3-Day Fruit Diet for Weight Loss and Detox

Can you lose up to 10 pounds in 3 days by eating fruit every two hours?

The Fruit Flush Diet (often referred to as the Fruit Diet or Fruit and Vegetable Diet) is a detox diet supposed to flush toxins out of the body and burn excess body fat. The fruit diet lasts only three days and promises an astonishing weight loss: 9 to 10 pounds. The main idea behind the diet is simple: Fruit contain plenty of fiber and water; these help flush out the toxins, stored in the body as a result of unhealthy eating habits—consuming plenty of over-processed foods loaded with sweeteners and artificial colors. "Fruit is nature’s perfect cleansing food," explains Jay Robb, a nutritionist, in his book Fruit Flush 3 Day Detox.

What differs the Fruit Flush Diet from other detox diets is that it includes lean protein to prevent the loss of muscle tissue. (As you've probably heard, the more muscle mass you have, the higher is your metabolic rate; that is, muscle mass helps you burn calories—which is why strength training is recommended for weight loss).

Under the Fruit Flush Diet, you get about 900-1000 calories a day. Due to the very low caloric intake, the Fruit Flush Diet does not call for exercises or increasing daily physical activity. However, exercises are encouraged when the fruit diet is over and you eat a balanced diet that provides an adequate caloric intake.

The Fruit Flush Diet includes two stages: On the first day you drink protein shakes; on the second and third days you eat a small amount of lean meat (or drink a protein shake) with vegetable salad for dinner and fresh fruit for all other meals. You are encouraged to eat fruit every two hours.

The Fruit Flush Diet is very restrictive. You can eat only fresh fruit and vegetables as well as a small amount of lean meat. Even cooked vegetables are prohibited. You drink the most diet-friendly beverage: plain water. You cannot have milk, coffee, tea or soda—not even a diet one. Of course, alcohol is not allowed, even on social occasions.

In conclusion, the Fruit Flush Diet is not a magic way to lose body fat: most weight loss comes from fluid loss, not fat loss. The fruit diet lacks essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12. It is unlikely to lead to disease in healthy people as the diet lasts for only three days; however, it is still recommended that you check with your health-care provider before trying the fruit diet.

If you find that the fruit flush diet does not work for you, you may want to consider a herbal fiber detox. Fiber makes a great colon cleanse because of its ability to absorb toxins from the GI tract on its way through the body.

Your Opinion Counts

Have any questions or comments? Participate in the discussions today. Use the "Post new comment" form at the bottom of the page to ask your questions and share your ideas. Use the correct spelling and grammar.