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Cambridge Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

Name: Cambridge Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
Item: Cambridge Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
Rating: 35
Author: admin

A liquid diet that may be too calorie restrictive for long-term success.

Top Rated Diets of 2024

What is it?

The Cambridge Diet is a weight loss program offering pre-packed meals, counseling, and low calorie meal suggestions. It’s considered a VLCD, which means it’s a very low calorie diet.

One can select between 415 to 1500 calories depending on one’s weight loss goals, gender, and tolerance. Consultants are offered not just to guide, but to recommend what calorie limit one should follow. There have been numerous diets observed by our experts, and the highest rated one has been the 18Shake Diet. It offers a diet pill and meal replacement shakes that aim to reduce appetite for hours, all while providing fat burning effects with its all natural ingredients. More information about the 18Shake Diet can be seen in the link here.

Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?

Cambridge DietIngredients and Side Effects

Here are some noteworthy ingredients added to their prepackaged foods:

Skimmed Milk Powder	Maltodextrin	Guar Gum	Refined Fractionated Palm Oil	Acesulfame K
Sucralose	Carrageenan	Flavourings	Dried Glucose Syrup	Silicon Dioxide
Oligofructose

Guar Gum:Fiber extract taken from the guar plant. It’s used as a general thickener in processed foods, as well as a laxative. It can promote side effects that include:

• Diarrhea, gas, and loose stools.

• Indigestion, nausea, and stomach pains.

Acesulfame K: Artificial sweetener around 200 times sweeter than standard sugar. A study by PLOS One found that:

“Long-Term Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium Alters Neurometabolic Functions”

This study showed that in mice there was an effect on insulin and leptin levels. The same study added:

“chronic use… could affect cognitive functions, potentially via altering neuro-metabolic functions”

It also has shown the potential for other side effects according to a review by the Oxford Journals:

“long-dated function on the adult’s sweet preference”

This study was conducted on mice that were given their mother’s breast milk or amniotic fluid in birth, and their preference for sweets changed.

Sucralose: Artificialsweetener that can be around 1,000 times much sweeter than sugar. It has been used controversially since some studies have shown it to be potentially dangerous. One such study was performed by Duke University and it revealed:

“numerous adverse effects”

“reduction in beneficial fecal microflora, increased fecal pH, and enhancedexpression levels of P-gp”

This means the body considers it a toxin, and it reduces healthy bacteria which helps support the immune system according to this clinical study.

Carrageenan: Thickener and binder extractedfrom red seaweed.The University of Iowa ran a study which showed:

“carcinogenic properties of degraded carrageenan”

“ulcerations and neoplasms in association with exposure to carrageenan”

This has shown the possibility for causing serious issues in the body.

The link provided here has the top 10 ranked diets of the year.

The types of foods offered by the Cambridge Diet are meal replacement shakes, bars, pasta, rice, soups, desserts, and other snacks. According to the official website:

“products contain the vitamins and minerals you need for balanced nutrition and healthy weight loss”

Most of what one eats will be the prepackaged foods. This can make it easier to handle a caloric loss, as the foods are specially formulated to be lower in calories. There are also 6 steps outlined one must follow, though where one begins depends on what the counselor advises. Here are the steps:

• Sole Source: 3 to 4 prepackaged foods are eaten a day. The Sole Source Plus option allows for 3 prepacked goods alongside meal of 200 calories, or 4 of the companies meals with 200 ml of skimmed milk.

• 2^nd Stage: Protein rich meals are added as well as some skimmed milk and vegetables alongside up o Cambridge meals. It’s typically limited to 810 calories a day for a week long period.

• 3^rd Stage: 2 of the meals, some milk, and a 1,000 calorie a day limit. This is enforced for 2 weeks.

• 4^th Stage: 2 prepackaged meals, some skimmed milk, and more regular meals.

• 5^th Stage: One Cambridge meal and breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for a total of 1500 calories.

• 6^th Stage: Once your heathy weight is reached, this stage helps maintain results. One prepackaged meal a day is recommended alongside continued support from a consultant.

It’s unclear whether or not the consultants have any background in diet and nutrition. It’s unlikely however that they use real certified dieticians, which can be potentially dangerous or lead to wrong advice. Our experts have analyzed many diets and have ranked the top 10 in the list here.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

Cambridge Diet Quality of Ingredients

Since the beginning of the program asks for a majority of foods to be selected from the company’s prepackaged foods, it’s important for the ingredients to be wholesome.

Unfortunately, they use artificial sweeteners and cheap thickeners often used to replace fiber. These kinds of additives can actually make weight loss harder, as studies have shown they may cause metabolism disorders as well as other side effects.

It’s also difficult to understand what kind of help is provided by the counselors, which remains to be seen whether or not they are actually certified to give health and nutrition advice. The link provided here has a list of the highest rated diets.

A review on the Cambridge Diet was performed by the British Dietetic Association, and they have listed possible side effects which include:

“bad breathe, a dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, and constipation”

They also advise for medical support when a person is to receive less than 600 calories, which some plans offered by the company suggest only 450 calories a day. It’s unclear if the counselors offer any support for this type of reduction in calories.

The Price and Quality of Cambridge Diet

The price depends more on how often once decides to use the prepackaged meals. The official website states it will cost per week 48.30 pounds, which rounds to a weekly price of $63.46. Since this is a UK based plan, no consultations are available outside the US. In fact, on the official site there is a map where support and availability is offered, and there are no listings for the US.

The quality of meals is poor, as the additives included are often found in processed foods. It can also be expensive to have to keep using the company’s foods, as the final stage of maintenance requires one pre-packaged meal a day.

Business of Cambridge Diet

The contact information for the diet is as follows:

Phone Number: (44)(0) 1536 403344

Address:Stafford House, 10 Brakey Road

Corby, Northants, NN17 5LU

Email: [email protected]

The official website lists how to become a paid consultant for the company. Nowhere in the job skills is there any notice for people to have a background in health and nutrition. The company only asks for people with a background in sales who are organized and can plan ahead.

This means that it’s likely the people who are meant to give support have no skills in helping people with weight loss. The link cited here has the top 10 ranked diets.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of Cambridge Diet

Here are some direct quotes from user reviews:

“not the best diet health wise… nails went brittle thin, hair began to thin rapidly”

“never felt full, I always felt hungry”

“Having a bad time with motivation”

“the first few days are the hardest”

Though there were some weight loss results for people, there were also issues due to a lack of calories. Many felt weakened, less energetic, and much more fatigued than usual.

Some also had symptoms that are clear signs of nutrient deficiencies such as brittle and weak nails, thin hair, and increased stress. This was often the case for people who attempted this diet.

The top 10 ranked diet plans can be seeninthe link provided here.

Conclusion - Does Cambridge DietWork?

The Cambridge Diet is similar to other diet plans which offer pre-packaged foods. There’s also counseling offered, but it’s clear that the support is from people who are more business people rather than nutrition experts. Many of the foods offered have processed ingredients, though they are low in calories. Reviews have been mixed with some experiencing health issues and hunger. Though a low calorie plan like this can work, any reduction in calories can result in weight loss. There’s nothing special added to the prepackaged foods which isn’t found in a standard processed meal.

Our experts have performed many reviews and have discovered that the most effective diet is the 18Shake Diet. It provides a combination of a meal replacement and a diet pill. They both provide only natural ingredients, no stimulants, and no unwanted artificial or additives. Its effects include appetite suppression, increased fat burning, and more. When used together it enhances weight loss at a faster rate. Customers have also left positive testimonials on the official website.

The 18Shake Diet is also supported by a full 30 day money back guarantee. This allows for people to try this product risk free, and with no questions asked. More information about the specifics of the 18Shake Diet is available here.

How Does Cambridge Diet Compare?

Product Name
User Rating
Easy to follow
Cheap Price
Fast Results

18 Shake Diet
(Editor’s Choice)
97/100

High Protein Diet
91/100

Dukan Diet
89/100

Paleo Diet
87/100

Plexus Slim
77/100

Cambridge Diet
35 /100

User Reviews Archieved

> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 16 of 59, 1175 total comments)

Monica

Hi all .. I'm on my 3rd week now. First two weeks I have lost 12 lbs. Excited is not the word!! Body shape has changed. I havent done as much exercise as I am used to and the weight is still falling off.

My only problem will be next week when I am due on. I get strong cravings and have to eat anything that comes into my mind. It's an urge I have to try and control though. I will keep doing CD as long as I can afford it and as long as I keep getting results.

posted Nov 26th, 2008 3:11 pm

mica

I know it works coz last year I did ss religiously for 2 weeks and lost a stone and a half , ever since though I have found it very hard and extremely difficult to focus and continue on this diet but because I know it works I refuse to give up. I need a diet buddy to keep me motivated. my email is [email protected] please feel free to contact me for inspiration. Im going on holiday in 2 weeks time so I really want to lose at least a stone then continue when I get back.

posted Nov 26th, 2008 10:10 am

gemss

hi in response to slating weight watchers and taking lazy option with cambridge.

In the past my doctor perscribed me slimming tablets xenical and the side affect i had was not nice. I would never want to take that again. so been there and done that im afraid to say. No Major weight loss even with dietician help too.

weight watchers is a sensible diet no dought there and i did not mean to sound like i was slating it.. over the past 8 years for me weight watchers has helped me get some of my weight off. with lots of exercise daily.

having {pcos} and having two children my body has become so use to this diet. hence 4 months to get 14 pound off with daily exercise.

which when I have so much weight to lose was so hard and demotivating ,my body needed a shock to system.

now following cambridge and I have to say I do exercise, wii fit is excellent. I have got the most weight off I ever have. I now feel I have my life back. even though i still have some weight to go. By no means have I taken a lazy option just the right one for me at this time in my life.

I wish everyone luck with cambridge and I really hope there are lots of posts from people after they reach there goals.

hopefully when I get to my goal weight watchers or an alternative healthy eating plan will help me maintain my weight loss achieved with cambridge. I will do whatever I can to keep this weight off after years of battling with it.

posted Nov 25th, 2008 6:51 pm

cazzie

Anyone that can do this and keep the weight off i toally admire....I did this had still had major issues around food and I am back to the start.....overweight and unhappy....not the diet 's fault I know....but didnt teach me anything!!!
Now on weight watchers and learning to live and eat...not dreaming of food....allowed my treats along the way..............a life style change.....no health issues......worth the slower loss ....have lost 21/2 stone in three months....this is my new lifestyle..

Well good luck to everyone on the cambridge xx

posted Nov 25th, 2008 2:58 pm

emma

hi there, i did 2 weeks on sole source back in august and quit as i felt soo hungry all the time, now im back on it and on day 2 which im feeling really positive this time. i have my 21st birthday party in january so atleast i have something to keep me motivated. im currently 13st 7 and would like to lost 4 stone. i hope i can achieve this weight this time. your comments are really helping and when im feeling crap i just come on here and have a look at your weight losses and it keeps me going.. keep up the good work :)

posted Nov 25th, 2008 10:27 am

Ditzy

All the people slating weight watchers diet are obviously doing it wrong and taking the lazy option to lose weight with cambridge.

I considered this diet but long term it does not teach you to eat healthly and even the cambridge councellor I met said you have to stay on the shakes long term.

I have lost 3lbs every week on weight watchers through healthy eating and regular exercise. Also go out every weekend for nights out.

Hmmmm Slightly slower weight loss with weight watchers or No life with cambridge and disgusting crap you have to eat lol...know which one i choose.

And before people start saying how healthy it is, why do doctors give diet pills and gastric bands if this is so good??? Surely this is cheaper than surgery, but they know it's not a long term option.

I agree with the few negative posts on here that no one posts here after being on the diet 4-6 months

posted Nov 25th, 2008 10:06 am

clare

hi, me and my hubby are doing this together. iam 5ft3 and weighed 15st 10
just finished week 3s/s today 21lb lost todate.
paul is 6ft1 19st 4 and he has lost 18lb with a meal a day.
You do get your rough days but we feel so much better miss going to the pub and we both intend to have a few drinks at xmas and eat sensably were both aiming for 3 stone lost for xmas then back on it to loose the rest. dont give up.We have tried everything in the past our insperation this time was our eldest daughter has just started in the raf and we promised her we would do it to prove that sometimes things are difficult but you have to stick at it looking forward to her pass out !

posted Nov 25th, 2008 7:03 am

Helen M

Results so far, 11 lbs 1st week, 6 lbs 2nd week. 1st day of week 3 and another 1 lb gone. 9 lbs to go, hopefully before Christmas. It really is worth it. I have been adding protein into the diet for about the past 5 days and it does not seem to have made any difference to weight loss and it really is nice to eat something semi normal again.

posted Nov 25th, 2008 5:15 am

gemss

started weights watchers before the cambridge diet in jan08 and only lost 14 pound in 5 months. started cambridge diet in july and have lost 3 and half stone. The cambridge diet has really changed my life. although i found the first 3 days hard the weight loss soon took over. I have one day off a week on weigh day. eat what i fancy but i don't go mad. The weight still comes of at least 3 pound a weeks. The weight would come of quicker if i didn't cheat but it helps me get through the week something to look forward to. for me 3 pound a week is excellent considering I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome have tried every diet and this is the first to really work for me.

.

posted Nov 24th, 2008 6:38 pm

eve

best diet i have been on, its also taught me to eat healthy and can still have my choc.

posted Nov 23rd, 2008 4:33 pm

jane

hi - started this diet in may 08. have now lost 5st 5lb, and finally feel as if i am getting my life back, althoug i still have a long way to go.

posted Nov 22nd, 2008 6:26 am

Helen M

Thought my weight had stuck last Sunday. No movement on the scales for three days, then suddenly lost a pound a day for two days and then two pounds today. That means 11 lb last week and 4 lb so far this week. Have actually started replacing one of my packs with a tin of tuna fish, just so I had something to eat that was quite normal. Does not seem to have done any harm. Have continued to swim every morning and am now back up to my usual speed. Also this week started doing 20 mins a night on my rowing machine, and seemed ok. However, went for a walk with my dogs tonight over hills I would usually walk over with no trouble. I was absolutely whacked when I got home. ever mind, can't have it every way. Still intending to stick with it for another 3 weeks in the hope I will lose my remaining 12 lb. Good luck everyone.

posted Nov 21st, 2008 1:07 pm

vicki

Has any one used this diet while going to the gym, as love the gym but want faster results than weight watchers.

posted Nov 21st, 2008 9:34 am

PInky

It worked so well for me ... i didnt ever think i could lose 2 stones in 4 weeks

posted Nov 20th, 2008 11:41 am

joan

fantastic diet so fast i lost 10 pounds first week bloody brilliant i ve lost 5 stone my councillor jenni is brilliant and I live in warwick and she covers that area i love this diet and recommend it

posted Nov 20th, 2008 11:28 am

lesley

Have been on it since the 1st July and lost 4stone... I have tried them all but this one fits into my life and works... You will only put the weight on if you go back to old habits.. A diet is a change of lifestyle.

posted Nov 20th, 2008 11:14 am

Sara

Hi,

i am so much worried about my weight.Is there any body help to tell that can i loose 4 stone 3 months?

my fat is in my mid and uper section.My height is very 5:0 ft and i am carrying 85 kg wieght.

is there any body has experince to loose that much in 3 months.

posted Nov 20th, 2008 9:52 am

LOOPYLAU

Hi all... just had a quick read of allyour reviews and comments and really find these a boost! MELLY... keep up the good work, its hard i know, but dont let the kebab get the better of you!!!! Its defo worth it in the end! Im now on wk 10 after weigh in last night (lost a further 4 lbs) Have now lost in total 2 stone! I have to admit, im not sticking to it everyday, specially wkend, but stil lseem to be losing an average of 3-4 lbs a wk! So even tho i have a sneaky chinese takeout, cheese, wine, bread, chrisps and all the nice things... stick to it in the day and still lose!!!!!! So a treat every now and then cant hurt!!!!! Feel it makes me want to stuck with the C/D diet even more, as a treat every now and then is nice!
Well... keep up the good work everyone & i shall report again soon!!!!! xx

posted Nov 20th, 2008 8:54 am

Lindsey

Helen M i lost 15lbs in my 1st 2 weeks but after a month i slowed down a bit but after 4 and a half months of being on the diet im on track ive lost 4st 6lbs ive took a bit of time out i.e my birthday weekend my husbands birthday weekend and i put away 2 - 3 bottles of wine every saturday i think its great going!!!!

posted Nov 19th, 2008 4:40 pm

Lindsey

I started this diet in the middle of july i have now lost 4st 6lbs i think this diet is great. Does any one have any exiciting things to do with the shakes as i dont really like the soups i already put 2 trays of ice cubes in the shakes (blender) it makes them like slush puppies yum!!
When my councillor has bin on a saturday i binge out then go for a good work out sunday swimming and the gym!!!!

posted Nov 19th, 2008 4:30 pm

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BACKGROUND Start the Diet Now Advertisement

With new diets hitting the market faster than we can lose a pound, it is not too often that you stumble upon a diet that has been around for more than 20 years. The Cambridge Diet has proudly clocked some years under its svelte belt. Developed in the 80s, it still enjoys a very loyal and passionate audience of dieters who have been successful at losing weight and keeping it off.

It is a liquid diet program that involves drinking 3 servings of the signature Cambridge Diet formula each day with or without food. The three servings provide you with protein (either 30 or 50 grams), carbohydrates, fat, fiber and your daily-required vitamin and mineral allowances.

About ten years ago, the Cambridge Diet added an additional product to their 330 Original Product. The 420 Food for Life product contains 100% of the required daily protein needs in 3 servings whereas the 330 Product contains 75% of the required protein. The protein source comes from whey and soy. Both of them are nutritional supplements that do not contain drugs, medicine, stimulants or herbs.

There are four ways for you to follow the Cambridge Diet: - The Fast Track: Consume 3-4 servings of Cambridge a day and no additional food. - The Alternate Program: Use 3-4 servings of Cambridge for one day with no food and then the following day, consume 3 servings of Cambridge with the addition of 400-800 calories of low fat, low calorie health food. Continue to alternate in this manner. - The Regular Program: Eat 3 servings of Cambridge 15- 20 minutes prior to each low calorie meal. Calories should not exceed 400-800 for the entire day. - The Regular Program 2: Consume 3 servings of Cambridge and eat one meal of low calorie food each day. Calories should not exceed 400- 800 calories for the entire day.

Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?

PRO

Cambridge Diet contains all the essential nutrients
Has a proven success rate
Safe for diabetics and those with high blood pressure

CON

Its limited consumption of food may incite excessive eating
May be too calorically-restrictive for some individuals
Does not teach you to eat in a healthy and long-term way
Long-term weight loss may not be sustained
Calories might be too restrictive for exercise

DIET and NUTRITION

The foundation of the Cambridge Diet is its signature line of shakes. They come in an array of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, eggnog, strawberry, cappuccino, banana cream and many more. The shakes come in two styles: The Original and the Food for Life.

The Food for Life product contains 51 grams of protein, 54 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fat and 140 calories per shake. It also includes 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals. The Original contains 31 grams of protein and contains about 110 calories per shake.

There is also a line of additional Cambridge products like soups, nutrition bars, and super oats.

When taken the prescribed three times a day, you'll only consume 420 calories. If you select to follow a plan that allows for food, you should not consume anymore than an additional 800 calories a day and these calories should come from low-calorie and low-fat foods like vegetables and lean proteins. If you are on the smaller side, it is recommended that you only consume an additional 400 calories on top of the 420 calories for the Cambridge products.

You are also strongly encouraged to drink at least 3-4 liters of water each day.

EXERCISE

Since the Cambridge Diet is so restrictive, exercise should be done cautiously. It is not recommended to start a new strenuous exercise program while on the Cambridge Diet. Moderate exercise like walking or biking is useful once you start to lose weight, providing that it is approached with caution and not done with excess.

CONCLUSION

There is no question that The Cambridge Diet has been around for a long time. And in the process, many have had luck losing weight by following its strict dietary regimen. Since the diet is so low in calories, check with your doctor before starting it, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

The Cambridge Diet devotees swear by the diet's ability to help them lose weight as long as the program is followed correctly. But like most diets that rely on shakes or supplements to shed pounds, its potential for long-term weight loss and for instilling sound and healthy eating habits in you is not that promising.

Common Misspellings

cambrdge Diet, cambradge diet, cambridge deit, camebridge diet, cambridge liquid diet, cambridgediet.com

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