Mild Restrictive Diet Methods for Weight Loss: Two Effective Strategies

If one is unwilling to use starvation therapy, are there more moderate methods of dietary restriction?

Although starvation therapy is remarkably effective for weight loss, its harsh methods seem to require extraordinary courage, willpower, and a strong body; most people find it difficult to endure and persist with.

Several years ago, Austrian nutritionist Humplick proposed a new diet plan, which was immediately endorsed by weight loss experts in many countries. This diet plan is more lenient towards dieters. In other words, it does not cause the difficulties encountered in the initial days of starvation therapy. According to Humplick's treatment plan, there is no restriction on the total amount of food. As long as it is vegetables and fruits, dieters can eat as much as they want. The diet also includes tea, a certain number of boiled eggs, and sausages without fatty meat. However, bread, flour products, sweets and pastries, potatoes, milk, dairy products, animal fats, rice, dried vegetables, fish, alcohol, and coffee are absolutely prohibited. According to Humpurik's treatment records, this diet resulted in an average weight loss of 1.8 kg after 3 days; 2.4 kg by the end of the first week; 3.2 kg by the end of the second week; and 5 kg by the end of the fourth week.

What is the fasting therapy?

The fasting therapy, also known as intermittent fasting therapy, is used for moderately or severely obese patients who do not respond well to a low-calorie diet (400-600 calories). In addition to the existing low-calorie diet, patients can fast for 24-48 hours every week or every 10 days, only allowed one or two apples to stave off hunger, with unlimited water intake. Using this method, approximately 8-9 kg can be lost in a year. No food intake should be increased the day before and after fasting, otherwise the effectiveness will be reduced. After the fast is lifted, the following foods can generally be consumed: moderate amounts of lean meat, peeled egg yolks (boiled eggs), fish or other seafood, skim milk, and soy products; 5-7 cups of water per day. Foods should not contain excessive oil or sugar.