The tuna diet is an eating plan that involves eating mainly tuna and water. It causes temporary weight loss, but like most restrictive plans it has negative side effects.
We’ll look at how the diet works, whether or not you can lose weight on this type of diet, the dangers associated with it, as well as the benefits of including this type of food in your regular balanced diet.
How Does The Tuna Diet Work?
The tuna diet is considered a fad. It doesn’t claim to be an all-inclusive plan and it does not promote long-term weight loss.
The basics of the tuna diet:
- No food is allowed other than your designated foods (tuna and water)
- Limited calorie intake (about 1,000 calories per day)
- Calories consist mainly of protein (100 grams or more).
Those following this type of plan will experience weight loss, but only because they are restricting their caloric intake for an extended period of time. People on this type of diet usually lose about 5 pounds in 30 days.
Will You Lose Weight On This Diet?
Yes, you will lose weight on this diet, but it will be water weight.
Water-weight loss is temporary and when you resume your regular eating regimen you will likely gain back all of the weight that was lost. It’s important to note that even though there is no limit on the amount of tuna that can be consumed, people usually get full because of the protein in tuna and that they restrict their other food intake.
Dangers Of This Diet
Oftentimes, people will feel hungry and irritable on this type of diet which can result in an increased risk for binge eating and poor dietary choices once the program is over. Moreover, there are many dangers associated with this type of diet:
High Mercury Intake
The high mercury content in tuna can cause serious health problems, such as brain damage and nervous system disorders (sometimes irreversible) for adults and children alike. Young children and infants should avoid tuna altogether or consume it only occasionally due to its high mercury content. The FDA recommends that pregnant women also avoid tuna to reduce the risk of harm to the fetus.
Rapid Weight Loss
The problem with this rapid weight loss is that while your body may be shedding excess fat quickly, it’s also burning away some muscle tissue at the same time. Muscle tissue is very important in the body because it helps keep your metabolism up. If you’re losing weight too quickly, your body won’t have enough time to burn away all of the fat and metabolism slows down.
Nutrient Deficiency
The main problem with this diet is the very low intake of nutrients which causes side effects like fatigue, nausea, irritability, hair loss and stomach cramps.
When you eat only tuna for an extended period of time, there are several nutrients that you’re not getting from other food groups such as vitamin B-6 and magnesium. In addition, this type of diet can leave a person feeling lightheaded or dizzy due to a lack of red blood cells caused by nutrient deficiency.
The lack of fiber in the diet can lead to constipation while omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish like tuna can lead to increased risk for prostate cancer.
Benefits of Eating Tuna As Part of A Balanced Diet
A tuna diet may not be the best idea, but that doesn’t mean the fish isn’t good for you. It has several benefits as part of a healthy diet.
Low-Calorie Protein Source
Tuna is an excellent source of protein that provides the body with energy. It’s also low in fat and calories, so it can help you lose weight if you eat it as part of a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and reduced-fat dairy products.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining optimal health because they reduce inflammation throughout the body while promoting healthy brain function.
Regulate Cholesterol Levels
Tuna has been shown to lower triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol.
Conclusion
The 30-day tuna diet can help people lose weight, but it comes with many side effects that may be dangerous for our health. While it can be part of a healthy diet, it’s probably best to avoid the complete exclusion of certain food groups and try to get your nutrients from other food sources. If you really want to lose weight quickly simply make sure that you’re eating right and exercising often.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
