3-Day Diet Plan - Three Day Tuna Diet

For those who are weight conscious or image conscious, an upcoming wedding or birthday or just a blind date, triggers a mad rush to shed just those extra few pounds in order to look perfect. Today there is hardly anyone who doesn't want to look perfect and is unwilling to go that extra mile for the desired look.

If that is what is bothering you, then the 3-day tuna diet is just the right choice for you. It is short-termed, simple to follow and quite convenient. Since the diet plan includes tuna in most of the meals, it is also known as the three-day tuna diet plan.

The diet provides immediate results, though they are short-lived. It also promises body detoxification and lower cholesterol, but there is no scientific evidence to prove so. This diet is very popular among dieters and has also been associated with various institutions and health professionals, but no one has ever come forth to claim the plan. Hence, the origin of the diet plan is still unknown.

The 3-day diet first gained popularity somewhere around 1985. Although it is claimed that the diet works because of some chemical reaction of the foods incorporated in the diet, there is no scientific evidence for the same. Experts say that it is nothing but the low calorie intake for 3 days that helps one lose weight.

The diet also fails to recommend any kind of exercise during the course of the diet. Hence, it is highly unlikely that a person would lose any fat after following this diet. The weight loss that is seen is nothing but water loss and that is why all the lost weight is almost immediately regained.

This diet is a good option if you want to achieve quick weight loss. However, one should ensure that he/she does not follow the diet for more than 3 days. If one wishes to follow the diet for a longer period, then he/she should take a break of 4 to 5 days before resumption. During the break, you can follow a healthy and low-calorie diet plan.

This can be done by alternating the phases of dieting i.e., following the tuna diet for three days then following a well-balanced diet for the next five days and then going back to the 3-day tuna diet. However, this is discouraged by several nutritionists considering the side effects that this practice might lead to.

The main food included in this diet is tuna. Other diet foods include toast, fruits, black coffee, vegetable, ice cream, crackers, and cottage cheese. Low-fat peanut butter and sugar substitutes can also be used.

The dieters are also allowed to consume all kinds of herbs, pepper, salt, vinegar, lemon, mustard, and sauces such as tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. It is essential that one consumes only those beverages that are listed in the diet or similar low-calorie beverages.

The tuna diet plan stresses on drinking plenty of water. No other foods apart from these are allowed while following the diet plan.

Here is a 3-day tuna diet sample plan to help you out.

Breakfast
Black tea or coffee (with sugar substitute) or water
Either juice or grapefruit
1 slice toast (½ to 1 tbsp. low-fat peanut butter as spread)

Lunch
1 slice plain toast
½ cup tuna
Water, diet soda or black tea or coffee (with sugar substitute)

Dinner
2-3 oz. lean meat (fish/chicken)
1 cup green beans
1 cup grated carrot
1 medium apple
Water or black coffee or tea (with sugar substitute)

Breakfast
Black tea or coffee (with sugar substitute) or water
1 egg (omelet, hard-boiled or poached)
1 slice plain toast
1 banana

Lunch
1 cup tuna or cottage cheese
5 saltine crackers
Water, diet soda or black tea or coffee (with sugar substitute)

Dinner
2 hot-dogs or 2 beef franks
1 cup cabbage or broccoli
½ cup grated or sliced carrot
½ cup sugar-free vanilla ice-cream
Water or black coffee or tea (with sugar substitute)

Breakfast
Black tea or coffee (with sugar substitute) or water
5 saltine crackers
1 oz. cheddar cheese
1 apple

Lunch
1 hard-boiled egg with 1 slice plain toast
Water, diet soda or black tea or coffee (with sugar substitute)

Dinner
1 cup tuna
1 cup cauliflower
1 cup carrots
1 cup melon
½ cup sugar-free vanilla ice-cream
Water or black coffee or tea (with sugar substitute)

The 3-day tuna diet is supposed to be followed in exactly the same way that it has been designed. No variations are allowed in the plan. But the following food items can be substituted.

Food - Tuna        
Substitute - Cottage Cheese

Food - Grapefruit     
Substitute - Orange

Food -  Broccoli   
Substitute - Cauliflower

Food - Ice-cream             
Substitute - Yogurt
                                     

Food - Carrot       
Substitute - Beetroot

Food - Meat/Egg    
Substitute - Tofu

Food - Crackers   
Substitute - Toast

You should keep in mind that you can follow the 3-day diet only once a week. The efficacy of this diet plan in the long run will depend on the diet you follow once you are off the tuna diet. If you feast on high calorie food later, then you are more likely to regain all the lost weight. For a long-lasting and healthy weight loss, there is nothing better than following a well-balanced diet plan and exercising regularly.

The minimum calorie intake is 1200 for women and 1500 for men. This diet does not meet these requirements. The diet plan also fails to meet an average person's nutritional requirements. Moreover, this 3-day diet is not suitable for children, pregnant or lactating women, or people facing any kind of health issues.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.