The Sacred Heart diet is a week-long weight-loss plan built around a hearty vegetable soup and targeted toward rapid weight loss. The diet's name is said to come from a hospital that created the plan to help overweight heart patients lose weight before surgery, but several hospitals bearing the Sacred Heart name have denied any connection to it. While the diet does include many healthy foods, it does little to promote reasonable portion control, and like many fast weight-loss diets, it lacks a long-term focus and leaves the dieter at risk to regain the weight.
The Soup
A batch of soup calls for two cans of stewed tomatoes, at least three large green onions, a large can of nonfat beef broth, a package of chicken noodle soup mix, a bunch of celery, two cans of green beans, two pounds of carrots, and two green peppers.
It takes about 20 minutes to make. Chop the vegetables into small pieces, and cover the mixture with water. Boil rapidly for 10 minutes, then simmer until the vegetables are soft. Season to taste with salt, pepper or other spices,
The Plan And Its Goals
The soup can be eaten at any time of the day, and in any amount you wish (this is a downside of the diet, as portion control is key to maintaining a healthy weight.) Each day, the soup is coupled with a restrictive menu, and the diet purports to help the user lose up to 17 pounds (this is another downside of the diet, as rapid weight fluctuation is bad for the body.)
The First Three Days
The first day's focus is on fruit. Canteloupes and watermelon are recommended because they are low in calories, but any fruit will do. On the second day, it's all vegetables, whether raw, cooked or canned. Green leafy vegetables are recommended; corn, peas and dry beans are not. You can have a baked potato with butter along with dinner. On day three, eat any fruits or vegetables, except for the baked potato.
The Next Three Days
On the fourth day, eat at least three bananas and drink plenty of skim milk. On day five, eat 10 to 20 ounces of beef, along with a can of tomatoes (or six tomatoes.) For day six, eat as much beef and vegetables as you like--just no baked potatoes.
The Final Day
Eat brown rice with cooked vegetables and drink unsweetened fruit juice.
Drinks
Permitted drinks include unsweetened juices, tea, coffee, cranberry juice, skim milk and water.
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