The 3-Day Diet -- Does It Work?

Hello all! I know it's been quite some time since I've updated. I apologize sincerely! I've had a lot going on, and FINALLY landed a job after 4 months of waiting! Then, sadly, my house was broken into, and the people who did so took all of our big electronics (including my laptop! So this is on my phone - hang in there!) and one of DH's guns. It sucks, most definitely, but we're not defeated!

Anyway, my post today is on the now-popular 3-Day Military Diet. I'm not sure how it got the title of a "military diet", since it actually came from the cardiac unit at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. I think it's because military recruiters give it out to recruits just before heading to MEPS, since once you're operational, weight standards aren't really an issue. I do want state, though, this diet is NOT a long term solution. It's for people like us, who have a deadline for a weigh in they have to make. Following it any longer than one go-around may lead to some sort of complications. And, no matter who you are or your metabolism, you will gain the weight back. Maybe not all of it, but some. Also, make sure and consult with a physician before starting this, or if you experience any unusual behaviors or weird feelings while taking this. Nonetheless, this is the title it has been given, so we shall proceed.

I actually partook in this diet -- twice. Once before swearing into the DEP at MEPS, and then before shipping out to BMT. We all know I was struggling with my weight at those times, so my recruiter gave me a printout of this diet, and told me to have at it. Obviously, if it wasn't safe, he wouldn't have given it to me. But, this diet is VERY strict, and must be followed to the tee. On average, males who follow this diet lose about 7-10 lbs. while females lose on average 5-7 lbs. For me, the first time, I lost 7 lbs. and then 6 lbs. the second go around. The thing to remember is to STAY HYDRATED, with only water, between meals. You cannot substitute/vary any of these things, unless of course you have an allergy. Salt and pepper may be added in moderation, but no other seasonings. That includes mayo or what have you for the tuna. Personally, I like plain tuna. I'm also one of the pickiest eaters you'll ever meet, so this diet didn't bother me at all. The only thing I had issues with trying to get down was the cantaloupe. It was terrible, but I ate it. I will say, however, that on a few of the things, I couldn't find. Like the string beans, for example. Instead, I think I ate green beans. I felt like that was an okay sub, since it was still a bean. And every time there was an option for 'greens' I ate broccoli. I'm slightly obsessed with it. I steam it and, normally, add some garlic salt. Alas, I didn't for this diet, but it was still yummy!

Okay. Enough of that, lets get to the food! I'm going to break it down into days, then meals.

*****DISCLAIMER: I am NOT responsible for any results of this diet, be it positive or negative. Participation in this diet is solely up to YOU, the reader, and the results fall on you, be it positive or negative.*****

DAY 1

Breakfast - Black coffee or unsweetened black tea (the normal, like Lipton), a half of a grapefruit, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

Lunch - half cup of tuna, 1 slice of whole toast or 1 slice cheese, coffee or tea.

Dinner - 2 slices of any meat (approx. 3 ounces) 1 cup of string beans, 1 cup of beets or carrots, 1 SMALL apple, 1 cup vanilla ice cream. (Yes, you read that correctly. But only ONE CUP!!)

DAY 2

Breakfast - coffee or tea, 1 boiled egg, 1 slice whole wheat toast, half of a banana.

Lunch - 1 cup cottage cheese or half cup of tuna, 3 saltine crackers.

Dinner - 2 hot dogs, 1 cup broccoli or cabbage, half cup of carrots or turnips, HALF cup of vanilla ice cream.

DAY 3

Breakfast - coffee or tea, 3 saltine crackers, 1 slice cheddar cheese (2 ounces), 1 SMALL apple.

Lunch - 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, coffee or tea.

Dinner - 1 cup tuna, 1 cup beets or carrots, 1 cup cauliflower or greens, 1 cup cantaloupe (eww), HALF cup of vanilla ice cream.

Remember to be drinking PLENTY of water, and ONLY water, between meals. Absolutely nothing else, including gum/mints. If a meal doesn't state to drink coffee or tea, drink water. And also remember the coffee or tea, for all meals it's included in, must be black/unsweetened. That includes lemon! Also, make sure you have whole wheat bread for toast, get the tuna in water, not oil, and regular tuna, not albacore. And for the coffee/tea, just drink the equivalent of a standard sized coffee mug. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE! The one and ONLY reason to do so, would be if you have an allergy. This is a chemical breakdown in your body, and any variations may cause in-effectiveness, or less than desirable results. If you just don't like something in this diet, don't do it. Simple as that.

If you already have a fitness routine in place, make sure and stick with it during this. Don't over-do it, though, and don't add any more to it. Some blogs I've seen have been recommending adding extra to work-outs, which is poor advice. Over-doing it could lead to serious health issues, since you're almost starving yourself on this (sad truth). Like distance for a run, or heavier weights. Just keep a normal routine in place for these 3 days. Fitness is a huge role in weight loss, especially cardio. So stick with it! But be aware of your body, and what it can/cannot handle. And again, check with a doctor if you feel odd, or injure yourself while on this diet. If you have any serious medical conditions that require dialysis or special medication (such as diabetes) I cannot recommend ENOUGH to speak with your doctor first. Print this out and give him/her the full menu and ask if it's okay, or if they can refer you to a dietician that can develop a meal plan specifically for you.

That's it so far on this post! If I remember anything important that was left out, I'll update! In the mean time, if you have ANY comments or questions, please ask! The main thing I want to stress is that while this diet worked quite well for me, it may not for you. If you're doubtful about it, ask a doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, or whomever about it first. Every person is different in terms of metabolisms and overall health, body type, size, ability to process different things, etc. If you start feeling sick while on this diet, please stop immediately and seek medical attention. You don't want to injure yourself or fall ill before your ship date, and DEFINITELY don't want to ship that way. Also, let your recruiter know that you're on this diet, that way he or she can give you more feedback on it. Like I said, my recruiter gave this to me, but not all recruiters are the same, and might prefer you didn't do this. If that's the case, LISTEN to them. While you're certainly a "number" for them, you're still a person and they don't want you to harm yourself in any way. Your recruiter knows what's best, and if they don't, your doctor most definitely does!!

That's all for now, folks! Have a great day!!