It’s great to start a new category today, Healthy And Effective Mono Diets, with one of the most wonderful, healthy and pleasant mono diets I know, the watermelon diet. Though there’s nothing like an ‘official’ watermelon diet, this type of nutrition plan exists and is considered to be quite effective. Watermelon diet benefits can help many people who have no serious health problems (kidney stones, diabetes, problems with the pancreas, etc.) and truly enjoy eating watermelons. However, there are also certain watermelon diet risks, which are quite numerous and should be considered very closely prior to starting this diet, like any other mono diet.

Despite of my being not a very big fan of mono-diets (there are two reasons for that: first of all, mono diets are very easy to be misused and bring a lot of harm to our health, and second, they work best for a rapid weight loss, but I am most of the time quite happy with my body mass), I think its worth learning and knowing more about them. There are strict mono diets which should be used for 2-3 days only and can help lose up t0 4-5 lbs. Also, some mono diets can be prolonged up to 7-10 days in case if they are supported by consuming moderate amounts of other healthy foods like fruit, veggies, low fat dairy products, fish, etc. However, it is a must to talk to your health care specialist before going on a mono diet.

Therapeutic properties of watermelon embrace diuretic, stimulating, purifying, anti-cancer, and other important health benefits. Watermelon is 92 per cent water, 2 per cent fiber and about 5-6 per cent sugar, as well as Vitamins A, C and B complex, useful minerals and other elements. Watermelons are a perfect natural solution to stimulate detoxification and free our body from toxins, dangerous salts, etc. But the most important fact is: watermelon is a great way to control and effectively reduce weight, that is why watermelon diet has been quite popular lately.

Therefore, the most important watermelon benefits include:

• An opportunity to lose weight rapidly
• No fat and no cholesterol
• Providing your body with most of the key nutrients
• Very effective detoxification
• Great cancer-preventing benefits due to a high content of lycopene in watermelon.
• Improved digestion.
• Improved metabolism.
• Strengthening blood vessels
• Rejuvenating your body cells

At the same time, specialists consider watermelon diet to be one of the most controversial ones because there are certain risks linked to it. One of those is connected with a low amount of proteins and calories that our body is receiving while on a watermelon diet. This can cause a lack of energy, inability to perform our daily duties properly, etc. One more disadvantage of watermelon diet is the fact that watermelon is a seasonal food, so there are just only 1-2 months a year when it’s possible to find good quality organic watermelons and use this diet.

Watermelon diet risks include:

• Increased risks of bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and other common side effects of mono diets.
• Stomachaches for people with Hypochlorhydria (a lack of stomach acid).
• Feeling weak and tired due to a lack of energy.
• Lightheadedness, headaches and decreased abilities to focus.

If you want to go on a strict 3-day watermelon diet, you should make a great stash of watermelon chunks in your fridge and replace all your snacks, as well as drinks and deserts with this delicious fruit. Cut your usual portions twice, and consume only fresh fruit and veggies, and low-fat dairy products. This way you can lose about 3-4 pounds in 3 days. If you are up for a longer watermelon diet (up to 12 days), you can also add to your daily menu such foods as boiled chicken or turkey meat, fish, oatmeal, and other low calorie healthy foods. This type of diet can help you lose up to 1 pound a day.

Here is an example of a 10-day watermelon diet menu:

• Breakfast: 1 average bowl of oatmeal, 1 slice of low-fat cheese or a slice or whole grain bread.
• Lunch: a cup of vegetable soup, 5-6 oz of boiled meat or fish and a portion of vegetable salad.
• Dinner: a cup of low-fat yogurt or a portion of baked vegetables.
• Snacks: watermelon chinks

Many of those who have ever tried a mono diet are very well aware about the problem of preventing a rapid weight gain right after going out of the diet. Remember that the only way to maintain the results is supporting your diet with plenty of exercise, as well as going out of your diet slowly (in other words, do not start eating calorie rich foods or huge portions of meals right after going through 3 days of a strict watermelon diet). Also remember that using watermelon diet for more than 8-12 days can be quite dangerous to your health (especially in case if you’re exercising properly and regularly), because your body may start suffering a serious energy loss and other side effects.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

2 Responses to “The Watermelon Diet Facts”

1. Bronx 787 Says:
   September 24th, 2011 at 8:56 am

   I like watermelons, they are very refreshing and delicious. But I did not know that they can be used for a special diet

2. Ayina Says:
   September 27th, 2011 at 6:36 pm

   Watermelons are great in summer!!