The Cambridge Diet is a six-step weight-loss program that allows you to eat anywhere from 415 to 1,500 calories per day, depending on your weight-loss goal. While eating a diet of Cambridge Diet meal supplements, you reincorporate healthy foods to build a balanced diet you can maintain indefinitely.

Step 1

Step 1 offers two options called "Soul Source" and "Soul Source Plus." With the "Soul Source" option, you are restricted to 415 to 554 calories per day in the form of three Cambridge Diet meals, or four meals if you're taller than 5 feet 8 inches. With the "Soul Source Plus" option, you may eat 615 calories per day in the form of three Cambridge Diet meals, plus a 200-calorie meal approved by your diet counselor. Four Cambridge Diet meals plus 200 ml of skim milk may be substituted.

Steps 2 to 5

Step 2 increases caloric intake to 810 calories a day in the form of three Cambridge Diet meals, one protein-rich food, skim milk and vegetables. With Step 3 you may eat 1,000 calories a day in the form of two Cambridge Diet meals, skim milk, breakfast, salads for lunch, and dinner. Step 4 allows 1,200 calories a day, consisting of two Cambridge diet meals plus skim milk, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Step 5 allows 1,500 calories a day, consisting of one Cambridge Diet meal plus skim milk, breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack.

Finishing the Program

Upon reaching Step 6, you may eat 1,500 calories or more. This step is designed to help you maintain your weight loss and intended for indefinite use. You may eat any combination of Cambridge Diet meals in conjunction with healthy foods of your choice. Stay in touch with your weight-loss counselor for support.

Cambridge Diet Meals

Cambridge Diet meals consist of flavored soups, shakes, bars and porridge. Soup flavors include mushroom, vegetable, broccoli and cheese, and spicy tomato. You can choose from original and apple-cinnamon porridge, chewy or crunchy bars, and dehydrated and instant shakes. Cambridge Diet bars are available in chewy caramel, toffee, chocolate, chocolate orange, crunchy peanut and cranberry. The shakes come in fruit, chocolate and coffee flavors. In addition to the water used to make these meals, drink at least four pints of water a day. For a variety of flavors, try herbal or black teas, skim milk or Cambridge Diet's zero-calorie water flavorings.

Duration of Program

Maintain Step 1 of the Cambridge Diet for no longer than 12 weeks, then increase your caloric intake to 800 calories a day for at least one week. After that, you can decrease your caloric intake again if more weight loss is desired. Continue the outlined diet on Steps 2 through 5 for a minimum of two weeks before ascending to the next step. Steps 4 through 6 are designed to be used for as long as necessary and do not require one-week breaks in between.

Warning

Before beginning this program, consult your physician about the risk of potential medical complications. In some cases, if a medical complication exists, your doctor's signature and supervision will be required begin the diet. If the complication is severe, the Cambridge Diet might not be healthy or safe for you. This diet is designed for people aiming to lose a moderate to substantial amount of weight, so starting points will vary from person to person.

Source:

Cambridge Diet

Body Mass Index