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 2025?
Cambridge DietIngredients and Side Effects
Here are some noteworthy ingredients added to their prepackaged foods:
Skimmed Milk Powder
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Maltodextrin
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Guar Gum
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Refined Fractionated Palm Oil
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Acesulfame K
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Sucralose
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Carrageenan
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Flavourings
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Dried Glucose Syrup
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Silicon Dioxide
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Oligofructose
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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.
• 2nd 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.
• 3rd Stage: 2 of the meals, some milk, and a 1,000 calorie a day limit. This is enforced for 2 weeks.
• 4th Stage: 2 prepackaged meals, some skimmed milk, and more regular meals.
• 5th Stage: One Cambridge meal and breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for a total of 1500 calories.
• 6th 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.
User Feedback
(Page 36 of 59, 1175 total comments)Jackie
(7/7/2008 - 10:35am) Hi All! Well I thought I would take a little time to blow my own trumpet today! I got weighed lastnight, and this week I have lose 9lbs!!! And thats in week 7, so anyone who thinks the large losses are only at the beginning - you're possibly wrong! I was over the moon! That makes my total 36lbs so far, and Im really happy. ANNA it DOES get easlier! Believe Me! If it didnt, I wouldnt still be here! JANE - Taking the product on holiday might not be a bad idea! Just because you have it, doesnt mean you HAVE to use it. FRAGGLE I have the ketosticks too. Now basically any change of colour is good. What you want is a nice light rosy pink. If it gets to a dark pink - almost purple - it means you need to drink more water! If it doesnt change colour, you are not in ketosis. Hope this helps! Anyway, i'm off! Back later on! x
posted Jul 7th, 2008 8:27 amcarrie
ANNA promise you, that first 3 days are the hardest. After this everyday gets easier and easier. I am at a sticky wieght now, where no matter how hard I try I can't lose these last few pounds!! But am sticking to it and doing really well. Found the weekend really easy. Just got to stick to it this week as I only have two weeks untill I want to be at my target wieght, and have 9llbs to lose. Feeling confident though. Will update you all next week. Keep up the good work everyone!! And don't be to hard on yourself if you slip up! Just get back on it, I have slipped up a few tiems and still lost 9llbs, only another 9llbs to go which I know will be tougher, but I will get there!! x
posted Jul 7th, 2008 8:27 amKirsten
Thanks caroline...nice to meet somebody in the situation as i have been dreading flights etc and don't wanna be seen as a bore downroute or anti social not joining the crew for dinner. I am on day 2 now and have to admit i have found it easier than i thought...don't get me wrong, i'm not saying it is easy at all but i really thought i'd be struggling and of caved into something by now but so far so good! Caroline are you on mini mins? If so look me up, would be great to swap tips/ideas.
posted Jul 6th, 2008 11:01 amKelly
Jane - I have recently come back from Jamaica i was there for 3 weeks and i came off CD a week before, i expected to put on weight but in actual fact i lost 2 lb, you will probably find that you cant eat as much as you did, i think it would be a good idea to take some shakes at least then there available to you if you want them, I didnt take the shakes and wish i had because alot of the time i was only eating once a day which i know is not good for you. Enjoy your holiday just try to be sensible and dont undo what you've worked so hard to achieve, Good luck and have a fab time :)
posted Jul 6th, 2008 11:01 amAnna
I'm on my second and feel terrible,i am very tired and sooooooo hungry,i want to lost a stone ina month but sure I can do this for 4 weeks,does it get easier?
posted Jul 6th, 2008 11:01 amCaroline
Hi everyone, Just to say how well everyone is doing. KIRSTEN: I am cabin crew too, so i know how you feel. You can still socialise but no food or drink as such for a while. Just think how much it will be worth it.I still go out and enjoy my time downroute. I wont say its easy all the time but it will be worth it when ur slipping into that size 10 uniform. Jane: You done so well!! I know u want to enjoy your holiday but maybe you should break your normally habits of putting on a stone or more. You second option sounds good. You need to change things as you go so you can maintain and enjoy the slim figure your working towards. Go for it everyone xx
posted Jul 5th, 2008 2:43 pmKelly
I got weighed today after 4 weeks 3 of those i was on vacation and i cant believe that i actually lost 2 lb and 5 inches! im so pleased! keep up the hard work everyone your all doing so well
posted Jul 5th, 2008 10:06 amjane
hi all - have a little problem. I have been doing cd for 7 weeks now, and lost 39lbs which is fab, but i still have a long long way to go. I am going on holiday in three weeks time, and I just know that with eating AND drinking I will put 1 stone, if not more on. So what I want to know is - does anyone else have the same problem - i am even considering taking the product on holiday with me and having cd for breakfast and lunch, and then enjoying a meal and a drink with our friends on the evening. Any comments??
posted Jul 5th, 2008 10:06 amFraggle79uk
AMANDA - you've hit on one of my promises to myself - no more 'This year i'll lose the weight' New Years resolutions!! I'm now in my 4th week of SS and feel much better. I've not been able to get on for a little while as works has been so manic for the last couple of weeks, in my first week I lost 7.5lbs, my second week, 0.5lbs and yesterday 2lbs so 10lbs so far. I have to say, the last couple of weeks i've not stuck to SS properly due to stress but i'm cool with that - i'm still loosing and today have got back onto it 100% and would like to lose 4-5lbs for next week so have my first stone out the way. I lost 5lbs before I started CD whilst I was waiting for my appointment date so have lost around 15lbs so far. I still have about 6 stone to lose and I really want to lose as much by November as I can so it's dedication all the way!! This site i've found sooooooooo useful. It's such a great feeling to know that you're not on your own and discuss problems and tips. Also, one thing i've found with previous 'diets' is that if you have one bad day, you tend to give up for the week. With the CD, please don't panic if you have an off day and think you've ruined it, just get back onto it and you'll be amazed!! I've gone down a dress size already and my clothes are fitting better!! It is hard and can be tough, especially the first week but it does work and you are all doing fantastically well!! Keep it up xxx
posted Jul 4th, 2008 11:01 pmFraggle79uk
Sorry, knew there was something else - have bought some of the Ketostix to test for ketosis but am a little unsure what i'm looking for on them :S can anyone shed some light?? Also - KELLY, your question about the mousses, what happens is you can get mix a mousse granules from your counsellor which you add to your shakes to turn them into mousses so the flavours are what flavours the shakes are you choose. Also, the water flavourings are an orange flavour and a summer berry flavour. Have the summer berry one and have to say, it's not bad but not quite how I expected (if that makes sense) they're quite expensive - �6-40 for a tub and you add 1tsp to a litre of water so there's 30 servings in a tub. A lot of people have said it's better if you add it to sparkling water which i'm going to try. Hope this helps a little xx
posted Jul 4th, 2008 11:01 pmlyn
hi just back from my second week weigh in and i lost anouther 3lbs which is 12 in all must say though that i feel like ive lost more than that but it will be over a stone by next week and at least i can eat the bars this week i am really looking forward to that! good luck everyone.
posted Jul 4th, 2008 11:01 pmmarnie x
hi guys ok so on day 4 now - and it is hard !! i have been having hunger pains today and had to sit through a corporate lunch! agony! but i have measured myself today and i have lost 3 inches off my legs 2 off my hips and 1 of my bust so that is making me happy!! i cant wait for weigh in on sunday!! i hope i can keep this up! water hasnt been to bad managed to drink enough- getting a bit sick of the shakes now i feel sick when i go to have one and hold my nose when i drink it ! i think i like the soups better , thanks jackie wow 7 ibs in 3 days wicked i hope i have lost that much - as i keep thinking if i havent lost that much i will stop as it is too much to sacrifice for little weight loss?? is this me beeing stupid - and wanted to ask is anyone on the 1 meal a day and how much do you lose with this?? i know it will be less but how much less?? sorry to go on! well ill keep you posted xxxxx
posted Jul 4th, 2008 9:13 amlyn
Hi its my second weigh in tomorrow so fingers crossed cannot wait to be able to have the bars as much as i am not hungry i really need something to chew! It is amazing how as long as you drink enough you really are not hungry and if you are drink more sometimes i will have a coffee and a large glass of water and then more coffee untill the hunger goes and it does, i must add that i drink decaf so its not as bad as it seems any way i look forward to my weigh in tomorrow.x
posted Jul 4th, 2008 9:13 amFraggle79uk
AMANDA - you've hit on one of my promises to myself - no more 'This year i'll lose the weight' New Years resolutions!! I'm now in my 4th week of SS and feel much better. I've not been able to get on for a little while as works has been so manic for the last couple of weeks, in my first week I lost 7.5lbs, my second week, 0.5lbs and yesterday 2lbs so 10lbs so far. I have to say, the last couple of weeks i've not stuck to SS properly due to stress but i'm cool with that - i'm still loosing and today have got back onto it 100% and would like to lose 4-5lbs for next week so have my first stone out the way. I lost 5lbs before I started CD whilst I was waiting for my appointment date so have lost around 15lbs so far. I still have about 6 stone to lose and I really want to lose as much by November as I can so it's dedication all the way!! This site i've found sooooooooo useful. It's such a great feeling to know that you're not on your own and discuss problems and tips. Also, one thing i've found with previous 'diets' is that if you have one bad day, you tend to give up for the week. With the CD, please don't panic if you have an off day and think you've ruined it, just get back onto it and you'll be amazed!! I've gone down a dress size already and my clothes are fitting better!! It is hard and can be tough, especially the first week but it does work and you are all doing fantastically well!! Keep it up xxx
posted Jul 4th, 2008 9:13 amKirsten
Hi everyone, well i have been following all your comments for over a week now (about how long it took me to read from start to finish). I have my first meeting to start ss tonight so day 1 will be tomorrow for me and i am so excited. Reading all your comments has put me in a positive frame of mind before i have started, which can only be a good thing. So a little about me, i have 3 stone to lose, i work as long haul cabin crew so am a little nervous about how the diet will affect the social aspect of my job aswell as working 17-18 hour days and finding the energy to pull through. Anyway like i said, Day 1 for me tomorrow so will keep you all posted. Well done to everyone on here, not only for being successful in losing weigh but also for coming together and supporting one another through all the ups and downs.x
posted Jul 3rd, 2008 12:57 pmJackie
(2/7/2008 - 15:25) Hi All! MARNIE it is NOT unusual! I lost 7lbs in my first 3 days! Your water weight comes off quickly, so dont be surprised if you weight a lot less already! Well done you! EMMA I have emailed you from my normal address! That new one I created didnt see to be working so I just deleted it! I will check back on here later for more listings! Bye! x
posted Jul 2nd, 2008 2:17 pmEmma
JACKIE: Tried to email you but it won't go through - my email address is [email protected] so if you can email me with your email address on it and then hopefully it can be created xx
posted Jul 2nd, 2008 8:47 ammarnie x
hi everyone ! well now on day 3 of the cd im doing well dont feel that hungry - i felt a little dizzy this morining and a bit sick - but with the water i feel fine now - i had a mint choc shake last night and it was so yummy! i was so suprised - as for exercise i dont think i will be doing any just yet as i think i would probably pass out! lol dont know if if my prices have gone up seeing as i have only just started - i think i will be better once i can have the bars and flavourings - but i keep thinking about beeing skinny! i think i have lost weight already is this normal in you first 2 days? i might just be in my head? well ill kepp you all updated xxx bye for now xxx
posted Jul 2nd, 2008 8:47 amKelly
Hi all, well i had lost 3 stone in 10 weeks before going to Jamaica, I have now returned from jamaica and have eaten for 3 weeks however i havnt really enjoyed food like i did before i started CD. I have started back on ss and i havnt found it difficult, strangely enough i am enjoying it! i hate the soups and love the shakes, my favourite bars are cranberry and peanut im not keen on the rest i dont like the texture! I am still to try the mousse what are they like and what flavours do they do? does anyone know? I am getting fed up with water now as i dont drink tea or coffee and dont want to start drinking pop! are the water flavourings nice? i am going to barcelona in 9 weeks so it will be interesting to see how much i lose, i have my first weigh in on saturday and i am hoping i havnt put on much weight, i dont feel like i have and i havnt weighed myself! I will keep you all updated. Keep up the good work everyone its so good that there is support other than the councillers i know this site has helped me in my weaker moments. Take care for now x
posted Jul 1st, 2008 10:49 pmJackie
(1/7/2008 - 14.20) - Hey All! We've had some fab comments on here in the last few days! Excellent! Where to start! First of all ANY ONE My counsellor has not told me about a price increase. Each counsellor runs their own business within Cambridge, so their prices are their choice. As I have mentioned on many occasions (I don?t mean to brag) is that my counsellor only charges �1.50 per pack. He does this as a part time thing, not as his main job, and just wants to help people! Both him and his mother (Who had been a counsellor for MANY years) Decided that they would keep their prices low, rather than trying to get loads of dosh! Your counsellor may be doing this job full time, and in this current climate, it isn?t surprising that she is trying to make a little extra! EMMA! Welcome back, it feels like FOREVER! (Although its probably only been about a week!) Well Done on your 6 1/2 lbs! I know you have been struggling with your counsellor! So its great to know you're still doing well! Exercise! Lets not kid ourselves, we will not be fit hotties if we don?t put some work into it! However you have to understand that your body is working on LOW calorie amounts. I tried to find out what the average amount of calories burnt per day is, but it would appear that it isn?t that simple! Anyway, exercise is required to keep fit and healthy, so just take it easy, do what you feel comfortable with. Don?t push too hard, and build it up slowly as your body becomes used to the extra work. Hope that?s a good enough answer! Its a shame you cannot get another counsellor, I?m sure you could do even better with more help! I decided to create an email address, [email protected]. So if you (or anyone!) want to contact me on that, I would be happy to try and answer any questions! I know that DIETSINREVIEW is being worked on, and soon this listing board will be much more convenient, and quick, but in the mean time, I would be happy to help! Also EMMA if you email me your contact number, I would be happy to give you a call if you want a chat! Anyway! CHEEKY well done on keeping going! Glad you're having a great week! CARRIE you obviously need to find a hobbie! Look for something you can do on a weekend to keep yourself busy! You should be going out, having fun - without the need to eat! I'm sure you will be able to think of something! Anyway im off! Speak soon! x
posted Jul 1st, 2008 1:18 pm