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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 43 of 57, 1137 total comments)Jackie
Hi All - GAYA1610 - Did I read that right? 2 stone 2 in 8 days?! Thats AMAZING (Although if you say you now have 9 to lose, im guessing you meant 1st2) But that is still FANTASTIC! Well Done! SCW - That "Time of the Month" can play havoc with weight loss/gain. You have to remember that healthy weightloss is not just a weekly thing, its over a much longer period than that. Dont see your loss weekly, look at it monthly and work out your average. That should make you feel better! I myself am on day 11 today, im not sure how much i've lost up to now. By day 8 id lost 11lbs. I think it should be over a stone by now! I feel fantastic, although I did struggle on days 5&6! This is expected at some point in the beginning. Well done everyone who is doing so well, and to those loosing the will to live - keep at it! You will do it!
posted Jun 1st, 2008 10:32 amGaya1610
Hey There. I am now on day 8 and I have lost 2 stone and 2pounds. I have struggled for the first few daysbut the key is to not give in to the hunger pangs and eat. I am going to start to have one meal a week though of chicken breast and dry salad just to keep myself in contact with food, I have a wedding in 12 weeks and want to be able to eat my meal then. I have about 10 stone to lose in total so I can now officially make that nine....and counting!! Feeking great though.
posted May 31st, 2008 8:36 pmscw
Hi Dawn, WELL DONE, that is great you must feel so good. I have been doing diet for apx 14 weeks and have lost 30lb and 18". was disappointed this week as I was so good and stepped up the exercise and only lost 1lb, but am on the week before my monthlys which always seems to effect me so hopefully it will correct itself next week. Does anybody else have the problem with their monthly's effecting their weight loss??
posted May 31st, 2008 4:50 pmdawn
hi everyone ive lost 53lb in 14 weeks.ive only got11lb to get to target and am onstep 3(1000kcal)its been a doddle. i made sure that when i started i had no social engagements to go to which i know i would fell off the wagon so to speak so ihad a clear run at sole source im now out every other wkend but being really good and still losing weight. my treat was 2 cans of pepsi max every other day and that was it were a long time fat so if you can take time out for a few weeks to get started and focused it will be worth it.youll feel fab going out slimmer rather than going out in clothes you feel uncomfortable in and drinking n eatin loads because for most of us on here isuspect eat a load more cos we think oh well ive blown it so ill start again monday then feel guilty about .its a vicious circle. im 5'8 was 16st 4lb size 20/22 and now 12st 7lb size 14 and FEEL FANTASTIC.
posted May 30th, 2008 3:33 pmTroopersue
(Friday 30th May) - Snatches gold cup away from Jackie and runs over and gives it to ASH - 1st 2lb in just FIVE days ?????. Brilliant. Before I go I have a question - What was the best thing BEFORE sliced bread ? lol.
posted May 30th, 2008 11:44 amJackie
Hi All - Hope you're all doing well. Firstly ASH - OMG! 1 stone 2 in 5 days!!!! WOW! Thats amazing, especially if you are only 14stone to begin with! You should be really proud of yourself. TROOPERSUE - Thanks again for your words of wisdom! Better half a pound off than the 5 or 6 on if you had of eaten! One of my skinny friends eats ALL DAY - now she ticks me off! Hehe. Let me know if you find the odd even dates work. I would be interested to find out if thats how the pattern goes. Good luck again everyone.
posted May 30th, 2008 11:44 amavcaj
Hi EMMA - Dont worry - You're only Human!!! Like you may have read in my previous message, I lost 7 stone and put it ALL back on! You have realised straight away that you did wrong - it took me AGES - then it seemed too late. It was only a weekend. and you could easily lose it all quickly. Bear in mind that a lot of what you have put on is probably water weight. Get back onto your packs and get drinking your water! I bet you lose what you put on by Sunday. Like you said it is a learning curve! Next time you eat, sitck to Protein and greens. I know its not what you want after all the time off food, but it will be worth it. Small plates, small portions, ease your way back into a healthy all round eating LIFESTYLE. The only way to keep weight jumping back on, is to start as you mean to go on. You can do it, you're fantastic and you will lose that extra stone! You go girl!
posted May 30th, 2008 8:40 amTroopersue
(Thursday 29th May 2008). KELLY - Congratulations for losing almost 3 stone. You've done brilliantly. As for where I bought the Vitamin K, Just key in the words "buy vitamin K" on your browser and it will give you lots of options as to where you can purchase it online. Will show different sites for diff parts of the world. ANON22 - It "may" be that your body isnt getting enough food to actually ingest the pill and therefore causing the bleeding. Could be worth your while having a word with your GP, maybe the depo injection would be better. But do ask him/her and theres nothing to feel nervous about. I can assure you it wont be the first time theyve been asked the same question. TERRY - Well done you - 8lbs in 2 days is some going !!. Keep up the good work and let us know how your weigh-in goes. Keeping my fingers AND toes crossed for you. EMMA - Ohhh please dont feel so down on yourself, we've all been there. What your counsellor said is quite true. You have to just put it behind you and carry on regardless. The wedding in Dorset is in the past now. You enjoyed your "time out" and now its just time to get back to the more serious issues in life, losing weight. Just think of how far youve come so far !!. As for the "junk food addict", arnt we all ?. If all of us on this site only ate healthily, there would be no need for this site would there ? and what a crying shame THAT would be . So come on Emma, chin up and lets keep these people at dietsinreview.com in a job eh ?? LOL. JACKIE - Many thanks for your kind words on here and also on the private message you sent me. It was really kind of you. I think you've won the gold cup this week - ELEVEN POUNDS ?? WOW!!! Its so good I simply had to type that in capitals - lol. I found your odds/evens most interesting and am now gonna take note of mine and see if its true for me. Hope so cuz I only lost half a pound (typed in very small letters) this week. I didnt cheat, its just happens that way. Finally, id just like to add (yes I know I do go on sometimes - lol) that SKINNY PEOPLE REALLY TICK ME OFF !! Especially when they say things like " You know sometimes, I just forget to eat." Now theres been times when ive forgotten to record something off the tv, forgotten my purse, forgotten an address and even my car keys. But forgotten to eat ???? NEVER !!. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat !!!! . Anyway,good luck everyone and see ya all again next time :>) xx
posted May 30th, 2008 8:40 amASH
Hi Everybody wish you all good luck and keep your mind strong as this diet is a winner all the way. I have been on it for 5 days now and have lost 1 stone 2 pounds I have done nothing but watch tv and relax while sticking to the diet just cut out the food not needed. I hope I can stick to cutting out food and the diet goes well for the remainder of the journey to become slim i am now weighing 14 stone will like to get to 12 and mantain it. Good Luck dont worry about the cals your missin out on as they are not needed.
posted May 30th, 2008 8:40 amKelly
Troopersue - I have had tiny bruises on my stomach and legs, i have a 2 year old that can be quite rough so i thought it may have been him, but what you have said makes sense, how did you purchase the tablets online? H & B are a rip off anyway i cant beleive there prices, im on my 9th week now and have 5lb to go until i have lost 3 stone! hurray! i'm going to Jamaica on the 9th June and im not goin to be dieting however when i return i'm going straight back to it as im goin to barcelona in september! Good luck everyone
posted May 29th, 2008 8:40 amJackie
Me again! Sorry! Just read the last few listings (I couldnt get away with reading them at work!) Thought I would mention a few things. First of all, the stuff about Jelly, Chewing gum and vodka - not a good idea. Although you may stay in Ketosis, it could significantly reduce the amount of weight you lose. Yes you might still lose 3-5lbs a week, but that could be more! You can however have Coke Zero. My councellor told me that you shouldnt have more than 3 cans per week to start with, however someone I know who had been doing it since November and lost 7 stone drinks it all day! Diet Coke, Pepsi Max - NO GOOD, only Coke Zero, but it feels like such a treat when you have it! Something I wasnt told when I did this previously, is that your weight loss and inch loss works in different ways. Apparently on your odd weeks, 1, 3, 5, 7 etc, you lose more weight. On your even weeks 2,4,6 (you get the drift!) you lose more inches! So dont feel down if you dont lose much on week 2, try your clothes on! You will feel better instantly! Keep at it! Finally, with regards cost, if you are new to this, or thinking about joining, do your research.There is a list of councellers on the cambridge diet website. Call them, see how you get on and ask what they charge! There are 2 near me, one charges £31 and the other over £50!!!! Guess which I go to! Good Luck and enjoy every stage! Its not just the final result to look forward to, its every lower stone and dress size in between!
posted May 29th, 2008 8:40 amAnon22
Hi, this is slightly embarrassing. I take a mini pill, and therefore havent had a period for almost 2 years - this is normal for the pill im on. However, I am now on day 6, and I have started showing! Can anyone else explain this? would appreciate any advice as I am a little nervous. Thanks
posted May 29th, 2008 8:40 amTerry
Hi Girls & Boys, Just thought I would let you know started SS on Tuesday, have lost 8lb in 2 days, I'm 6ft - 171/2 stone would like to get to 141/2, kep fingers crossed eh! Also if your getting headaches drink more water thats what I have found so far, drinking approx 5lts of bottled water a day, anyways will keep you posted
posted May 29th, 2008 8:40 amEmma
Hey all, feel really bad - went to a wedding in Dorset at the weekend and i ate all weekend, which ran into Tuesday night. Feel awful with myself and actually like a complete loser / failure. I have got back on it now but its really hard - even more so than the first week because i have eaten the foods that i love and i have put weight back on. If anyone out there can give me some incentive and motiviation tips i would be really grateful........ I have still lose a stone in 3 weeks but i can't believe how eating for a few days makes you feel better whilst doing it, but soooooo worse afterwards. I have today my counsellor who is supportive and has told me to get back on track as i will reap the rewards. Its just hard. Especially when you are such a junk food addict! Anyone else out there had the same problem as me? I am going to put it down to a learning curve and carry on and lose the weight. I only have myself to blame, but i know that i can do this so please wish me luck! xxxxx
posted May 29th, 2008 8:40 amJackie
Well week one - 11lbs!!! Im SO excited. Come on week 2!!!
posted May 29th, 2008 8:40 amJackie
Hi All! Ive been on CD SS for 7 days now. Im getting weighed tomorrow, but think I have lost at least 8lbs. I didnt measure myself, so wont know about my inches, but I will be able to tell in my clothes! I've read through this whole page! Took AGES! But i've gotta say - TROOPERSUE you are fantastic! I see you as the agong aunt we can all talk to! I dont mean to put a downer on things, but I lost 7 stone on lighterlife 2 years ago - All Went Back On! However - I can only see this as a learning curve. If you go back to how you were before YOU WILL PUT THE WEIGHT BACK ON!!! When they tell you to ease back in, and eat high protein meals, it isnt just a ploy to make you stick to 2 packs a day. I know I will have a weight problem for the rest of my life- I know that now. But that also means I can better prepare. I think I need to lost 7 stone. Want to be a size 12 so I can finally get married! I will keep you all updated, and love reading the updates. This diet WORKS! Just have to stick to it!
posted May 28th, 2008 12:19 pmJackie
Oh, the more water you drink the better! Not only does it help you lose more weight, but makes your skin look great! Also, for when its cold, try the CD water flavours with hot water, tastes yummy and warms you up!
posted May 28th, 2008 12:19 pmTroopersue
(Monday 26th May 2008). KATE - so glad im not alone in the lack of vitamin k. Im still taking the one-a-day supplement and now my body is totally bruise free thank goodness. Have you managed to get any vitamin k tablets Kate ? please do keep me updated wont you?. Has anyone else had this problem with unexplained bruises ? JEANNE - very well done on losing 9lbs on your 1st weigh-in. Thats fantastic. How did the 2nd weigh-in go ? Have you much to lose ? SJ - Youve got 5-6months till brothers wedding in Nov. You will be like a stick insect by then - lol. Yes its a "quick fix" as you say. But - we have to try and not go back to the awful eating habits that made us this size to start with. My passion is bread, used to have it with every meal no matter what it was. Ive now not been able to eat bread for about 10 weeks now, and surprise surprise im still alive - lol. I do miss it badly though I must admit. So when ive lost all the weight I need to (to rid myself of leg pain) im gonna "try" and only have bread at weekends!!. Well, thats the plan anyways :>) Right folks, all this talk of bread has made me hungry, off to play a few games of online bingo now, to take my mind off it. Good luck to everyone with your next weigh-in, mines tomorrow - ill be backkkkk ...........
posted May 26th, 2008 1:03 pmSJ
Hey there. My mum and I are looking at trying the Cambridge Diet as it's my brother's wedding in November. He moved out to New Zealand 5 years ago and I haven't seen him since :( I really want to look as good as I can when I see him for the first time. A friend of my mums told her about the diet and she was featured in the Sun newspaper a few weeks ago. I am currently a size 20/22 and my ideal goal would be to reach a size 12. I would be absolutely made up if I can by November but am not going to get depressed if I don't. I've struggled with my weight for many a year and am at the heaviest i've ever been and have never felt so low. I know there are so many diets and tablets out there that it's so easy to pay through the nose for a 'quick fix' that does nothing at all. I really want to give this a go and see how I get on. I've read through your posts and think you've all done fantastically. I guess my biggest thing is (and I know this sounds corny) but I feel like the real me inside is trapped, I have no confidence to do the things I want to do and I hope the Cambridge Diet may be what I need to help me get my life back. Keep up the good work all xxxx
posted May 24th, 2008 9:20 pmshaz
I am starting the ss on 27th April wish me look. Will let you know how its going
posted May 23rd, 2008 6:13 pm