
The military diet is a strict, low-calorie diet that promises rapid weight loss. It involves restricting calorie consumption to between 1,100 and 1,400 calories per day for three days, followed by four days of eating a regular diet. Day 2 of the military diet ramps down to 1,200 calories. The diet includes limited foods with simple measurements and cooking methods, and it is easy to follow. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and there are potential risks associated with rapid weight loss and long-term adherence to the diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calorie intake | 1,200 |
| Calorie intake for men | 100 more than women |
| Calorie intake for women | 1,100 |
| Calories burnt | More than eaten |
| Calories in 1/2 grapefruit | 45 |
| Calories in 1 slice of toast | 120 |
| Calories in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter | 200 |
| Calories in 1 cup of coffee or tea (with caffeine) | 5 |
| Calories in 1/2 cup of tuna | 150 |
| Calories in 3 ounces of meat | 300 |
| Calories in 1 cup of green beans | 35 |
| Calories in 1/2 banana | 50 |
| Calories in 1 small apple | 75 |
| Calories in 1 cup of vanilla ice cream | 300 |
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What You'll Learn
- Day 2 of the military diet involves a calorie intake of 1,200
- The diet is a short-term, 3-day weight loss plan
- It includes limited foods with simple measurements and cooking methods
- The military diet is not supported by any studies
- It may be effective in the short term but has associated risks long-term

Day 2 of the military diet involves a calorie intake of 1,200
The military diet is a strict, low-calorie diet that promises rapid weight loss. It involves restricting calorie consumption for three days, then eating a regular diet for the next four days. The diet claims that you can lose up to 10 pounds in a week, but there is no research to support this. A more reasonable and healthy rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week.
The military diet is easy to follow because it includes limited foods with simple measurements and cooking methods. It focuses on protein, which increases feelings of fullness, maintains muscle mass, and provides energy for day-to-day activities. However, it also includes some foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, and it promotes unhealthy processed meats while underemphasizing vegetable consumption.
The military diet is not a sustainable long-term solution, and there are potential risks associated with long-term adherence. These include rapid weight gain after stopping the diet unless a plan is in place to maintain weight loss. It is also important to note that the calorie restrictions on the military diet fall below the recommended daily calorie intakes of 2,200–2,400 for adult males and 1,600–1,800 for adult females. Before making any drastic calorie restrictions, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.
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The diet is a short-term, 3-day weight loss plan
The military diet is a short-term, 3-day weight loss plan. It involves restricting calorie consumption for 3 days and then eating a regular diet for the next 4 days. The diet is repeated for a week or until the individual reaches their weight loss goal. The diet is easy to follow because it includes limited foods with simple measurements and cooking methods.
The total calorie intake across the first 3 days is restricted to 1,400, 1,200, and 1,100 calories, respectively. The diet is high in protein and low in fat, carbohydrates, and calories. It also includes specific food combinations to try to boost metabolism and burn fat. The foods that can be eaten include proteins, fats, dairy, eggs, grains, fruits, vegetables, and vanilla ice cream. Water, herbal teas, and caffeinated coffee or tea (twice per day) with no sugar or creamers are also permitted.
The diet is flexible and substitutions are allowed during the 3-day phase as long as portions match the calorie count. For example, the ice cream can be substituted with 300 calories of healthy fruit, vegetables, or whole grains. However, the diet emphasizes not substituting grapefruits for oranges. Instead, it advises replacing grapefruit with a glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, which is purported to help alkalinize the body and reduce body fat.
On the 4 days off, a person should resume the recommended daily calorie intake. The diet provides a 1,500-calorie menu for those who want to speed up their weight loss. However, eating fewer than 1,400 calories on the diet days may make it challenging to exercise, especially high-intensity activities.
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It includes limited foods with simple measurements and cooking methods
The military diet is a short-term weight-loss plan that involves restricting calorie consumption for 3 days and then eating a regular diet for the next 4 days. It is easy to follow because it includes limited foods with simple measurements and cooking methods. The diet is high in protein and low in fat, carbohydrates, and calories. It also includes specific food combinations that are claimed to boost metabolism and burn fat. However, there is no research to support these claims.
The diet is very limited in choice and includes some foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. It promotes eating unhealthy processed meats and underemphasizes vegetable consumption. The food list includes saltine crackers, peanut butter, bread, hot dogs, cheese, and vanilla ice cream. Each day's meal plan and recommended amounts of food decrease day by day. The total calorie intake starts at 1,400 calories on the first day and falls to 1,100 calories on the third day.
On the 4 days off, a person should resume the recommended daily calorie intake and can eat a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and legumes. The plan provides calorie targets for each food and suggests substitutions for people with dietary restrictions or intolerances. For example, the ice cream could be substituted with 300 calories of healthy fruit, vegetables, or whole grains.
The military diet is easy to follow due to its limited foods, simple measurements, and cooking methods. However, it is important to note that it is unbalanced and may promote unhealthy eating patterns and poor relationships with food. It is recommended to focus on making healthy and sustainable dietary changes instead of following fad diets.
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The military diet is not supported by any studies
The military diet is a short-term, highly restrictive diet that claims to help people lose weight quickly. It involves eating a calorie-restricted diet of 1,100 to 1,400 calories per day for 3 days, followed by 4 days of eating a regular diet. Proponents of the military diet argue that this approach will kick-start a person's metabolism and lead to rapid weight loss.
However, there are several concerns about the military diet, including the fact that it is not supported by any studies. While the diet may lead to short-term weight loss, there is no research to support its long-term effectiveness. In fact, some experts argue that the military diet may be ineffective and potentially harmful in the long term. Due to its severe calorie restrictions, it may lead to muscle mass loss, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of developing unhealthy eating patterns or disordered eating.
Additionally, the military diet is criticized for its lack of nutritional adequacy. It includes some foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, while also promoting the consumption of unhealthy processed meats and underemphasizing vegetables. As a result, it may not provide all the essential nutrients that a person needs.
Furthermore, the military diet does not promote positive, long-term habit changes. It is a fad diet that is not designed to be sustainable or to teach individuals how to make healthy dietary choices. As a result, individuals may struggle to maintain their weight loss and may even gain weight after stopping the diet.
Overall, while the military diet may lead to short-term weight loss, there is a lack of research to support its effectiveness or safety in the long term. As such, it is important for individuals to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before starting this or any other diet, and to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure that their dietary choices are safe and appropriate for their individual needs.
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It may be effective in the short term but has associated risks long-term
The military diet is a 3-day, calorie-restricted meal plan followed by 4 days of eating a regular diet. The diet involves eating approximately 1,100 to 1,400 calories per day for 3 days, with men allowed to consume 100 more calories than women. This is followed by 4 days of eating a recommended 1,500-calorie diet. The diet focuses on protein, which increases the feeling of fullness and provides energy for day-to-day activities. It is also easy to follow due to its limited foods, simple measurements, and cooking methods.
While the military diet may be effective for weight loss in the short term, it has associated risks for long-term adherence. Firstly, the diet is very restrictive and may not provide enough calories to meet the nutritional needs of most people. This can lead to malnutrition, fatigue, and loss of strength. The severe calorie restriction may also pose health problems, especially if the weight loss is lean body mass. Additionally, the diet can warp an individual's view of food, leading to disordered eating and an unhealthy relationship with food.
Furthermore, rapid weight loss achieved through the military diet may not be sustainable, and individuals may easily regain the lost weight once they return to their normal diet. This is because the body will replenish its glycogen stores, leading to weight gain. The military diet also does not promote positive long-term habit changes and does not address underlying lifestyle habits that may have contributed to weight gain.
The military diet is also limited in food choices and includes some foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. It promotes the consumption of unhealthy processed meats and does not emphasize the intake of vegetables. As a result, individuals may not be getting adequate nutrition from this diet, which can have negative health consequences over time.
Overall, while the military diet may lead to short-term weight loss, it is not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution and may lead to negative health outcomes. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any restrictive diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Day 2 of the Military Diet consists of 1,200 calories.
The Military Diet is a 3-day weight loss diet that can help you lose 10 pounds in a week. It involves restricting calorie consumption for 3 days and then eating a regular diet for the next 4 days.
The Military Diet may be effective and harmless in the short term, but long-term adherence has associated risks. These include regaining lost weight, malnutrition, fatigue, loss of strength, and a slower basal metabolic rate.
The FDA recommends adults eat an average of 1,600–3,000 calories a day, depending on age and activity levels.











































