what is mono diet

A mono diet, also known as a monotrophic diet, is a type of diet that involves eating only one food item or one type of food for all meals throughout the day. The mono diet is often followed for quick weight loss, as a form of crash dieting, to initiate an elimination diet, or to practice an extreme form of food faddism. Some proponents of the mono diet claim that it can accelerate weight loss without forcing you to monitor your consumption or schedule your meals ahead of time. However, the mono diet is not backed by research and is considered unhealthy, unsustainable, and likely to lead to nutritional deficiencies in the long term. Long-term negative effects of a single-food diet may include anemia, osteoporosis, malnutrition, nutrient toxicities, muscle catabolism, and more serious health conditions. Possible side effects are constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and exacerbated mood issues. Some experts have noted that pursuing any kind of mono diet may be a sign of an eating disorder developing. It is important to note that the mono diet should be avoided by children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.