The Fast Diet – the 5:2 method devised by Dr
Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer, and which has proved to be the buzz book of
2013 – may be a long-term commitment, but you can achieve short-term
goals with a little willpower, a little planning and a few tips to get
things going. If you’ve been intending to start the Fast Diet, now’s the
time to take the plunge.
Many
people have told me that their husbands have lost impressive amounts of
weight on 5:2; others say they’d like to start but haven’t quite got
around to it. Some say they tried and found it too challenging, or they
lost their motivation after a few weeks. To all of you, I’d say give it a
go. You’ve nothing to lose but a dress size. The countless success
stories should be enough to spur you on (you’ll have heard them I’m
sure; sometimes it seems that intermittent fasting is all that we’ve
been talking about all year). But if not that, then consider the
gorgeous LBD hanging in your wardrobe, awaiting its chance to do you
proud.
So what do you
need to know to start a supercharged 5:2 LBD programme? You may already
be broadly aware of the Fast Diet’s basic tenets, but here’s a
cut-out-and-keep recap to stick to the fridge and refer to in times of
hunger (and yes, you’ll be hungry; occasionally, perhaps, but not
uncontrollably).
Why 5:2?
You’ll
already know that for many people, the standard diet advice simply does
not work. On a conventional calorie-controlled diet, hard-won weight
loss soon piles back on, as soon as the inevitable boredom of routine
restriction sets in. But the Fast Diet is a radical alternative because
you only ever restrict your calories for two days a week. And the rest
of the time? You don’t even have to think about dieting.
On the Fast Diet…
- You
eat normally for five days a week and then, for two days a week, you
consume a quarter of your normal calorie intake – around 500 calories
for women, 600 for men. So, it is not total ‘fasting’, but a modified
version. You can do your Fast Days back to back, or (as Michael Mosley
and I choose to) split them. So, it is not continual fasting, but
intermittent.
- Michael
also divided his 600-calorie allowance on those days between breakfast
and an evening meal, aiming for a lengthy ‘Fasting Window’ between
meals. So, you do eat during a Fast Day. But it does matter what you eat
– which is where the following pages come in.
- On
the Fast Diet, your simple aim is to carve out a food-free breathing
space for your body, a time to heal, a time for R&R. Not for long,
and not for ever. Just occasionally.
On his 5:2 regime, Michael lost
19lb of body fat and his blood markers improved beyond recognition. I
lost 24lb and gained a fantastic new body confidence. We both feel
fitter, leaner, healthier and stronger. A year down the line, I’m about
to hit my second Christmas party circuit after my 5:2 revolution – and I
haven’t gained so much as a pound. That’s reason enough to celebrate.
So why does the Fast Diet work when other diets fail?
The
5:2 method has caught on for a number of reasons, not least because
many people report seeing great results in a relatively short time.
People seem to like the methodology: there are no complicated rules to
follow; the strategy is flexible, comprehensible and user-friendly.
There is no daily slog of calorie control – none of the boredom,
frustration or serial deprivation that characterises conventional diet
plans. We still enjoy the foods we love, most of the time. Tomorrow is
another day – a day when you eat normally, without thinking too much
about your diet.
Importantly,
there is no need to change your social commitments, or restrict your
life according to stringent dieting rules (the Fast Diet has been called
‘the ultimate flexible diet’ with good reason). Don’t forget, too, that
the method is based on science not speculation. Intermittent Fasting
trials, both animal and human, are convincing. And though it involves
fasting, you won’t ‘starve’ on any given day; there are still calories
to keep you going – and hunger is not the demon we think it is. Most
people report that it is manageable. Even, in time, enjoyable,
especially if the numbers on the bathroom scales are heading in the
right direction.
While
you’re wrapped up in the thought of looking great at the office party,
it’s worth remembering too that weight loss is only one benefit of the
Fast Diet. The real dividend is its potential for long-term health gain,
helping to cut your risk of a range of diseases, including diabetes,
heart disease and some cancers. There is also evidence that it will slow
the ageing process and benefit your brain.
I
expect that, like me and countless advocates across the country, you
will soon come to understand that 5:2 is not a diet. It is much more
than that: it is a sustainable strategy to maximise your chance of a
healthy, long life. But there’s no need to get too serious. There are
parties to go to after all, family
to see, dresses to try on and a life to live.
More...
Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2483349/The-5-2-Little-Black-Dress-Diet-6-week-route-loving-LBD.html
Michael
van Straten’s seven-day diet is different. For one week only and not
more than three times a year, you can lose 7lbs in seven days. Each
morning add one measure of herbal Pure Plan (£12.95 for 150ml, from
health stores) to 1 litre (1¾ pt) water, and finish it by the end of the
day. Pure Plan helps fluid elimination, stimulates metabolism and aids
digestion. Also, take 1 tsp (5ml) herbal Bio-Strath Elixer (£10.75 for
250ml) before each meal, and a daily Genesis multi-vitamin with extra
iron (£4.45 for 30). Drink water, herbal tea, unsweetened juice and weak
tea.
DAY 1
Breakfast
Half a grapefruit, one poached egg and two poached tomatoes.
Light meal
Avocado, tomato and mushroom salad, plus 125g (4½oz) low-fat cottage cheese and a large bunch of grapes.
Main meal
Large bowl of thinly sliced cucumber with lots of black pepper, cider
vinegar and 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil, and a portion of stir-fried
vegetables served on a bed of plain boiled rice.
DAY 2
Breakfast
Large helping of melon with six strawberries.
Light meal
Large green salad, and a mixture of steamed vegetables – carrots,
courgettes, new potatoes, peas, runner beans, sweetcorn – tossed with 1
tsp butter and freshly chopped mint and parsley.
Main meal
Bowl of vegetable soup, plus a large red or yellow pepper stuffed with
rice and a generous portion of lightly cooked spinach, chopped, with a
drizzle of olive oil and a clove of crushed garlic.
DAY 3
Breakfast
Large helping of melon and low-fat live yogurt.
Light meal
Mixed green salad, and a portion of your favourite pasta, drizzled with olive oil, crushed garlic and freshly chopped parsley.
Main meal
Low-fat yogurt mixed with cucumber, fresh mint, garlic, black pepper and
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil. Plus, a grilled, skinless chicken breast
with grilled tomato, iceberg lettuce and boiled or baked potatoes.
DAY 4
Breakfast
Muesli, porridge or other whole-grain cereal with semi-skimmed milk and a banana.
Light meal
Sliced hard-boiled egg with chunks of tomato, cucumber, fennel and lettuce in a wholemeal pitta bread.
Main meal
Celery, apple and walnut salad. Plus, grilled trout with cauliflower and
runner beans tossed with 1 tsp olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and
chopped fresh parsley.
DAY 5
Breakfast
Large bunch of grapes.
Light meal
Crudités of olives, radishes, carrot, fennel and celery, plus any vegetable soup, a wholewheat roll and a pear.
Main meal
Portion of curried vegetables with plain boiled rice, and a tomato and onion salad.
DAY 6
Breakfast
Mixed melon salad.
Light meal
Large tomato stuffed with tuna, low-fat cottage cheese and black pepper, and a green salad.
Main meal
Cubes of chicken, beef, lamb or tofu stir-fried with mixed vegetables
and noodles. Fruit salad with low-fat live yogurt flavoured with the
zest of a lemon, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and 2 fresh mint leaves.
DAY 7
Breakfast
One boiled egg and one slice of wholemeal toast, very thinly scraped with butter. Plus, a glass of fresh, unsweetened juice.
Light meal
Salad of red radicchio and chicory leaves with grilled mushrooms, a wholemeal roll, an apple and a pear.
Main meal
Salad of pink grapefruit and melon with low-fat fromage frais. Grilled
salmon steak with boiled potatoes and a green vegetable. Plus, a
matchbox-sized portion of low-fat cheese with a stick of celery.
Michael van Straten, who has practices in Buckinghamshire and London,
presents LBC radio’s health programme, Bodytalk, and regularly guests on
TV shows. This diet is just one of the weight-loss plans in Michael’s
new book, The Little Black Dress Diet (Kyle Cathie, £7.99).
If you have health problems, it’s wise to consult your GP before starting a diet and taking supplements
Read more at
http://www.womanandhome.com/diet-and-health/293241/one-week-diet#kPFPZLO3EdGtmu2v.99
Michael
van Straten’s seven-day diet is different. For one week only and not
more than three times a year, you can lose 7lbs in seven days. Each
morning add one measure of herbal Pure Plan (£12.95 for 150ml, from
health stores) to 1 litre (1¾ pt) water, and finish it by the end of the
day. Pure Plan helps fluid elimination, stimulates metabolism and aids
digestion. Also, take 1 tsp (5ml) herbal Bio-Strath Elixer (£10.75 for
250ml) before each meal, and a daily Genesis multi-vitamin with extra
iron (£4.45 for 30). Drink water, herbal tea, unsweetened juice and weak
tea.
DAY 1
Breakfast
Half a grapefruit, one poached egg and two poached tomatoes.
Light meal
Avocado, tomato and mushroom salad, plus 125g (4½oz) low-fat cottage cheese and a large bunch of grapes.
Main meal
Large bowl of thinly sliced cucumber with lots of black pepper, cider
vinegar and 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil, and a portion of stir-fried
vegetables served on a bed of plain boiled rice.
DAY 2
Breakfast
Large helping of melon with six strawberries.
Light meal
Large green salad, and a mixture of steamed vegetables – carrots,
courgettes, new potatoes, peas, runner beans, sweetcorn – tossed with 1
tsp butter and freshly chopped mint and parsley.
Main meal
Bowl of vegetable soup, plus a large red or yellow pepper stuffed with
rice and a generous portion of lightly cooked spinach, chopped, with a
drizzle of olive oil and a clove of crushed garlic.
DAY 3
Breakfast
Large helping of melon and low-fat live yogurt.
Light meal
Mixed green salad, and a portion of your favourite pasta, drizzled with olive oil, crushed garlic and freshly chopped parsley.
Main meal
Low-fat yogurt mixed with cucumber, fresh mint, garlic, black pepper and
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil. Plus, a grilled, skinless chicken breast
with grilled tomato, iceberg lettuce and boiled or baked potatoes.
DAY 4
Breakfast
Muesli, porridge or other whole-grain cereal with semi-skimmed milk and a banana.
Light meal
Sliced hard-boiled egg with chunks of tomato, cucumber, fennel and lettuce in a wholemeal pitta bread.
Main meal
Celery, apple and walnut salad. Plus, grilled trout with cauliflower and
runner beans tossed with 1 tsp olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and
chopped fresh parsley.
DAY 5
Breakfast
Large bunch of grapes.
Light meal
Crudités of olives, radishes, carrot, fennel and celery, plus any vegetable soup, a wholewheat roll and a pear.
Main meal
Portion of curried vegetables with plain boiled rice, and a tomato and onion salad.
DAY 6
Breakfast
Mixed melon salad.
Light meal
Large tomato stuffed with tuna, low-fat cottage cheese and black pepper, and a green salad.
Main meal
Cubes of chicken, beef, lamb or tofu stir-fried with mixed vegetables
and noodles. Fruit salad with low-fat live yogurt flavoured with the
zest of a lemon, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and 2 fresh mint leaves.
DAY 7
Breakfast
One boiled egg and one slice of wholemeal toast, very thinly scraped with butter. Plus, a glass of fresh, unsweetened juice.
Light meal
Salad of red radicchio and chicory leaves with grilled mushrooms, a wholemeal roll, an apple and a pear.
Main meal
Salad of pink grapefruit and melon with low-fat fromage frais. Grilled
salmon steak with boiled potatoes and a green vegetable. Plus, a
matchbox-sized portion of low-fat cheese with a stick of celery.
Michael van Straten, who has practices in Buckinghamshire and London,
presents LBC radio’s health programme, Bodytalk, and regularly guests on
TV shows. This diet is just one of the weight-loss plans in Michael’s
new book, The Little Black Dress Diet (Kyle Cathie, £7.99).
If you have health problems, it’s wise to consult your GP before starting a diet and taking supplements
Read more at
http://www.womanandhome.com/diet-and-health/293241/one-week-diet#kPFPZLO3EdGtmu2v.99
Michael
van Straten’s seven-day diet is different. For one week only and not
more than three times a year, you can lose 7lbs in seven days. Each
morning add one measure of herbal Pure Plan (£12.95 for 150ml, from
health stores) to 1 litre (1¾ pt) water, and finish it by the end of the
day. Pure Plan helps fluid elimination, stimulates metabolism and aids
digestion. Also, take 1 tsp (5ml) herbal Bio-Strath Elixer (£10.75 for
250ml) before each meal, and a daily Genesis multi-vitamin with extra
iron (£4.45 for 30). Drink water, herbal tea, unsweetened juice and weak
tea.
DAY 1
Breakfast
Half a grapefruit, one poached egg and two poached tomatoes.
Light meal
Avocado, tomato and mushroom salad, plus 125g (4½oz) low-fat cottage cheese and a large bunch of grapes.
Main meal
Large bowl of thinly sliced cucumber with lots of black pepper, cider
vinegar and 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil, and a portion of stir-fried
vegetables served on a bed of plain boiled rice.
DAY 2
Breakfast
Large helping of melon with six strawberries.
Light meal
Large green salad, and a mixture of steamed vegetables – carrots,
courgettes, new potatoes, peas, runner beans, sweetcorn – tossed with 1
tsp butter and freshly chopped mint and parsley.
Main meal
Bowl of vegetable soup, plus a large red or yellow pepper stuffed with
rice and a generous portion of lightly cooked spinach, chopped, with a
drizzle of olive oil and a clove of crushed garlic.
DAY 3
Breakfast
Large helping of melon and low-fat live yogurt.
Light meal
Mixed green salad, and a portion of your favourite pasta, drizzled with olive oil, crushed garlic and freshly chopped parsley.
Main meal
Low-fat yogurt mixed with cucumber, fresh mint, garlic, black pepper and
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil. Plus, a grilled, skinless chicken breast
with grilled tomato, iceberg lettuce and boiled or baked potatoes.
DAY 4
Breakfast
Muesli, porridge or other whole-grain cereal with semi-skimmed milk and a banana.
Light meal
Sliced hard-boiled egg with chunks of tomato, cucumber, fennel and lettuce in a wholemeal pitta bread.
Main meal
Celery, apple and walnut salad. Plus, grilled trout with cauliflower and
runner beans tossed with 1 tsp olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and
chopped fresh parsley.
DAY 5
Breakfast
Large bunch of grapes.
Light meal
Crudités of olives, radishes, carrot, fennel and celery, plus any vegetable soup, a wholewheat roll and a pear.
Main meal
Portion of curried vegetables with plain boiled rice, and a tomato and onion salad.
DAY 6
Breakfast
Mixed melon salad.
Light meal
Large tomato stuffed with tuna, low-fat cottage cheese and black pepper, and a green salad.
Main meal
Cubes of chicken, beef, lamb or tofu stir-fried with mixed vegetables
and noodles. Fruit salad with low-fat live yogurt flavoured with the
zest of a lemon, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and 2 fresh mint leaves.
DAY 7
Breakfast
One boiled egg and one slice of wholemeal toast, very thinly scraped with butter. Plus, a glass of fresh, unsweetened juice.
Light meal
Salad of red radicchio and chicory leaves with grilled mushrooms, a wholemeal roll, an apple and a pear.
Main meal
Salad of pink grapefruit and melon with low-fat fromage frais. Grilled
salmon steak with boiled potatoes and a green vegetable. Plus, a
matchbox-sized portion of low-fat cheese with a stick of celery.
Michael van Straten, who has practices in Buckinghamshire and London,
presents LBC radio’s health programme, Bodytalk, and regularly guests on
TV shows. This diet is just one of the weight-loss plans in Michael’s
new book, The Little Black Dress Diet (Kyle Cathie, £7.99).
If you have health problems, it’s wise to consult your GP before starting a diet and taking supplements
Read more at
http://www.womanandhome.com/diet-and-health/293241/one-week-diet#kPFPZLO3EdGtmu2v.99
Michael van Straten’s seven-day
diet is different. For one week only and not more than three times a
year, you can lose 7lbs in seven days. Each morning add one measure of
herbal Pure Plan (£12.95 for 150ml, from health stores) to 1 litre (1¾
pt) water, and finish it by the end of the day. Pure Plan helps fluid
elimination, stimulates metabolism and aids digestion. Also, take 1 tsp
(5ml) herbal Bio-Strath Elixer (£10.75 for 250ml) before each meal, and a
daily Genesis multi-vitamin with extra iron (£4.45 for 30). Drink
water, herbal tea, unsweetened juice and weak tea.
DAY 1
Breakfast
Half a grapefruit, one poached egg and two poached tomatoes.
Light meal
Avocado, tomato and mushroom salad, plus 125g (4½oz) low-fat cottage cheese and a large bunch of grapes.
Main meal
Large bowl of thinly sliced cucumber with lots of black pepper, cider
vinegar and 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil, and a portion of stir-fried
vegetables served on a bed of plain boiled rice.
DAY 2
Breakfast
Large helping of melon with six strawberries.
Light meal
Large green salad, and a mixture of steamed vegetables – carrots,
courgettes, new potatoes, peas, runner beans, sweetcorn – tossed with 1
tsp butter and freshly chopped mint and parsley.
Main meal
Bowl of vegetable soup, plus a large red or yellow pepper stuffed with
rice and a generous portion of lightly cooked spinach, chopped, with a
drizzle of olive oil and a clove of crushed garlic.
DAY 3
Breakfast
Large helping of melon and low-fat live yogurt.
Light meal
Mixed green salad, and a portion of your favourite pasta, drizzled with olive oil, crushed garlic and freshly chopped parsley.
Main meal
Low-fat yogurt mixed with cucumber, fresh mint, garlic, black pepper and
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil. Plus, a grilled, skinless chicken breast
with grilled tomato, iceberg lettuce and boiled or baked potatoes.
DAY 4
Breakfast
Muesli, porridge or other whole-grain cereal with semi-skimmed milk and a banana.
Light meal
Sliced hard-boiled egg with chunks of tomato, cucumber, fennel and lettuce in a wholemeal pitta bread.
Main meal
Celery, apple and walnut salad. Plus, grilled trout with cauliflower and
runner beans tossed with 1 tsp olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and
chopped fresh parsley.
DAY 5
Breakfast
Large bunch of grapes.
Light meal
Crudités of olives, radishes, carrot, fennel and celery, plus any vegetable soup, a wholewheat roll and a pear.
Main meal
Portion of curried vegetables with plain boiled rice, and a tomato and onion salad.
DAY 6
Breakfast
Mixed melon salad.
Light meal
Large tomato stuffed with tuna, low-fat cottage cheese and black pepper, and a green salad.
Main meal
Cubes of chicken, beef, lamb or tofu stir-fried with mixed vegetables
and noodles. Fruit salad with low-fat live yogurt flavoured with the
zest of a lemon, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and 2 fresh mint leaves.
DAY 7
Breakfast
One boiled egg and one slice of wholemeal toast, very thinly scraped with butter. Plus, a glass of fresh, unsweetened juice.
Light meal
Salad of red radicchio and chicory leaves with grilled mushrooms, a wholemeal roll, an apple and a pear.
Main meal
Salad of pink grapefruit and melon with low-fat fromage frais. Grilled
salmon steak with boiled potatoes and a green vegetable. Plus, a
matchbox-sized portion of low-fat cheese with a stick of celery.
Michael van Straten, who has practices in Buckinghamshire and London,
presents LBC radio’s health programme, Bodytalk, and regularly guests on
TV shows. This diet is just one of the weight-loss plans in Michael’s
new book, The Little Black Dress Diet (Kyle Cathie, £7.99).
If you have health problems, it’s wise to consult your GP before starting a diet and taking supplements
Free Newsletter
Sign up for daily fashion news, beauty buys, competitions and offers
Today
Recipes
Fashion
Picks
Read more at
http://www.womanandhome.com/diet-and-health/293241/one-week-diet#kPFPZLO3EdGtmu2v.99
Michael van Straten’s seven-day
diet is different. For one week only and not more than three times a
year, you can lose 7lbs in seven days. Each morning add one measure of
herbal Pure Plan (£12.95 for 150ml, from health stores) to 1 litre (1¾
pt) water, and finish it by the end of the day. Pure Plan helps fluid
elimination, stimulates metabolism and aids digestion. Also, take 1 tsp
(5ml) herbal Bio-Strath Elixer (£10.75 for 250ml) before each meal, and a
daily Genesis multi-vitamin with extra iron (£4.45 for 30). Drink
water, herbal tea, unsweetened juice and weak tea.
DAY 1
Breakfast
Half a grapefruit, one poached egg and two poached tomatoes.
Light meal
Avocado, tomato and mushroom salad, plus 125g (4½oz) low-fat cottage cheese and a large bunch of grapes.
Main meal
Large bowl of thinly sliced cucumber with lots of black pepper, cider
vinegar and 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil, and a portion of stir-fried
vegetables served on a bed of plain boiled rice.
DAY 2
Breakfast
Large helping of melon with six strawberries.
Light meal
Large green salad, and a mixture of steamed vegetables – carrots,
courgettes, new potatoes, peas, runner beans, sweetcorn – tossed with 1
tsp butter and freshly chopped mint and parsley.
Main meal
Bowl of vegetable soup, plus a large red or yellow pepper stuffed with
rice and a generous portion of lightly cooked spinach, chopped, with a
drizzle of olive oil and a clove of crushed garlic.
DAY 3
Breakfast
Large helping of melon and low-fat live yogurt.
Light meal
Mixed green salad, and a portion of your favourite pasta, drizzled with olive oil, crushed garlic and freshly chopped parsley.
Main meal
Low-fat yogurt mixed with cucumber, fresh mint, garlic, black pepper and
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil. Plus, a grilled, skinless chicken breast
with grilled tomato, iceberg lettuce and boiled or baked potatoes.
DAY 4
Breakfast
Muesli, porridge or other whole-grain cereal with semi-skimmed milk and a banana.
Light meal
Sliced hard-boiled egg with chunks of tomato, cucumber, fennel and lettuce in a wholemeal pitta bread.
Main meal
Celery, apple and walnut salad. Plus, grilled trout with cauliflower and
runner beans tossed with 1 tsp olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and
chopped fresh parsley.
DAY 5
Breakfast
Large bunch of grapes.
Light meal
Crudités of olives, radishes, carrot, fennel and celery, plus any vegetable soup, a wholewheat roll and a pear.
Main meal
Portion of curried vegetables with plain boiled rice, and a tomato and onion salad.
DAY 6
Breakfast
Mixed melon salad.
Light meal
Large tomato stuffed with tuna, low-fat cottage cheese and black pepper, and a green salad.
Main meal
Cubes of chicken, beef, lamb or tofu stir-fried with mixed vegetables
and noodles. Fruit salad with low-fat live yogurt flavoured with the
zest of a lemon, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and 2 fresh mint leaves.
DAY 7
Breakfast
One boiled egg and one slice of wholemeal toast, very thinly scraped with butter. Plus, a glass of fresh, unsweetened juice.
Light meal
Salad of red radicchio and chicory leaves with grilled mushrooms, a wholemeal roll, an apple and a pear.
Main meal
Salad of pink grapefruit and melon with low-fat fromage frais. Grilled
salmon steak with boiled potatoes and a green vegetable. Plus, a
matchbox-sized portion of low-fat cheese with a stick of celery.
Michael van Straten, who has practices in Buckinghamshire and London,
presents LBC radio’s health programme, Bodytalk, and regularly guests on
TV shows. This diet is just one of the weight-loss plans in Michael’s
new book, The Little Black Dress Diet (Kyle Cathie, £7.99).
If you have health problems, it’s wise to consult your GP before starting a diet and taking supplements
Free Newsletter
Sign up for daily fashion news, beauty buys, competitions and offers
Today
Recipes
Fashion
Picks
Read more at
http://www.womanandhome.com/diet-and-health/293241/one-week-diet#kPFPZLO3EdGtmu2v.99
Michael van Straten’s seven-day
diet is different. For one week only and not more than three times a
year, you can lose 7lbs in seven days. Each morning add one measure of
herbal Pure Plan (£12.95 for 150ml, from health stores) to 1 litre (1¾
pt) water, and finish it by the end of the day. Pure Plan helps fluid
elimination, stimulates metabolism and aids digestion. Also, take 1 tsp
(5ml) herbal Bio-Strath Elixer (£10.75 for 250ml) before each meal, and a
daily Genesis multi-vitamin with extra iron (£4.45 for 30). Drink
water, herbal tea, unsweetened juice and weak tea.
DAY 1
Breakfast
Half a grapefruit, one poached egg and two poached tomatoes.
Light meal
Avocado, tomato and mushroom salad, plus 125g (4½oz) low-fat cottage cheese and a large bunch of grapes.
Main meal
Large bowl of thinly sliced cucumber with lots of black pepper, cider
vinegar and 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil, and a portion of stir-fried
vegetables served on a bed of plain boiled rice.
DAY 2
Breakfast
Large helping of melon with six strawberries.
Light meal
Large green salad, and a mixture of steamed vegetables – carrots,
courgettes, new potatoes, peas, runner beans, sweetcorn – tossed with 1
tsp butter and freshly chopped mint and parsley.
Main meal
Bowl of vegetable soup, plus a large red or yellow pepper stuffed with
rice and a generous portion of lightly cooked spinach, chopped, with a
drizzle of olive oil and a clove of crushed garlic.
DAY 3
Breakfast
Large helping of melon and low-fat live yogurt.
Light meal
Mixed green salad, and a portion of your favourite pasta, drizzled with olive oil, crushed garlic and freshly chopped parsley.
Main meal
Low-fat yogurt mixed with cucumber, fresh mint, garlic, black pepper and
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil. Plus, a grilled, skinless chicken breast
with grilled tomato, iceberg lettuce and boiled or baked potatoes.
DAY 4
Breakfast
Muesli, porridge or other whole-grain cereal with semi-skimmed milk and a banana.
Light meal
Sliced hard-boiled egg with chunks of tomato, cucumber, fennel and lettuce in a wholemeal pitta bread.
Main meal
Celery, apple and walnut salad. Plus, grilled trout with cauliflower and
runner beans tossed with 1 tsp olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and
chopped fresh parsley.
DAY 5
Breakfast
Large bunch of grapes.
Light meal
Crudités of olives, radishes, carrot, fennel and celery, plus any vegetable soup, a wholewheat roll and a pear.
Main meal
Portion of curried vegetables with plain boiled rice, and a tomato and onion salad.
DAY 6
Breakfast
Mixed melon salad.
Light meal
Large tomato stuffed with tuna, low-fat cottage cheese and black pepper, and a green salad.
Main meal
Cubes of chicken, beef, lamb or tofu stir-fried with mixed vegetables
and noodles. Fruit salad with low-fat live yogurt flavoured with the
zest of a lemon, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and 2 fresh mint leaves.
DAY 7
Breakfast
One boiled egg and one slice of wholemeal toast, very thinly scraped with butter. Plus, a glass of fresh, unsweetened juice.
Light meal
Salad of red radicchio and chicory leaves with grilled mushrooms, a wholemeal roll, an apple and a pear.
Main meal
Salad of pink grapefruit and melon with low-fat fromage frais. Grilled
salmon steak with boiled potatoes and a green vegetable. Plus, a
matchbox-sized portion of low-fat cheese with a stick of celery.
Michael van Straten, who has practices in Buckinghamshire and London,
presents LBC radio’s health programme, Bodytalk, and regularly guests on
TV shows. This diet is just one of the weight-loss plans in Michael’s
new book, The Little Black Dress Diet (Kyle Cathie, £7.99).
If you have health problems, it’s wise to consult your GP before starting a diet and taking supplements
Free Newsletter
Sign up for daily fashion news, beauty buys, competitions and offers
Today
Recipes
Fashion
Picks
Read more at
http://www.womanandhome.com/diet-and-health/293241/one-week-diet#kPFPZLO3EdGtmu2v.99
