of green or black tea (unsweetened) |
Dinner | Vegetable soup or vegetable salad |
Before bed | 1 cup of warm milk |
On day 1, you need to eat a good amount of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense foods that will prevent hunger pangs. Probiotics intestinal bacteria that aid digestion. The probiotic drink will keep the digestive system healthy.
Pre-Water Diet Phase (Day 2)
Early morning | Warm water and lemon detox drink |
Breakfast | 1 glass of fruit juice |
Lunch | 1 small bowl of vegetable salad |
Afternoon | 1 apple or orange |
Afternoon snack | 1 cup of green or black tea (unsweetened) |
Dinner | 1 medium bowl of fruit |
Before bed | 1 glass of warm water |
Try not to eat fruits that contain a lot of fructose. Avoid fruits such as grapes, mango, banana, pineapple. You can eat melon, kiwi, strawberry, orange, apple, plum. Drink at least 3 liters of water.
On the 2nd day, fruits and vegetables can be eaten, but the amount will be less. So fewer calories should be taken.
Water Fasting Phase(Day 3 to Day 7)
This is the most difficult stage. Only 2 liters of water should be drunk per day. At this stage, you will feel weak and tired. Don't forget to rest and sleep well.
Depending on your current body activity, you can do short, moderate-paced walks or yoga.
After Water Diet (8th Day)
Early morning | Warm water and lemon detox drink |
Breakfast | 1 cup of watermelon juice |
Lunch | 1 glass of apple juice and 2 almonds |
Afternoon snack | 1 cup of green or black tea (unsweetened) |
Dinner | 1 medium bowl of vegetable or fruit salad |
Before bed | 1 glass of warm milk |
On the first day of the post-diet phase, pay close attention to the calories you consume. This table contains mostly liquid foods. Sudden ingestion of high-calorie foods causes a spike in blood sugar levels, which can sometimes be fatal.
After Water Diet (9th Day)
Early morning | Lemon, honey and warm water detox drink |
Breakfast | Banana 1 |
Lunch | Cabbage soup or vegetable salad. |
Afternoon snack | 1 glass of green or black tea, 1 grain biscuit. |
Dinner | Baked broccoli and spring onions |
Before bed | 1 glass of warm milk |
At this stage, high-calorie foods are gradually introduced into the diet.
After Water Diet (10th Day)
Early morning | Lemon, honey, warm water detox drink or any detox drink |
Breakfast | 1 medium bowl of wheat flakes, strawberries, or 1 glass of mixed juice. |
Lunch | 1 veggie sandwich |
Afternoon | 1 bowl of fruit |
Afternoon snack | 1 cup of green or black tea |
Dinner | 1 medium bowl of vegetable soup |
Before bed | 1 glass of warm milk |
On the last day, some more solid foods are eaten with liquid foods.
Does the Water Diet Make You Weak?
During the water diet, you only lose water weight for the first two days. Fats start to burn from the 3rd day of the fasting phase. When you stop eating, your digestive system stops working. The body slows down, except for the brain and heart.
Stored fat is broken down to provide energy for all involuntary and voluntary functions of the body. Water helps get rid of toxins and wastes found in the colon. This is how you lose weight.
Is the Water Diet Healthy?
Water diet accelerates metabolism and rejuvenates the body. It helps to remove toxins from the body. It should not be applied for a long time. It is healthy when applied in a short time and at intervals.
Benefits of the Water Diet
- It cleans the body from toxins.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- It reduces the risk of heart diseases.
- It balances blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity.
- It reduces oxidative stress.
- It helps to renew the body.
- The skin becomes smoother as the water removes all the toxins.
- It helps to sleep better.
- Digestion is significantly improved.
- It reduces muscle pain, joint pain and headaches.
- It improves blood circulation.
- It helps build lean muscle.
- The brain becomes more active and concentration increases.
- It cures many chronic diseases.
- It helps fight Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
The Harms of the Water Diet
- You may feel sluggish and exhausted.
- Working hard while on a water diet can cause fainting.
- The body can lose lean muscle.
- Drinking only water can cause nutrient deficiency.
- If attention is not paid after the diet, you can start to overeat.
- It can cause heartburn as it increases stomach acid production.
- There is a risk of weakening of the heart muscles.
- If done for more than 10 days, it can damage other organs.
- It is not a suitable diet for pregnant women, children and teenagers.
In what situations is the water diet done?
Water diet can be done in the following cases:
- By doctor's request
- To strengthen immunity.
- To get rid of excess weight.
Who can not do the water diet?
It is not appropriate to do a water diet in the following cases;
- In cases where the doctor does not recommend,
- In case of hypoglycemia,
- If you have diabetes
- In case of using any medication,
- If you have had surgery recently,
- Pregnant women, newborns and breastfeeding women should not follow this diet.
To summarize;
A water diet is a type of diet in which nothing but water is consumed. It is usually applied between 24-72 hours. The water diet has some benefits such as weight loss and cleansing the body. It should not be applied for a long time. Because it can be harmful after a certain period of time. For this reason, it should be done consciously and help from a doctor should be sought.
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