3 Day Diets are fad diets that promise that you will lose a small amount of weight (usually about 5 pounds) in just three days.  Some also promise cleansing, lowered cholesterol, and increased energy. These diets are not scientifically proven, but with the limited time scope of the plans, should not cause any harm.

You can actually lose some weight with 3 day diets but don’t expect to have long term weight loss.  These are strictly restricted calorie plans wherein you lose water weight. They’re great if you have an upcoming event such as a wedding or reunion to attend. However, they’re not supposed to be used as a permanent lifestyle solution.

One of the 3 day diets is also known as the Cleveland Clinic Diet.  It should be noted that the actual Cleveland Clinic in Ohio has disavowed any relationship with the program.  This diet has also been called the Mayo Clinic diet (the Mayo Clinic has also disavowed it) and the grapefruit diet. The reason this is called the Grapefruit Diet is because you eat a grapefruit or 4 oz. of grapefruit juice with each meal.  If you eat the grapefruit in its natural state and dig into the rind, you will actually get 6 grams of fibre. It is recommended that people get 25 grams of fibre a day and dieters may want to push that to 30 or 35 grams.  Eating this much grapefruit may help you on your way. It should be noted though that grapefruit juice has no fibre. You should also know that grapefruit has no special fat burning or metabolism enhancing qualities.  It’s simply a fruit that’s good for you just like apples and oranges. The 3 day diets take advantage of this fact and turn it into a gimmick.

The 3 day diets work in part because they are very low calorie programs.  Breakfast might include an egg, a slice of dry toast, and a banana, a total of 200 calories.  Lunch is a cup of cottage cheese and 5 saltine cracker,  again under 200 calories.  Dinner seems more substantial with 3 oz. of lean turkey, 2 cups of vegetables, a banana, and a cup of vanilla ice cream, but you are still eating less than 350 calories. Your 3 servings of grapefruit add another 150 calories.  That’s just 900 calories for the day!

Of course you are going to lose weight on 900 calories, even if you just sit around and watch tv all day!  This isn’t sustainable across time, but for a quick and dirty solution to losing a few pounds, it can work.

A lifestyle choice it’s not, but 3 day diets can get you into your skinny jeans before a big date, let you look like your high school prom picture for your 10 year reunion, or fit into your dream wedding dress.  Anything more is just too much to expect from the 3 day diets.