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Cambridge Diet
A liquid diet that may be too calorie restrictive for long-term success.
BACKGROUND
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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.
PRO
- Cambridge Diet contains all the essential nutrients
- Has a proven success rate
- Safe for diabetics and those with high blood pressure
CON
- 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 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.
EXERCISE
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.
CONCLUSION
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 Misspellings
cambrdge Diet, cambradge diet, cambridge deit, camebridge diet, cambridge liquid diet, cambridgediet.com
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User Feedback
(Page 32 of 57, 1131 total comments)suz
ha just re-read your email.... i find it hillarious that someone wants to tell me why i am fat, like you i have a full understanding why, i just dont want to be anymore. Does the THERAPY help with the cambrudge diet? Thanks
posted Jul 13th, 2008 7:22 pmJackie
13/7/2008 - 19:15pm) Hi SUZ - I feel can answer this one as I have done both! With LighterLife, you do receive the group support, and the Therapy that TROOPERSUE mentioned. HOWEVER I personally didnt find it up to much. Im still in touch with 2 of the women I did lighterlife with, and ALL of us have put ALL of our weight back on - I'm not sure that says much for the "therapy." To be honest, I find this board more helpful than anything I learned at Lighterlife. I know that it is my fault that I put the weight back on, but it wasnt just me that gained again! Which tells me that the Therapy is NOT worth the extra money. Lighterlife was £66 per week when I did it, and I believe (please anyone correct me if I am wrong) that it is now £88. Now in todays financial climate - can you afford that?! Cambridge includes one on one time with your counsellor, this FANTASTIC listing board (which is soon to be improved!) and all for more than half the price of Lighterlife! PLUS Cambridge packs are SOOOO much tastier than LL packs. So, SUZ with all of that, I would definitely recommend you try Cambridge first. Yes both diets work fantastically when you stick to them, but when you introduce food back in, the only difference is the price! Hope that helps! Jackie x
posted Jul 13th, 2008 7:22 pmTroopersue
13/07/08 - 1.05am. SUZ, From my understanding both Lighterlife and Cambridge Diet products are manufactured by the same company, But different flavours are dispatched to each one. The main difference is that with Lighterlife you recieve Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Its done within a group environment and should help you keep the weight off with a better understanding as to why you put it on in the first place. The Cambridge Diet is more often than not done on a one-to-one basis. You and the consultant. I believe a lighterlife session lasts something like 2 hours whereas cambridge seems to be between 15-30mins. Price is another factor that most people have to consider also. Lighterlife - £66 per week approx. Cambridge - £34 - £35 per week approx. Personally I chose the Cambridge diet as I couldnt warrant an extra £30+ for someone to tell me why im fat. I KNOW why im fat - I eat too much ..lol. But everyone has a personal choice. Both are very good and you will lose lots of weight faster and healthier than with any other diet ive ever come across. I think the "average" weight loss is approx 1st a month on both. I went for the Cambridge diet but its entirely your personal choice Suz. Anyways lots and lots of luck with whichever one you decide to do - and do pop back and keep us updated :) Sue x
posted Jul 13th, 2008 9:09 amTroopersue
12/07/08 - 10.15pm. CARRIE, yes im still about. Thanks for asking, I have been reading everyones posts but by the time I scroll to the bottom, its bedtime LOL. (theres a teeny weeny hint there Brandi). Someone asked if anyone had lost 3 stone - I have. I would have lost it a lot quicker if I didnt have such a hatred for water im sure. It's taken me 17 weeks in total, if that's any help. LISA - I do still have the pain in my right thigh but I think it must be improving very very slowly. Before the diet I was having to use a TENS machine (with 8 pads) on my leg and back every afternoon and evening. Walking up the stairs to the loo with it on wasnt a big problem ~ but its no easy feat trying to get ya knickers down with 8 wires running in and out of ya knicker leg, I can tell you ..LOL. I havent now had to use it since about 4 weeks into the diet. But I still cannot walk far without a lot of pain or stand for any length of time cuz it still hurts a lot. Ive been told that for every 1lb of body weight you lose it takes 2lb of pressure off your spine. So ive taken 42lb of body weight off = 84lb pressure off my spine and the pain is still there !!. Perhaps it will be better when I weigh 3st eh? lol. If anyone has any tips on how I can get this 2 litres of water down my neck religiously each day id very much appreciate your ideas.- Sue x
posted Jul 12th, 2008 6:15 pmsuz
Hi everyone.... i need some advice... ok i am in desperate need to loose weight... need to loose bout 5 stone - wow. Anyways, i am debating between the lighter life or the cambridge diet...... wot would you guys recommend???? i need to get started asap, as i have a 9 month old who belive it or not is not far off walking and i really really dont wanna restrict her because im too tired - so any comments or advice will be so helpful and appreciated. I am due to see a lighterlife consultant on monday and still to arrange to see a cambridge consultant - help???? thanks!
posted Jul 12th, 2008 6:15 pmSibelle
Hi All, I'm going to start the diet on Monday and was just wandering whether anyone thinks it is a bad idea to start it while I have a cold and sore throat? Has anyone noticed whether the diet lowers your immune system? (I get a horrible recurring cold/sore throat and am hoping the diet wont make it worse.) I did the diet before a few years ago and found that it was surprisingly easy because I never had to think about what to eat! I lost about 20lb last time but regained it because I went back to my bad eating habits. This time I feel much more motivated and am determined to go all the way and lose nearly 4st and to keep it off. I have been overweight since I was a child and have never know what it is like to be slim so really want to get there. This forum is great, it's so good to see how everyone else is doing - I feel like we're all in it together!
posted Jul 12th, 2008 2:36 pmjane
hi eve 64 - Thanks for replying. I am going self catering to mallorca for 2 weeks with family and friends. I was on hol about 5 weeks ago - all includive - and although i stuck to eating salads and fish, and a small amount of bread and potatoes, i still put on 12lbs (mind you, i lost exactly 12lb the week i came back). I just think with the added alcohol, and the odd ice-cream thrown in - it all added up. This is why i am thinking of taking cd on hol with me for b/fast and lunch, and then eating out on the night - i think i will still probably put on weight - but hopefully not as much. I feel wonderful with what i have achieved so far - i could even do the seat belt up on the plane when i went in may! and i dont want to undo my good work so far. I will have to follow your lead though and do lots of walking and swimming. Bye for now x.
posted Jul 12th, 2008 2:36 pmCoza
12/7/08 Stuck to sole source for just over 2 weeks everything was going so well some how i have lost the plot started eating, still trying to be careful but feel a little dissapointed with myslf. I must get back on track and have promised myself i will be focused and back on course tomorow, i so want to be slimmer for christmas need lots of inspiriation:- (
posted Jul 12th, 2008 2:36 pmalana
Hey Guys:)started CD diet 5 days ago and today i caved in and had something eat i feel like i have let myself down,this is soooooooooo hard!!!!!!x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmkaren
Hi I have now been on CD for just over two weeks. Lost 8lb first week and 4.5lb the second. Haven't felt tired, had mood swings (other than the usual ones!) and no headaches either, I must be lucky? Biggest problem is fighting the urge to eat - it's much more of a habit than anything else. Still, not given in yet and if I can do it anyone can - I am the biggest chocaholic there is! Taking away any decisions about food and what you can and can't eat make it easy for me.
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmannon
i am currently on this diet and i have lost 9 pounds in a week, however i feel light headed and hungry alot of the time. you have to have power to do this i feel x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmcarrie
hi everyone, LOONIESAMMIE it really does get easier, everyday, so keep going!! The diet is tough, I think its hard just cos its a real change of lifestyle. TROOPERSUE and EMMA are you still around? how are you getting on? I have 9llbs to go to target wieght and staying strong! I got a goal insight though so i think that really helps x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmTracey
Hi All, on day 19 and lost 20lbs and 11 inches so I'm really pleased!! Clothes so much more comfortable. Got about another 2 stone but will stop when I'm comfortable. Well done to everyone you all seem to be doing fantastic!! EVE 64 WOW losing 1lbs on holiday I'm the same as Jane how did you do it? Good luck to all the new people starting and to everyone else keep up the good weight loses!! Bye for now x.
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmlyn
Hi its my third weigh in tonight so wish me luck, ive had some ham to eat a couple of times so i hope i still have a good loss let you know later.x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmJackie
Hi All - Just wanted to say Im still here - just mega busy! But still finding time to read this page! Hope everyone is doing well! x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmlyn
yipee i lost anouther 3lb thats 15lb in just 3 weeks!
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmeve64
Hi jane- i didnt drink much alcohol on hol had the odd sangria,ate a lot of omeletes with salad but also had pizza,s and went to a chinese buffet a couple of times, i was self catering so i had cereal and yoghurt 4 breakfast,crackers,salad,crisps,etc for lunch( tried to avoid them but i love crisps)must say though i did a lot of swimming and walking,and my appetite has reduced since being on CD,i love not having the bloated feeling,and when i felt full whilst eating on holiday i stopped as did not want the bloatedness to come back.Even my counseller was shocked at me losing weight,i did not want to take the CD on hol with me and was glad i didnt.RU going self catering or All Inc as u can still control what u eat and have a good hol without thinking about the scales.
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmlooniesammie
thanks , i feel a little better this morning, my head still feels a little woozy, but im not hungry , just keep thinking of food, but got glass of water next to me lol, just hope i start to feel better soon x
posted Jul 10th, 2008 9:11 amLotty
Hi LOONIESAMMIE, it is normal to feel how you feel at first. I'm on day 5 now and days 3 and 4 were horrid. I had a "can't move my head headache" and kept going dizzy and feeling sick. The good news is today I feel great - no headaches and full of energy. So you WILL feel better soon and be glad you kept going. Hope that helps!
posted Jul 9th, 2008 5:48 pmsam
hiya well done to all that ev lost weight !!! JACKIE thanks for your words ov encouragement im definitly goin to giv cd a try hopefully within the nxt 2 wks i'll keep u posted !!! im hopein 2 lose 4st im goin 2 start on ss how long do u think it will take ?? thanks again x
posted Jul 9th, 2008 5:48 pm