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Cambridge Diet

Cambridge Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

A liquid diet that may be too calorie restrictive for long-term success.

Top Rated Diets of 2024
What is it?

The Cambridge Diet is a weight loss program offering pre-packed meals, counseling, and low calorie meal suggestions. It’s considered a VLCD, which means it’s a very low calorie diet.

One can select between 415 to 1500 calories depending on one’s weight loss goals, gender, and tolerance. Consultants are offered not just to guide, but to recommend what calorie limit one should follow. There have been numerous diets observed by our experts, and the highest rated one has been  the 18Shake Diet. It offers a diet pill and meal replacement shakes that aim to reduce appetite for hours, all while providing fat burning effects with its all natural ingredients. More information about the 18Shake Diet can be seen in the link here.

Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?

Cambridge DietIngredients and Side Effects

Here are some noteworthy ingredients added to their prepackaged foods:

Skimmed Milk Powder

Maltodextrin

Guar Gum

Refined Fractionated Palm Oil

Acesulfame K

Sucralose

Carrageenan

Flavourings

Dried Glucose Syrup

Silicon Dioxide

Oligofructose

 

Guar Gum:Fiber extract taken from the guar plant. It’s used as a general thickener in processed foods, as well as a laxative.  It can promote side effects that include:

         • Diarrhea, gas, and loose stools.

         • Indigestion, nausea, and stomach pains.

Acesulfame K: Artificial sweetener around 200 times sweeter than standard sugar. A study by PLOS One found that:

“Long-Term Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium Alters Neurometabolic Functions”

This study showed that in mice there was an effect on insulin and leptin levels.  The same study added:

“chronic use… could affect cognitive functions, potentially via altering neuro-metabolic functions”

It also has shown the potential for other side effects according to a review by the Oxford Journals:

“long-dated function on the adult’s sweet preference”

This study was conducted on mice that were given their mother’s breast milk or amniotic fluid in birth, and their preference for sweets changed.

Sucralose: Artificialsweetener that can be around 1,000 times much sweeter than sugar. It has been used controversially since some studies have shown it to be potentially dangerous. One such study was performed by Duke University and it revealed:

“numerous adverse effects”

“reduction in beneficial fecal microflora, increased fecal pH, and enhancedexpression levels of P-gp”

This means the body considers it a toxin, and it reduces healthy bacteria which helps support the immune system according to this clinical study.

Carrageenan: Thickener and binder extractedfrom red seaweed.The University of Iowa ran a study which showed:

“carcinogenic properties of degraded carrageenan”

“ulcerations and neoplasms in association with exposure to carrageenan”

This has shown the possibility for causing serious issues in the body.

The link provided here has the top 10 ranked diets of the year.

The types of foods offered by the Cambridge Diet are meal replacement shakes, bars, pasta, rice, soups, desserts, and other snacks. According to the official website:

“products contain the vitamins and minerals you need for balanced nutrition and healthy weight loss”

Most of what one eats will be the prepackaged foods. This can make it easier to handle a caloric loss, as the foods are specially formulated to be lower in calories. There are also 6 steps outlined one must follow, though where one begins depends on what the counselor advises. Here are the steps:

• Sole Source: 3 to 4 prepackaged foods are eaten a day. The Sole Source Plus option allows for 3 prepacked goods alongside meal of 200 calories, or 4 of the companies meals with 200 ml of skimmed milk.

• 2nd Stage: Protein rich meals are added as well as some skimmed milk and vegetables alongside up o Cambridge meals. It’s typically limited to 810 calories a day for a week long period.

• 3rd Stage: 2 of the meals, some milk, and a 1,000 calorie a day limit. This is enforced for 2 weeks.

• 4th Stage: 2 prepackaged meals, some skimmed milk, and more regular meals.

• 5th Stage: One Cambridge meal and breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for a total of 1500 calories.

• 6th Stage: Once your heathy weight is reached, this stage helps maintain results. One prepackaged meal a day is recommended alongside continued support from a consultant.

It’s unclear whether or not the consultants have any background in diet and nutrition. It’s unlikely however that they use real certified dieticians, which can be potentially dangerous or lead to wrong advice. Our experts have analyzed many diets and have ranked the top 10 in the list here.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

Cambridge Diet Quality of Ingredients

Since the beginning of the program asks for a majority of foods to be selected from the company’s prepackaged foods, it’s important for the ingredients to be wholesome.

Unfortunately, they use artificial sweeteners and cheap thickeners often used to replace fiber. These kinds of additives can actually make weight loss harder, as studies have shown they may cause metabolism disorders as well as other side effects.

It’s also difficult to understand what kind of help is provided by the counselors, which remains to be seen whether or not they are actually certified to give health and nutrition advice.  The link provided here has a list of the highest rated diets.

A review on the Cambridge Diet was performed by the British Dietetic Association, and they have listed possible side effects which include:

“bad breathe, a dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, and constipation”

They also advise for medical support when a person is to receive less than 600 calories, which some plans offered by the company suggest only 450 calories a day. It’s unclear if the counselors offer any support for this type of reduction in calories.

The Price and Quality of Cambridge Diet

The price depends more on how often once decides to use the prepackaged meals. The official website states it will cost per week 48.30 pounds, which rounds to a weekly price of $63.46. Since this is a UK based plan, no consultations are available outside the US. In fact, on the official site there is a map where support and availability is offered, and there are no listings for the US.

The quality of meals is poor, as the additives included are often found in processed foods. It can also be expensive to have to keep using the company’s foods, as the final stage of maintenance requires one pre-packaged meal a day.

Business of Cambridge Diet

The contact information for the diet is as follows:

Phone Number: (44)(0) 1536 403344

Address:Stafford House, 10 Brakey Road

                   Corby, Northants, NN17 5LU

Email: [email protected]

The official website lists how to become a paid consultant for the company. Nowhere in the job skills is there any notice for people to have a background in health and nutrition. The company only asks for people with a background in sales who are organized and can plan ahead.

This means that it’s likely the people who are meant to give support have no skills in helping people with weight loss. The link cited here has the top 10 ranked diets.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of Cambridge Diet

Here are some direct quotes from user reviews:

“not the best diet health wise… nails went brittle thin, hair began to thin rapidly”

“never felt full, I always felt hungry”

“Having a bad time with motivation”

“the first few days are the hardest”

Though there were some weight loss results for people, there were also issues due to a lack of calories. Many felt weakened, less energetic, and much more fatigued than usual.

Some also had symptoms that are clear signs of nutrient deficiencies such as brittle and weak nails, thin hair, and increased stress. This was often the case for people who attempted this diet. 

The top 10 ranked diet plans can be seeninthe link provided here.

Conclusion - Does Cambridge DietWork?

The Cambridge Diet is similar to other diet plans which offer pre-packaged foods. There’s also counseling offered, but it’s clear that the support is from people who are more business people rather than nutrition experts. Many of the foods offered have processed ingredients, though they are low in calories. Reviews have been mixed with some experiencing health issues and hunger. Though a low calorie plan like this can work, any reduction in calories can result in weight loss. There’s nothing special added to the prepackaged foods which isn’t found in a standard processed meal.

Our experts have performed many reviews and have discovered that the most effective diet is the 18Shake Diet. It provides a combination of a meal replacement and a diet pill. They both provide only natural ingredients, no stimulants, and no unwanted artificial or additives. Its effects include appetite suppression, increased fat burning, and more. When used together it enhances weight loss at a faster rate. Customers have also left positive testimonials on the official website.

The 18Shake Diet is also supported by a full 30 day money back guarantee. This allows for people to try this product risk free, and with no questions asked. More information about the specifics of the 18Shake Diet is available here.

How Does Cambridge Diet Compare?
  • Product Name
  • User Rating
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  • Cheap Price
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  • Cambridge Diet
  • 35 /100
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(Page 29 of 59, 1175 total comments)

grace:

Just about to start CD today - read up on it before starting and sounds good with the fast results - wish me luck

posted Aug 10th, 2008 8:07 pm


Hayley

Hi guys, Well it's been a week ... after walking out of my job my diet went totally out of the window and consisted of fish n chips, KFC and Domino's. Hysterically I didn't actually enjoy any of it. So I am now back on the wagon as of today. Wish me luck.

posted Aug 10th, 2008 8:07 pm


lorraine

hi to u all i have done cd before and i lost 1 1/2 stone in 3 weeks then we had a famliy truma and then a hoilday , yes it went back on just deciding if i can go back on got aleast 5 st to lose im a brieds maid next year dont wont be the ony fat 1

posted Aug 10th, 2008 8:07 pm


lyn

Hi everyone i had my weigh in last week my conceller has been away for 3 WEEKS! that has been hard but i still lost 7lbs so that is 26 in all over 7wks so not to bad but if i could stick with it over 3 wks with no weigh in anyone can so keep at it because what do you want more food or weight loss? Good luck and be good!!!

posted Aug 10th, 2008 8:07 pm


sue.g

8th aug. hi everyone. for all of you that are disheartend plz dont be. Ok i told you guys i was going to start the diet again this week, well i went for a weigh in and wait for it.........14st3lb. oh my god!!!!!!!!!! so today is day 2 back on the diet and boy am i finding this difficult.I thought that i would find it really easy 2nd time around I WAS WRONG. the first time i started CD i weighed nearly 17st and was a really tight size 20 ( i refused to buy a 22) i hope i dont go back 2 that! Could someone let me know do all of your councilors set a goal with you guys? cos my councilor never has and i find that quite disheartning. also the exercise thing someone said that u shouldnt. well u can after week 2/3 and it does help with the weight loss coz that was how i did it before. Whoever it was that gave the tip of freezing the tetrabrix can u also freeze the banana ones? i cant wait to try it if u can.I'm so glad i found this web page i wish it was here last year i could have really done with the support. U know i dont feel as though i'm struggling on my own anymore it's nice to know you guys are here. take care and good luck xxxxxxx

posted Aug 10th, 2008 8:07 pm


jackie68

8th aug hi every1 this is day 12 for me and i am also at a low point i find the diet is easy i just keep drinkin water 2 keep hunger at bay but i havent lost any weight for a couple of days my councillor said i could be retaining water HOW DO I STOP IT!!! lol i want my weight 2 go my holiday is in 5 weeks,but on a good note i luv the shakes and i can have the bars next week lookin forward to them, to those who are struggling just keep thinking about wen u have lost the weight it will be so worth it in the end i have about 6 stone to lose but i'm not giving up!!! good luck everyone and keep trying xxxxx

posted Aug 8th, 2008 8:17 am


Sekai

Its my first day on the diet and I am over struggling. The bread and ham in the fridge is calling my name. I feel lightheaded and tired. I slept for 2 hrs this afternoon and dreamt of food- lol Trying to stay strong but def need encouragement.I have 7 stone to lose and know if I get over this hurdle I can get achieve it. I feel like I am drowning in water- urgghh-not a big fan without the help of vimto or orange flavour. I know I sound like a big baby- but feeling pretty sorry for my self- But need to snap out of it-lol...but the ham- urgggggghhhh Help!!! Any tips will be welcomed

posted Aug 7th, 2008 5:48 pm


taby

7th aug, day 10 been on it for 10 days now, not enjoyin it at all, 1st week was fine didn't feel hungry at all, but i only lost 4lbs and my councelor was shocked!lol said its the lowest shes seen, but after she measured me said she was happy with the inch loss as iv lost 3 inches off my hips n bum area n she said thats rare for a 1st week. got another weigh in on monday, must admit so close to givin up :(

posted Aug 7th, 2008 5:48 pm


Sibelle

7 Aug - Hi Every one, VIKKI thanks for the encouragement, and congratulations on your success in your first week! You said you wanted to lose 6lb in week 2, this may be possible I think as some people do also lose a lot of weight in their second week, after that from what i have read it seems to settle to an average of 3 or 3.5lb per wk, where some weeks it is lower but some weeks it is higher. If you only lose a few lb do not let this de-motivate you. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED if you have a small or no weight loss on any particular week because the next week or so you tend to see better results. I would encourage you to buy ketostix, you can get them online for about �4 for 50 sticks. They will show you whether you are in ketosis, if the test is positive it means your are still burning fat and are probably just retaining water. HAYLEY, please do not be discouraged, persevere for another few weeks and also measure your inches to see how much you lose. VIKKI, it may be best to take it easy with exercise, I know it is tempting to try to accelerate the weightloss even more, but the Cambridge diet only provides a certain amount of proteins and your body may end up breaking down its own proteins to repair muscles following heavy exercise, this would be detrimental as a lower muscle mass means a slower metabolism. And excess exercise on such a low kcal diet could just lead to exhaustion. Please be careful. (I am not a doctor of course, but this is what I have read up on.) This diet is great, such rapid weightloss on average per week would be hard to achieve elsewhere, I myself do wish it would go a little faster but then I give myself a reality check. 3lb per week on average is great, on other diets I would be lucky to lose 2lb per week! Good luck everyone :-)

posted Aug 7th, 2008 5:48 pm


Sibelle

7 Aug - Hi Every one, VIKKI thanks for the encouragement, and congratulations on your success in your first week! You said you wanted to lose 6lb in week 2, this may be possible I think as some people do also lose a lot of weight in their second week, after that from what i have read it seems to settle to an average of 3 or 3.5lb per wk, where some weeks it is lower but some weeks it is higher. If you only lose a few lb do not let this de-motivate you. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED if you have a small or no weight loss on any particular week because the next week or so you tend to see better results. I would encourage you to buy ketostix, you can get them online for about �4 for 50 sticks. They will show you whether you are in ketosis, if the test is positive it means your are still burning fat and are probably just retaining water. HAYLEY, please do not be discouraged, persevere for another few weeks and also measure your inches to see how much you lose. VIKKI, it may be best to take it easy with exercise, I know it is tempting to try to accelerate the weightloss even more, but the Cambridge diet only provides a certain amount of proteins and your body may end up breaking down its own proteins to repair muscles following heavy exercise, this would be detrimental as a lower muscle mass means a slower metabolism. And excess exercise on such a low kcal diet could just lead to exhaustion. Please be careful. (I am not a doctor of course, but this is what I have read up on.) This diet is great, such rapid weightloss on average per week would be hard to achieve elsewhere, I myself do wish it would go a little faster but then I give myself a reality check. 3lb per week on average is great, on other diets I would be lucky to lose 2lb per week! Good luck everyone :-)

posted Aug 7th, 2008 5:48 pm


cheeky

hayley don't get angry with you self yoou have done brilliant with the weight you have lost so far keep it up. i know its hard especially when you have done your best all week, i was the same i had weeks where i didnt lose much and it does get you down but keep thinking iam going to do it i will get down to my target weight. we are all together doing the diet girl power!! sorry if i have gone on speak soon xx

posted Aug 7th, 2008 5:48 pm


Hayley

Hi Everyone, I am really hacked off today. Week one I lost 8 pounds - brilliant. Week 2 I lost 1.5 - not so brilliant and I stuck to it 100% and now 2 days before my weigh in I have not lost anything. I can't understand it

posted Aug 6th, 2008 10:29 pm


jackie68

6th aug hi guys just a quick note i am now on day 10 and av lost 10lb so a lb a day is good goin i reckon keep up the good work everyone and stick with it,and remember if u av an off day just come on ere and read the posts thats wot i do wen i feel a bit down it really does help, goodluck xxx

posted Aug 6th, 2008 9:54 am


vikki

My sincerest congratulations to Jackie, Sibelle and everyone who has been losing. Had my first weigh in last night and I lost 11lb's!! It was hard but the thing I found the hardest was that I really did not enjoy the packet soup and shakes and struggled to get them down. HOWEVER. I have started week 2 on tetras and bars and I look forward to the ice cream treat that Sibelle and my counsellor have mentioned. I really want to lose 6lb this week so will be off swimming and walking and focusing. I hope that I am having the bars does not slow down my weightloss. Is anyone else on bars and tetras? Or sole source plus? How much are you losing a week? I just couldnt stomach the powdered packets at all. But I feel really positive and the bars are very tasty and a good size and not to mention really filling. No side effects, managing to get the water down fine, any people reading this that are overweight and unhappy even if you have quite a few stone to lose I reccomend you try this. I feel positive about what Im doing to improve my self esteem and health. Good luck to everyone with their weigh in's and keep me updated. My thoughts are with you all. Vikki x

posted Aug 6th, 2008 9:54 am


Sibelle

6th Aug - Hi Everyone, I have been doing the diet for 3 weeks now and have lost 17lb in total, i'm so pleased! That's a quarter of the weight i have to lose, another 3 stone to go. For anyone craving ICECREAM, freeze a chocolate tetra and then let it defrost a bit for 30mins or so. Is delicious and eating something solid has really kept me going, almost feels like a proper meal. For the person worried about HAIRLOSS, i read a few people experience this particularly when they start going back onto normal food, apparently it may be because at tht stage people are still eating less (for maintenance) but are not having their CD shakes, so overall the body is getting less nutrients. a good multivitamin at that stage should help! or keep on having a shake or two per day. About BINGING on the weekends, I tried this diet a couple of years ago and had the mentality of 'I'll treat myself on the weekends' - I ended up eating huge amounts on weekends and so the weightloss was slow. It was like taking two steps forward each week and then one step back every weekend. I soon became de-motivated and gave up. Such a waste of time and money, and it was just reinforcing my same bad habits. I am doing the diet properly now and weightloss is so much faster, and EASIER because i KNOW i wont eat so there is no naughty little voice at the back of my head trying to persuade me to pop into KFC! Having said that I have some chicken mini fillets stored in my freezer in case I get any overpowering urges to eat. I had one in my third week and just cooked a mini-fillet in stock and ate it and everything was fine! Also, anyone experiencing low energy levels like me, I have found that it I drag myself out for a walk or a bit of exercise, soon afterwards I am bursting with energy! I also think planning for how to move on after the diet is important, I have decided to use low GI principles after I go back to normal eating to help keep the weight off. I also have a family history of diabetes (insulin resistance may be one of the reasons why I have put on so much weight in the first place! apart from my over-eating of course) so I think a low GI diet will be the way to go for me! I know that was a long post but I hope it has helped out with a few questions anyone might have! Good luck everyone and continue to be STRONG!!

posted Aug 5th, 2008 9:31 pm


lubyloo

Just had week 8 weigh in and lost 1.5lb im 0.251b of losing 2 stone.Now on 1200kal week only 2 weeks left.In total now lost 23inch.

posted Aug 5th, 2008 9:31 pm


cheeky

hi guys hope you all having a good week. iwas weighed on sat i lost 3lbs and 3 inches. im still doing the 1000 kals which iam loving. its so nice to start fitting into clothes that i couldn't get in to. i cant wait till i have lost all of my weight so i can go on a good shopping spree hope eveyone has a goog week keep up the good work everyone!!!!!

posted Aug 5th, 2008 8:54 am


jackie68

4th aug hi guys just had my first weigh in i have lost 8lb and 6 n alf inches i am so pleased with that and i can tell already by my trousers, i am so into this at the moment i just hope i continue to feel this way,i have just had banana shake made with half water half ice cubes it was so refreshing,had a disaster yesterday i made the muffin OMG i had 2 throw it away i cudnt eat it,it was awful lol but never mind, not many ppl have posted lately hope they r just on hols and not 4gotten about us lol, oh yeh i av done my stick and i am ketosis(thank god) just cant wait 2 get rid of this weight now, i will post again in the week keep up the good work everyone and just think about the day u reach goal!!! xx

posted Aug 4th, 2008 9:51 am


kelly

i have been on this for 4 weeks and so far have lost 2 stone and 1 pound!!! im finding it so easy its the best diet i have ever been on!!

posted Aug 4th, 2008 9:51 am


sue.g.

Hi. I'd just like to say well done to all of you that have stuck with CD. I started CD last year around this time. I managed to lose around 3 stones with cd and felt fantastic. I've been off the diet for quite a while now even though i still had weight to lose to b exact another 3 stone atleast!!!! well thanks to my gluttony it's now more like another 4 stones. Right for all of you that are thinking should i shouldn't i GO FOR IT! really it was the best thing i ever did. At the moment i feel like crap! but i'm hoping to change that i'm going back on the diet this week. Wish me luck people cos i'm gonna need it!!

posted Aug 4th, 2008 9:51 am



 

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BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND Start the Diet Now Advertisement

With new diets hitting the market faster than we can lose a pound, it is not too often that you stumble upon a diet that has been around for more than 20 years. The Cambridge Diet has proudly clocked some years under its svelte belt. Developed in the 80s, it still enjoys a very loyal and passionate audience of dieters who have been successful at losing weight and keeping it off.

It is a liquid diet program that involves drinking 3 servings of the signature Cambridge Diet formula each day with or without food. The three servings provide you with protein (either 30 or 50 grams), carbohydrates, fat, fiber and your daily-required vitamin and mineral allowances.

About ten years ago, the Cambridge Diet added an additional product to their 330 Original Product. The 420 Food for Life product contains 100% of the required daily protein needs in 3 servings whereas the 330 Product contains 75% of the required protein. The protein source comes from whey and soy. Both of them are nutritional supplements that do not contain drugs, medicine, stimulants or herbs.

There are four ways for you to follow the Cambridge Diet: - The Fast Track: Consume 3-4 servings of Cambridge a day and no additional food. - The Alternate Program: Use 3-4 servings of Cambridge for one day with no food and then the following day, consume 3 servings of Cambridge with the addition of 400-800 calories of low fat, low calorie health food. Continue to alternate in this manner. - The Regular Program: Eat 3 servings of Cambridge 15- 20 minutes prior to each low calorie meal. Calories should not exceed 400-800 for the entire day. - The Regular Program 2: Consume 3 servings of Cambridge and eat one meal of low calorie food each day. Calories should not exceed 400- 800 calories for the entire day.

Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?

PROPRO
  • Cambridge Diet contains all the essential nutrients
  • Has a proven success rate
  • Safe for diabetics and those with high blood pressure
CONCON
  • Its limited consumption of food may incite excessive eating
  • May be too calorically-restrictive for some individuals
  • Does not teach you to eat in a healthy and long-term way
  • Long-term weight loss may not be sustained
  • Calories might be too restrictive for exercise
DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

The foundation of the Cambridge Diet is its signature line of shakes. They come in an array of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, eggnog, strawberry, cappuccino, banana cream and many more. The shakes come in two styles: The Original and the Food for Life.

The Food for Life product contains 51 grams of protein, 54 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fat and 140 calories per shake. It also includes 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals. The Original contains 31 grams of protein and contains about 110 calories per shake.

There is also a line of additional Cambridge products like soups, nutrition bars, and super oats.

When taken the prescribed three times a day, you'll only consume 420 calories. If you select to follow a plan that allows for food, you should not consume anymore than an additional 800 calories a day and these calories should come from low-calorie and low-fat foods like vegetables and lean proteins. If you are on the smaller side, it is recommended that you only consume an additional 400 calories on top of the 420 calories for the Cambridge products.

You are also strongly encouraged to drink at least 3-4 liters of water each day.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

Since the Cambridge Diet is so restrictive, exercise should be done cautiously. It is not recommended to start a new strenuous exercise program while on the Cambridge Diet. Moderate exercise like walking or biking is useful once you start to lose weight, providing that it is approached with caution and not done with excess.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

There is no question that The Cambridge Diet has been around for a long time. And in the process, many have had luck losing weight by following its strict dietary regimen. Since the diet is so low in calories, check with your doctor before starting it, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

The Cambridge Diet devotees swear by the diet's ability to help them lose weight as long as the program is followed correctly. But like most diets that rely on shakes or supplements to shed pounds, its potential for long-term weight loss and for instilling sound and healthy eating habits in you is not that promising.

Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

cambrdge Diet, cambradge diet, cambridge deit, camebridge diet, cambridge liquid diet, cambridgediet.com

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