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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 34 of 57, 1131 total comments)Anna
I'm on my second and feel terrible,i am very tired and sooooooo hungry,i want to lost a stone ina month but sure I can do this for 4 weeks,does it get easier?
posted Jul 6th, 2008 11:01 amCaroline
Hi everyone, Just to say how well everyone is doing. KIRSTEN: I am cabin crew too, so i know how you feel. You can still socialise but no food or drink as such for a while. Just think how much it will be worth it.I still go out and enjoy my time downroute. I wont say its easy all the time but it will be worth it when ur slipping into that size 10 uniform. Jane: You done so well!! I know u want to enjoy your holiday but maybe you should break your normally habits of putting on a stone or more. You second option sounds good. You need to change things as you go so you can maintain and enjoy the slim figure your working towards. Go for it everyone xx
posted Jul 5th, 2008 2:43 pmKelly
I got weighed today after 4 weeks 3 of those i was on vacation and i cant believe that i actually lost 2 lb and 5 inches! im so pleased! keep up the hard work everyone your all doing so well
posted Jul 5th, 2008 10:06 amjane
hi all - have a little problem. I have been doing cd for 7 weeks now, and lost 39lbs which is fab, but i still have a long long way to go. I am going on holiday in three weeks time, and I just know that with eating AND drinking I will put 1 stone, if not more on. So what I want to know is - does anyone else have the same problem - i am even considering taking the product on holiday with me and having cd for breakfast and lunch, and then enjoying a meal and a drink with our friends on the evening. Any comments??
posted Jul 5th, 2008 10:06 amFraggle79uk
AMANDA - you've hit on one of my promises to myself - no more 'This year i'll lose the weight' New Years resolutions!! I'm now in my 4th week of SS and feel much better. I've not been able to get on for a little while as works has been so manic for the last couple of weeks, in my first week I lost 7.5lbs, my second week, 0.5lbs and yesterday 2lbs so 10lbs so far. I have to say, the last couple of weeks i've not stuck to SS properly due to stress but i'm cool with that - i'm still loosing and today have got back onto it 100% and would like to lose 4-5lbs for next week so have my first stone out the way. I lost 5lbs before I started CD whilst I was waiting for my appointment date so have lost around 15lbs so far. I still have about 6 stone to lose and I really want to lose as much by November as I can so it's dedication all the way!! This site i've found sooooooooo useful. It's such a great feeling to know that you're not on your own and discuss problems and tips. Also, one thing i've found with previous 'diets' is that if you have one bad day, you tend to give up for the week. With the CD, please don't panic if you have an off day and think you've ruined it, just get back onto it and you'll be amazed!! I've gone down a dress size already and my clothes are fitting better!! It is hard and can be tough, especially the first week but it does work and you are all doing fantastically well!! Keep it up xxx
posted Jul 4th, 2008 11:01 pmFraggle79uk
Sorry, knew there was something else - have bought some of the Ketostix to test for ketosis but am a little unsure what i'm looking for on them :S can anyone shed some light?? Also - KELLY, your question about the mousses, what happens is you can get mix a mousse granules from your counsellor which you add to your shakes to turn them into mousses so the flavours are what flavours the shakes are you choose. Also, the water flavourings are an orange flavour and a summer berry flavour. Have the summer berry one and have to say, it's not bad but not quite how I expected (if that makes sense) they're quite expensive - £6-40 for a tub and you add 1tsp to a litre of water so there's 30 servings in a tub. A lot of people have said it's better if you add it to sparkling water which i'm going to try. Hope this helps a little xx
posted Jul 4th, 2008 11:01 pmlyn
hi just back from my second week weigh in and i lost anouther 3lbs which is 12 in all must say though that i feel like ive lost more than that but it will be over a stone by next week and at least i can eat the bars this week i am really looking forward to that! good luck everyone.
posted Jul 4th, 2008 11:01 pmmarnie x
hi guys ok so on day 4 now - and it is hard !! i have been having hunger pains today and had to sit through a corporate lunch! agony! but i have measured myself today and i have lost 3 inches off my legs 2 off my hips and 1 of my bust so that is making me happy!! i cant wait for weigh in on sunday!! i hope i can keep this up! water hasnt been to bad managed to drink enough- getting a bit sick of the shakes now i feel sick when i go to have one and hold my nose when i drink it ! i think i like the soups better , thanks jackie wow 7 ibs in 3 days wicked i hope i have lost that much - as i keep thinking if i havent lost that much i will stop as it is too much to sacrifice for little weight loss?? is this me beeing stupid - and wanted to ask is anyone on the 1 meal a day and how much do you lose with this?? i know it will be less but how much less?? sorry to go on! well ill keep you posted xxxxx
posted Jul 4th, 2008 9:13 amlyn
Hi its my second weigh in tomorrow so fingers crossed cannot wait to be able to have the bars as much as i am not hungry i really need something to chew! It is amazing how as long as you drink enough you really are not hungry and if you are drink more sometimes i will have a coffee and a large glass of water and then more coffee untill the hunger goes and it does, i must add that i drink decaf so its not as bad as it seems any way i look forward to my weigh in tomorrow.x
posted Jul 4th, 2008 9:13 amFraggle79uk
AMANDA - you've hit on one of my promises to myself - no more 'This year i'll lose the weight' New Years resolutions!! I'm now in my 4th week of SS and feel much better. I've not been able to get on for a little while as works has been so manic for the last couple of weeks, in my first week I lost 7.5lbs, my second week, 0.5lbs and yesterday 2lbs so 10lbs so far. I have to say, the last couple of weeks i've not stuck to SS properly due to stress but i'm cool with that - i'm still loosing and today have got back onto it 100% and would like to lose 4-5lbs for next week so have my first stone out the way. I lost 5lbs before I started CD whilst I was waiting for my appointment date so have lost around 15lbs so far. I still have about 6 stone to lose and I really want to lose as much by November as I can so it's dedication all the way!! This site i've found sooooooooo useful. It's such a great feeling to know that you're not on your own and discuss problems and tips. Also, one thing i've found with previous 'diets' is that if you have one bad day, you tend to give up for the week. With the CD, please don't panic if you have an off day and think you've ruined it, just get back onto it and you'll be amazed!! I've gone down a dress size already and my clothes are fitting better!! It is hard and can be tough, especially the first week but it does work and you are all doing fantastically well!! Keep it up xxx
posted Jul 4th, 2008 9:13 amKirsten
Hi everyone, well i have been following all your comments for over a week now (about how long it took me to read from start to finish). I have my first meeting to start ss tonight so day 1 will be tomorrow for me and i am so excited. Reading all your comments has put me in a positive frame of mind before i have started, which can only be a good thing. So a little about me, i have 3 stone to lose, i work as long haul cabin crew so am a little nervous about how the diet will affect the social aspect of my job aswell as working 17-18 hour days and finding the energy to pull through. Anyway like i said, Day 1 for me tomorrow so will keep you all posted. Well done to everyone on here, not only for being successful in losing weigh but also for coming together and supporting one another through all the ups and downs.x
posted Jul 3rd, 2008 12:57 pmJackie
(2/7/2008 - 15:25) Hi All! MARNIE it is NOT unusual! I lost 7lbs in my first 3 days! Your water weight comes off quickly, so dont be surprised if you weight a lot less already! Well done you! EMMA I have emailed you from my normal address! That new one I created didnt see to be working so I just deleted it! I will check back on here later for more listings! Bye! x
posted Jul 2nd, 2008 2:17 pmEmma
JACKIE: Tried to email you but it won't go through - my email address is emma.harris@devaslewisjames.co.uk so if you can email me with your email address on it and then hopefully it can be created xx
posted Jul 2nd, 2008 8:47 ammarnie x
hi everyone ! well now on day 3 of the cd im doing well dont feel that hungry - i felt a little dizzy this morining and a bit sick - but with the water i feel fine now - i had a mint choc shake last night and it was so yummy! i was so suprised - as for exercise i dont think i will be doing any just yet as i think i would probably pass out! lol dont know if if my prices have gone up seeing as i have only just started - i think i will be better once i can have the bars and flavourings - but i keep thinking about beeing skinny! i think i have lost weight already is this normal in you first 2 days? i might just be in my head? well ill kepp you all updated xxx bye for now xxx
posted Jul 2nd, 2008 8:47 amKelly
Hi all, well i had lost 3 stone in 10 weeks before going to Jamaica, I have now returned from jamaica and have eaten for 3 weeks however i havnt really enjoyed food like i did before i started CD. I have started back on ss and i havnt found it difficult, strangely enough i am enjoying it! i hate the soups and love the shakes, my favourite bars are cranberry and peanut im not keen on the rest i dont like the texture! I am still to try the mousse what are they like and what flavours do they do? does anyone know? I am getting fed up with water now as i dont drink tea or coffee and dont want to start drinking pop! are the water flavourings nice? i am going to barcelona in 9 weeks so it will be interesting to see how much i lose, i have my first weigh in on saturday and i am hoping i havnt put on much weight, i dont feel like i have and i havnt weighed myself! I will keep you all updated. Keep up the good work everyone its so good that there is support other than the councillers i know this site has helped me in my weaker moments. Take care for now x
posted Jul 1st, 2008 10:49 pmJackie
(1/7/2008 - 14.20) - Hey All! We've had some fab comments on here in the last few days! Excellent! Where to start! First of all ANY ONE My counsellor has not told me about a price increase. Each counsellor runs their own business within Cambridge, so their prices are their choice. As I have mentioned on many occasions (I don’t mean to brag) is that my counsellor only charges £1.50 per pack. He does this as a part time thing, not as his main job, and just wants to help people! Both him and his mother (Who had been a counsellor for MANY years) Decided that they would keep their prices low, rather than trying to get loads of dosh! Your counsellor may be doing this job full time, and in this current climate, it isn’t surprising that she is trying to make a little extra! EMMA! Welcome back, it feels like FOREVER! (Although its probably only been about a week!) Well Done on your 6 1/2 lbs! I know you have been struggling with your counsellor! So its great to know you're still doing well! Exercise! Lets not kid ourselves, we will not be fit hotties if we don’t put some work into it! However you have to understand that your body is working on LOW calorie amounts. I tried to find out what the average amount of calories burnt per day is, but it would appear that it isn’t that simple! Anyway, exercise is required to keep fit and healthy, so just take it easy, do what you feel comfortable with. Don’t push too hard, and build it up slowly as your body becomes used to the extra work. Hope that’s a good enough answer! Its a shame you cannot get another counsellor, I’m sure you could do even better with more help! I decided to create an email address, jackiecambridgehelp@yahoo.co.uk. So if you (or anyone!) want to contact me on that, I would be happy to try and answer any questions! I know that DIETSINREVIEW is being worked on, and soon this listing board will be much more convenient, and quick, but in the mean time, I would be happy to help! Also EMMA if you email me your contact number, I would be happy to give you a call if you want a chat! Anyway! CHEEKY well done on keeping going! Glad you're having a great week! CARRIE you obviously need to find a hobbie! Look for something you can do on a weekend to keep yourself busy! You should be going out, having fun - without the need to eat! I'm sure you will be able to think of something! Anyway im off! Speak soon! x
posted Jul 1st, 2008 1:18 pmlubyloo
My councellor said you can exersise but the weight will come of slower which is dishartening.She said when all the weights lost thats the time to start doing some.Yes weekends are definatly the hardest espesially if you have a good social life,just keep at it and think in a few weeks you will be wearing your shorts and vest top and feeling much better in yourself!!!
posted Jul 1st, 2008 1:18 pmcheeky
hiya there the prices have gone up my counsellor said it wasn't her putting the prices up it was the company. EMMA regarding you question to the exercise my counsellor has told me to take iteasy with the exercise and don't over do it.
posted Jul 1st, 2008 1:18 pmAmanda Boyton
hi, I am new here, I have been on Cambridge diet for 9 weeks and have lost 2 and half stone. still have same to lose but really pleased with the results. I too have had a price increase, 10p per item. I have been going to the gym twice a week since starting and am lossing well. I seem to lose 4 or 5 lbs one week then only 2 the following week. but still works out at 7lb a fortnight. Good luck to you all. Lets look forward to a slimmer us and no more new years resolutions to lose weight!!!!
posted Jul 1st, 2008 1:18 pmcheeky
1/7/08 09.15am hi guys hope your all having a good week! im having a much better week than last week, and just having some food makes a huge difference! for breakfast i can have 2 shreded wheat with skimmed milk, 1 piece of granary bread with a boiled egg or fresh fruit. for dinner its green salad or green veg and i have my cambridge shake, for tea it can be chicken,fish,turkey,cottage cheese with either sweet potato,new potato,baked potato,brown pasta,cous cous,rice and green salad or green veg! then later i have my second cambridge which is either the caramel bar or peanut bar which i love! fingers crossed now im having more calories it may help me too lose a bit more weight as its gone rather slow. does anyone else do much exercise my cousellor told me not to do too much all ido is my sit ups every night and i go on my stepper every night. my next weigh in is on sat so fingers crossed i will have lost some! keep up the good work everyone we can do it!!!!
posted Jul 1st, 2008 7:54 am