can be eaten. Many versions of the diet claim that
eating more soup will actually help the dieter lose
more weight. Many also claim that this diet will flush
toxins from the body and leave the dieter feeling more
healthy and more energetic.
Different versions of the diet differ somewhat on
what kinds of drinks are allowed during the diet. Most
versions require drinking 6–8 glasses of water a day.
Some versions of the diet allow the dieter to drink diet
soda, but most forbid all carbonated beverages. Tea is
allowed, as is coffee. Some allow skim milk and others do
not. Unsweetened fruit juices are also usually allowed.
Most versions of the diet forbid alcohol while on the diet.
Day 1: On this day any fruit except bananas may
be eaten. Some versions of the diet recommend water-
melon and cantaloupe, saying they are lower in calo-
ries than other fruits. Only fruit and the soup are
allowed on this day.
Day 2: On this day all vegetables are allowed,
although some versions of the diet warn that dry
beans, peas, and corn should be avoided. Green,
leafy vegetables are recommended. Any kind of vege-
tables: fresh, raw, cooked, or canned are allowed. No
fruits are allowed during this day. For dinner the
dieter is instructed to have a baked potato with butter.
Day 3: During this day the dieter is instructed to
have all of the fruits and vegetables desired. The dieter
is not allowed to have a baked potato. Some versionsof the diet claim that the dieter will have lost 5 or more
pounds by this day if the diet is being followed exactly.
Day 4: During this day the only foods allowed in
addition to the soup are bananas and skim milk. The
dieter is instructed to eat at least 3 bananas. The dieter
is often instructed to drink as much skim milk as they
are able.
Day 5: This day is dedicated to beef and tomatoes.
The dieter is instructed to eat between 10 and 20
ounces of beef and up to 1 can of tomatoes (or as
many as 6 fresh tomatoes). The soup must be eaten
at least once on this day.
Day 6: On this day the dieter is allowed to eat all of
the beef and vegetables he or she desires. Usually leafy
green vegetables are recommended. Often it is speci-
fied that no baked potato is allowed on this day. The
soup must be eaten at least once on this day as well.
Day 7: On the last day of the diet the dieter is
instructed to eat vegetables,unsweetened fruit juice, and
brown rice. As much of these can be eaten as is desired.
The soup is also required at least once on this day.
Some versions of the diet specify that boiled,
broiled, or baked skinless chicken can be substituted
for the beef. Broiled fish can also be substituted for
beef, but only on one of the beef days. By the end of
this week the diet claims that dieters will have lost
between 10 and 17 pounds.Function
The Sacred Heart diet claims that dieters will lose
between 10 and 17 pounds if they follow the diet
exactly. Many versions claim that by day 3 the dieter
will have lost between 5 and 7 pounds. This diet is not
intended to be a new lifestyle but is intended for
extreme weight loss in a short amount of time. Some
versions of the diet recommend taking time off before
repeating the week long diet again.Benefits
There are many benefits to losing weight if it is
done at a safe, moderate pace through healthy eating
and exercise. There are many obesity-related diseases
and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The
risk of the diseases can be reduced by weight loss. This
is especially true for very obese people who are gen-
erally though to be at the greatest risk. This diet,
however, is not generally considered appropriate for
long term moderate weight loss.
The Sacred Heart diet does have some other pos-
sible benefits in addition to its claim of allowing the
dieter to lose up to 17 pounds in 7 days. The soup isKEY TERMS
Dietary supplement—A product, such as a vitamin,
mineral, herb, amino acid, or enzyme, that is
intended to be consumed in addition to an individ-
ual’s diet with the expectation that it will improve
health.
Mineral—An inorganic substance found in the
earth that is necessary in small quantities for the
body to maintain a health. Examples: zinc, copper,
iron.
Obese—More than 20% over the individual’s ideal
weight for their height and age or having a body
mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
Toxin—A general term for something that harms or
poisons the body.
Vitamin—a nutrient that the body needs in small
amounts to remain healthy but that the body cannot
manufacture for itself and must acquire through
dietSacred heart diet