Metabolic Diet: Does It Help to Lose Weight?
The metabolic diet is designed to boost the metabolism and thus make weight loss easier. We reveal whether this really works and how the diet works.
What is the metabolic diet?
In a metabolic diet (metabolism or metabolic cure), the aim is to eat foods that stimulate the metabolism. This should help us to lose weight, because these foods help to keep the blood sugar level constant and prevent attacks of ravenous hunger.
The metabolic diet is usually designed as a dietary phase lasting two weeks, with three meals a day. However, there is also one gourmet day per week on which six meals are allowed. Due to the low intake of calories, a few kilos should be able to be shed during the diet.
What can I eat and drink with the metabolic diet?
During the diet, protein-rich food is on the menu. This is why the cure is not suitable for long-term use, as a protein-rich diet can even lead to metabolic disorders in the long term. The following foods are eaten during the metabolic cure:
- Salad
- Fruit and vegetables
- Meat
- Dairy products (e.g. milk, quark and boiled eggs)
- Fish
- Tea (unsweetened)
- Water
- Black coffee
Which foods should I avoid with the metabolic diet?
During this time you should avoid the following foods:
- Sugar (both in drinks and in food)
- Alcohol
- Carbohydrates (low carb is allowed in moderation)
The individual nutrition plan – depending on metabolism
Every metabolism works differently – that’s why there is no universally valid metabolic diet. It is better to first have a health check with a nutrition expert and then work out an individual nutrition plan based on this. This diet plan will then specify exactly when and what can be eaten on a daily basis. The change of diet is accordingly strict.
Does the metabolic cure work in the long run?
For most people, the diet will drop a few pounds. However, this can be seen almost exclusively on the scales – because during the metabolic cure we lose most of our kilos in the form of water retention.
However, it is doubtful that the metabolism can be permanently reprogrammed and thus lose weight: Anyone who eats the same food as before after two weeks of a strict diet will hardly be spared the yo-yo effect. The probability that kilo after kilo will slowly creep back to the hips is high with the metabolic diet, as with many other diets.
For whom is the metabolic diet suitable?
If you just want to lose weight quickly for the holidays and have no problem with a strict diet plan, you can test the metabolic diet. However, you should be healthy for this – the diet is not suitable for people with diabetes, cardiovascular or kidney problems.
If the metabolic diet is not right for you, you can try losing weight without hunger or our general weight loss tips!