The Dr. Nowzaradan Diet, also known as the 1000-calorie diet, is a very low-calorie diet used for rapid weight loss. The diet was created by Dr. Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon, and has been popularized by his appearances on the reality TV show “My 600-lb Life.”

What is the Dr. Now Diet?

The diet is based on the premise that by eating very few calories, you can force your body to burn stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss.

The diet is typically divided into two phases. In the first phase, you consume only 1000 calories per day. This is usually done through a liquid meal replacement drink.

In the second phase, you slowly add solid foods back into your diet, while still keeping your calorie intake at or below 1000 calories per day.

The diet is very restrictive and not sustainable in the long-term. It is often used as a quick way to lose weight before surgery, or as a post-surgery weight loss plan.

How to follow the Dr. Now Diet

If you’re interested in trying the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet, you should know a few things before getting started.

  • First, the diet is not recommended for everyone. You should not try this diet if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Second, the diet is very restrictive and requires a lot of discipline. You will need to be prepared to change your eating habits significantly.
  • Third, the diet should only be followed for a short time. Dr. Nowzaradan recommends that people only follow the diet for 3-6 months.
  • Fourth, you must ensure you get enough protein and essential nutrients while on a diet. This can be done by supplementing with protein shakes or bars or taking a multivitamin.

Benefits of the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet

There are a few potential benefits of following the Dr Nowzaradan diet plan.

  • First, the diet can lead to rapid weight loss. If you stick to the diet and ensure you’re getting enough protein, you can expect to lose a significant amount of weight quickly.
  • Second, the diet may help to improve your overall health. Eating fewer calories will lower your risk for some chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
  • Third, the diet may help to jumpstart your weight loss journey. If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet can be an excellent way to start seeing results.

Downsides of the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet

There are also a few potential downsides to the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet.

  • First, the diet is very restrictive and can be challenging to stick to. If you’re not prepared to change your eating habits, this diet is probably not for you.
  • Second, the diet can be dangerous if not followed correctly. If you don’t get enough protein and essential nutrients, you could be at risk for malnutrition.
  • Third, the diet may not be sustainable in the long term. Once you stop following the diet, you may regain the weight you lost, and then some.

Foods to eat and avoid on the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet

There are a few things you should keep in mind when following the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet.

  • First, you will need to make sure you’re getting enough protein. This can be done by eating lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, and tofu, or by supplementing with protein shakes or bars.
  • Second, you must avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-calorie snacks. These foods are high in calories and will sabotage your weight loss efforts.
  • Third, you must ensure you’re eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them perfect for the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet.

4-day sample meal plan

If you’re interested in trying the Dr. Nowzaradan Diet, here is a 4-day sample meal plan to get you started.

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Protein shake or bar
  • Lunch: Tuna salad with veggies
  • Dinner: Grilled chicken with steamed vegetables
  • Snacks: Hard-boiled egg, fruit, raw veggies

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Omelet with veggies
  • Lunch: Salmon with steamed vegetables
  • Dinner: Chicken soup
  • Snacks: Protein shake or bar, raw veggies

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with veggies
  • Lunch: Garden salad with chicken
  • Dinner: Beef stir-fry with veggies
  • Snacks: Apple with peanut butter, yogurt

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Protein pancakes
  • Lunch: Turkey wrap with veggies
  • Dinner: Shrimp with steamed vegetables
  • Snacks: Trail mix, cottage cheese

Diet or Leave it: Keto Diet

The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the “keto diet,” is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been trending in recent years.

The keto diet can be used for short-term weight loss, but it is not recommended as a long-term weight loss solution due to its restrictive nature.

The keto diet is similar to the Dr. Nowzaradan diet in that it is also a very low-calorie diet. However, the keto diet allows for significantly more fat and fewer carbohydrates than the Dr. Nowzaradan diet.

Diet or Leave It: Intermittent Fasting

The Dr. Nowzaradan Diet is a type of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is an umbrella term for various eating patterns that involve not eating for periods followed by eating.

Other types of intermittent fasting include the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat only during an 8-hour window, and the 5:2 diet, where you usually eat for 5 days of the week and restrict your calories to 500-600 on two non-consecutive days.

Some evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can be an effective weight loss strategy. A recent study found that people who followed an intermittent fasting diet lost more weight and body fat than those who followed a traditional calorie-restricted diet.

However, intermittent fasting is not for everyone. If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications, please check with your doctor before starting any fasting diet.

The bottom line

The Dr. Nowzaradan Diet is restrictive and can lead to rapid weight loss. However, the diet is not sustainable long-term and can be dangerous if not followed correctly. If you’re interested in trying the diet, speak with your doctor first.

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