Mono diets are one of the top 10 most searched diets of 2016 on Google and they are based on eating solely one food or a food group in order to trigger weight loss. A lot of bloggers have been promoting it and the diet has gained a worldwide popularity.
Though the thought of eating just one food for a longer period of time may not be the most attractive thing to do, the weight loss results are tempting, as some experts claim. So, let’s found out if mono diets are worth it…
The Mono Diet Explained
There are two different approaches to this diet. The former is that it is not safe and not good for you because you are consuming just one group of food, for example, just fruit or just veggies. The latter is eating mono meals or one food or food group at each meal, for example, protein for breakfast, fruits for lunch, and vegetables for dinner. There is also a version of the diet known as mono raw diet or the consumption of raw veggies and fruits for any meal.
The Benefits and Side Effects of the Mono Diet
When on this diet, you do not feel pressured to constantly make decision about what you are going to eat next. This eliminates a lot of stress and things become automated in a short amount of time. They add that it possible to follow a balanced diet in this way and supply the body with the necessary nutrients and the key is good planning.
Losing weight by eating only one food is possible, but, there is a risk of getting sick of that one food and end up eating it less, others argue. So, one could claim that this diet is unsustainable and it is not a viable and healthy long-term diet option. Mono meals can unfortunately trigger loss of muscle mass, brain function issues, and a poor immunity, as well as tiredness and irritability due to hunger.
Regardless of the food group, you are still missing other macronutrients. Namely, loss of protein leads to the body’s breaking down of its own muscles in order to supply the blood with the needed amino acids for vital bodily function. There can also be digestive issues due to lack of fiber if you focus solely on meat and lead to the occurrence of bloating and constipation. This is because there is no single food or food group that can give you all the needed nutrients to preserve your overall health and well-being.
A Balanced Diet Is Crucial
To successfully lose weight, you should never make drastic diet changes like it is the case with the Mono Diet. Namely, dietitians claim that there is a higher possibility of losing weight in a healthy way by balancing fats, carbs, and proteins properly. Everything else could lead to nutrient deficiencies and other serious health complications.