The ABC diet is a weight loss plan that promotes severe calorie restriction. It involves eating varying calories per day, but all in a caloric deficit that is extreme and not life-sustaining in the long term. The diet revolves around restricting calories to only healthy and unprocessed foods, and certain foods are designated as “allowed” or “forbidden” . The name of the diet references anorexia, a dangerous and potentially life-threatening eating disorder, so healthcare professionals do not recommend it.
Positive aspects of the ABC diet:
- The diet is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- The diet supports in burning calories and losing weight.
Negative aspects of the ABC diet:
- The ABC diet works by slowing down your body’s metabolism to the slowest possible state, which can lead to extreme weight loss, but it’s not sustainable.
- The extreme calorie restriction and nutrient deficiencies associated with the ABC Diet can have adverse effects on cardiovascular health, lead to bone loss, and cause disordered eating patterns.
- The ABC diet can trigger anorexia, a disease which prevents people from eating and harms people’s health.
- Common side effects of the ABC diet include trouble breathing, dry skin, joint pain, low blood pressure, extreme weight loss, and dizziness.
- The ABC diet is difficult to follow and not recommended as a short-term or long-term option.
Forbidden foods on the ABC diet:
- Ice cream
- Coffee
- Butter
- Frozen meals
- Candy
- High-calorie meat like steak
- Cookies
- Cake
- Frosting
- Cheese
In conclusion, the ABC diet is a weight loss plan that promotes severe calorie restriction and is not recommended by healthcare professionals due to its potential to trigger anorexia and cause adverse health effects. While the diet may lead to rapid weight loss, it is not sustainable and can cause disordered eating patterns.
