The Chemical Breakdown Diet comes with claims that rapid weight loss is possible – up to 10 pounds in 3 days is widely reported. If you feel the need to lose a little weight quickly, it is worth considering as the ingredients are foods commonly found in most supermarkets.

Perhaps better known as the 3 Day Diet and the Tuna Diet, the Chemical Breakdown Diet is reported to be successful due to the chemical reaction of the ingredients acting on fat deposits and removing them from the system. This fat loss effectively results in weight loss.

Because the ingredients have been selected with this chemical reaction in mind, dieters are advised not to substitute other foods and to follow the order in which the ingredients should be consumed.

Some versions of the Chemical Breakdown Diet refer to it as the 3-Day 4-Day Off Diet, which means that it should be followed for only three days and there should be four days of normal eating before repeating the diet. Naturally, dieters are cautioned not to overeat or eat unhealthily during the four-day break if the weight loss is permanent.

MENU

Salt and pepper are the only recommended seasonings. Drink plenty of water – 6-8 cups.

MENU

Salt and pepper are the only recommended seasonings. Drink plenty of water – 6-8 cups.

DAY 1:

In the morning: 1 tablespoon of peanut butter is allowed with 1 slice of toast, half a grapefruit and a cup of tea or coffee (without milk).

Noon: 1 tablespoon of peanut butter is allowed with 1 slice of toast, tuna (half a cup), and a cup of tea or coffee (no milk).

Dinner: Skinless chicken breast (1 serving), green beans (1 cup), beets (1 cup), ice cream (1 cup), apple (small).

DAY 2:

Morning:: Boiled or poached egg (1), 1 slice of toast, banana (1/2), and a cup of tea or coffee (no milk).

Noon: Tuna (1 cup), crackers (6), and a cup of tea or coffee (no milk).

Evening: Hot dogs (2), banana (1/2), broccoli (1 cup), carrots (1/2 cup), ice cream (1/2 cup)

DAY 3:

Morning: Cheddar cheese (1 slice), crackers (5), apple (1), and a cup of tea or coffee (no milk).

Noon:: Boiled or poached egg (1), 1 toast.

Afternoon:: Tuna (1 cup), beets (1 cup), cauliflower (1 cup), ice cream (1/2 cup), melon (1/2)

Avoid snacking between meals. Since calories are limited and below what the body normally requires, the deficit will be made up by consuming fat stores in the body. The low level of carbohydrates will prevent water retention and this also helps in weight loss. However, for long-term benefits and to avoid regaining lost weight, consider a change in eating habits that includes balanced nutrients and a wider range of food choices.

While the Chemical Breakdown Diet is easy to set up, free, and convenient, its obvious limitations in terms of nutrients, protein, carbohydrates, and fat mean that it is not sustainable or recommended for long-term use. Also consider how much easier it would be to stick to a diet that doesn’t leave you hungry and craving a little more.