
The Dr. Now diet is a highly restrictive low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet developed by Dr. Younan Nowzaradan to help patients prepare for weight loss surgery. The diet is based on three primary principles, referred to as FAT: frequency, amount, and type. On this diet, followers consume 1,200 calories daily, divided into two to three meals per day, with no snacks allowed in between. While the diet emphasizes consuming fiber- and protein-rich foods, it restricts certain nutritious foods, including whole grains, fruits, nuts, and full-fat and sweetened dairy. As such, it is not recommended for anyone other than bariatric surgery patients and should only be followed under the guidance of a medical professional.
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What You'll Learn

Water
Dr Nowzaradan's diet is tailored to each patient's specific health needs and is closely monitored by medical professionals. It is not recommended for anyone other than bariatric surgery patients and should only be followed under the guidance of a medical professional. The diet is very stringent, and those following it are only allowed to consume about 1200 calories each day, which is significantly less than the recommended amount of average daily calorie intake.
Because the diet is so restrictive, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This is because dehydration is often misinterpreted as hunger, so drinking enough water throughout the day can help curb cravings and reduce overeating. It is also important to note that Dr Now's diet is intended for short-term use and should be concluded after one or two months.
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Low-calorie drinks
Dr. Nowzaradan's diet is a highly restrictive 1200-calorie diet designed to help people with obesity lose weight before bariatric surgery. The diet is intended for short-term use and should be concluded after one or two months. It focuses on eating foods that are high in protein, low in fat, low in carbohydrates, and high in vitamins.
When it comes to drinks, Dr. Now may prefer plain water, but some patients are seen drinking Crystal Light or other additives to improve the taste. Some people on a similar plan also consume Powerade Zero or a second cup of coffee, but it's important to note that caffeine should be avoided due to its ability to stretch the stomach and lead to overeating. Drink mixes that claim to be zero calories should also be approached with caution, as they may contain hidden sugars.
Overall, water is the best option for hydration on the Dr. Now diet, but small amounts of other drinks like Crystal Light or coffee may be acceptable in moderation. It's important to be mindful of any added sugars or artificial sweeteners that may be present in flavored drinks.
Additionally, while not a beverage, it's worth noting that Dr. Now's diet includes low-sugar fruits such as raspberries, kiwi, lemon, blackberries, strawberries, and avocado. These can provide hydration and contribute to overall fluid intake.
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No caffeine
Dr Nowzaradan's diet is a highly restrictive 1200-calorie diet designed for people prepping for weight loss surgery. The diet is intended for short-term use and should be concluded after one or two months. It is meant to help people with obesity lose weight before bariatric surgery and reduce the risk of complications.
The diet is very stringent, with no snacks allowed. Followers of the Dr Nowzaradan diet consume 1200 calories daily, divided into two to three meals. Each meal can be 600 calories or three meals of 400 calories each. The diet emphasizes consuming fibre- and protein-rich foods while restricting carbohydrates, fats, and sugary drinks.
Dr Nowzaradan's diet recommends plain water as the drink of choice. This is because other drinks with caffeine often have hidden sugars. One source mentions that the reason for no caffeine is that the carbonation allows the stomach to stretch out quickly, leading to overeating.
Some patients on the diet have mentioned drinking Powerade Zero, coffee, and Crystal Light additive in their water. However, it is important to note that these drinks may not be in line with the strict guidelines of the diet, as they may contain caffeine and hidden sugars.
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No sugary drinks
Dr. Nowzaradan's diet is a highly restrictive diet designed to help people with obesity lose weight before bariatric surgery. The diet is very low in calories, with followers consuming only 1,200 calories per day.
The diet is also low in carbohydrates and fats, with an emphasis on consuming fibre- and protein-rich foods. In addition to restricting certain food groups, the diet eliminates processed foods and sugary drinks.
Sugary drinks are off the menu when following Dr. Now's diet. This includes drinks with added sugars, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, and sweet tea or coffee beverages. Even drinks that are labelled as "zero calories" or "diet" may be restricted due to the presence of artificial sweeteners, which can have a similar effect on the body as sugar.
Instead of sugary drinks, Dr. Now recommends drinking plain water. Water is a healthy and hydrating option that can help support weight loss. However, some patients on the diet have reported adding additives to their water, such as Crystal Light, to make it more palatable.
It is important to note that Dr. Now's diet is intended for short-term use and should only be attempted under the supervision of a medical team, including a doctor or surgeon and a bariatric dietitian.
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Lemon water
Dr Now's diet is a highly restrictive, low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet designed to help people with obesity lose weight before undergoing bariatric surgery. The diet is very stringent, limiting followers to only 1,200 calories per day, divided into two to three meals with no snacks in between.
However, it is important to note that Dr Now's diet is not recommended for anyone other than those preparing for weight loss surgery, and even then, it should only be followed under the guidance of a medical professional. The diet is very restrictive and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you are considering Dr Now's diet or any other weight-loss program, it is important to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to develop a personalized plan that takes into account your individual needs and health status.
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Frequently asked questions
The Dr. Now diet is a highly restrictive low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet developed by Dr. Younan Nowzaradan to help patients prepare for weight loss surgery. The diet recommends consuming 1,200 calories daily, divided into two to three meals per day, with no snacks in between.
The Dr. Now diet does not explicitly mention what drinks are allowed or prohibited. However, adequate hydration is important, and drinking water is always recommended. It is best to avoid drinks with refined sugars, such as sodas and sweet teas. Coffee is also mentioned as a drink to be conscious of, as it may interfere with your hydration goals.
The diet emphasizes lean protein sources, specific whole-grain carbohydrates, non-starchy vegetables, and non-fat dairy. Approved foods include seeds such as chia and flax seeds, low-carb condiments like vinegar and mustard, and lean protein products such as chicken or turkey breast, fish, shellfish, and eggs.











































