However, there is no evidence that any hospital, weight-loss specialists, or physicians developed this diet. Nor is there evidence to suggest that the Sacred Heart diet is effective for weight loss. While you may lose a few pounds, experts agree this is an unsustainable fad diet. The limited daily food intake is also likely to lead to nutrient imbalances. It is unclear who came up with the Sacred Heart eating plan, but it is highly unlikely that it was developed by medical professionals. There is no verifiable record of a hospital affiliation, and no legitimate source at any medical center with that name or any medical facility has claimed responsibility for the diet.
Where did it come from? It is very likely that the plan and its many variations were developed as a marketing scheme to make money through online advertising. There are many diets, like fake versions of a Mayo Clinic Diet , that claim to be affiliated with a reputable source to attract people who want to lose weight. In fact, these programs are simply websites making false claims to generate income.
There are many different variations of the Sacred Heart diet, but most require you to prepare a special soup that becomes the basis of your week-long eating plan. People who follow this diet plan are only allowed to eat the foods prescribed for that day. It is important to keep in mind this is a fad diet and not recommended by health professionals or backed by scientific research.
Every day, you'll eat at least one bowl of Sacred Heart soup. Then you will eat a few additional foods along with the soup, usually in unlimited amounts. Beverages including coffee, tea, water and sometimes nonfat milk but not sweetened drinks are allowed.
One version of this weekly plan is:. The diet restricts certain foods each day but doesn't make suggestions on when you should eat them.
Again, recipes can vary, but the Sacred Heart soup generally includes:. The plan does have some benefits, as it's fairly easy to follow and accessible. With this diet plan, the foods you must eat are clearly defined. There are few decisions to make and beyond the soup itself which is easy to prepare , there is little cooking or prep for meals.
All of the foods you need for this diet are easily found at any supermarket or already in your pantry and are generally inexpensive. There are no special foods or supplements to purchase.
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Still, that does not mean this diet is recommended. It is far too limited in its nutrients and calories. There are several downsides to the diet, including safety concerns, inadequate nutrition, and its sustainability over time. If you follow this diet perfectly, you are likely to lose weight. But that doesn't mean that the diet is healthy or safe.
Losing weight at this rate , and especially gaining it right back afterward which is very likely can lead to health problems. In addition, this diet is not recommended by any doctor or nutritionist, and there is no research proving it is safe. In fact, following this diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies. This is a fad diet, and following fad diets may increase a person's risk of developing or exacerbating an eating disorder.
This eating program does not follow accepted nutritional guidelines. On some of the days, you are not likely to consume enough calories to fuel your body. And on many of the days, you may not get important nutrients that your body needs. Very restrictive programs often backfire and can even result in a post-diet binge that causes weight gain.
In addition, this program includes almost no starch and limited carbohydrates. The calorie and carb restriction will result in significant water loss that will look like fat loss on the scale. But your body needs carbohydrates for energy and brain function. So it's very difficult to keep eating in this manner. The Sacred Heart diet is similar to several others that have dubious medical sources, severely restrict certain foods and food groups, and promise quick, easy, and significant weight loss.
These diets do not meet expert guidelines for calorie intake and nutritional balance. The Sacred Heart diet does not meet the recommended guideline for healthy eating as defined by the U. Department of Agriculture. Food Groups. The USDA guidelines suggest eating a daily variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and lean protein. While these are all healthy options, they are not enough on their own.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet and Lose Weight
Daily calorie needs vary based on age, sex, current weight, and activity level, but 2, calories a day is used as an average or starting point. These increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Last Updated: June 12, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Good nutrition is critical for good health. Eating well not only gives your body the nutrients it needs. Knowing your risk for heart disease can help you tackle potential problems.
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Shoulder Pain. Hydration for Athletes. Sore Muscles from Exercise. Rotator Cuff Exercises. Exercise and Seniors. Weight-Training and Weight-Lifting Safety. Nutrition for Athletes. Path to improved health Improving your heart health is not difficult when you know how to eat and how to exercise. Diet The foods you eat can affect your weight, your hormones, and the health of your organs, including your heart.
Choose healthy fats.
Despite what you may have heard, some fats are actually good for you. When you use fats for cooking, choose monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil. Avocados are also a good source of monounsaturated fat. Polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids are also healthy choices. Polyunsaturated fats are found in nuts and seeds. Omega-3 fats are found in fish, such as tuna and salmon. In general, you should try to avoid trans fats.
Menus for heart-healthy eating: Cut the fat and salt - Mayo Clinic
Trans fats are usually found in processed foods and snacks such as crackers or snack cakes. Go whole-grain. Whole-grain breads or pastas are higher in fiber and complex carbohydrates. Choose them instead of white breads or regular pastas for sandwiches and meals. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Heart-Healthy Diet Tips
They contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are good for your body. They also add flavor and variety to your diet. Prepare meat healthfully. Baking, broiling, and roasting are the healthiest ways to prepare meat and poultry. Trim any outside fat or skin before cooking. Lean cuts can be pan-broiled or stir-fried.