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 41 of 59, 1175 total comments)joanne
day 20 feeling ok lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks didnt think it was very good excited about next weigh in im also very worried about hair loss any one else feel worried aswell
posted Jun 16th, 2008 2:28 pmcarrie
EMMA: Oh my godness you could be my saviour too!! We should support each other! Cos I am exactly the same at the weekend!! And my councellor is very unsupportive too!! She sounds like the same Woman!? You don't live in Dorset do you!? ha ha! Definitely change councellors. I am in the process of changing too! It is so demotivating after a week of doing really well to let yourself down! so then when you feel like you've let yourself down what do you do?... Eat some more because you think "What is the point!?" think this is actually the main reason this diet is so good, because it makes you realise your weak points with relation to food, which are the reasons you put on weight in the first place. By realising these weaknesses you can change your future eatting habits for the better. You should start to write a list of what you feel are your bad eatting habits, and what you think are your good ones. Mine are eatting to much to late in the evening, not eatting regually, and my good points are I love salad and fruit. You need to give yourself a focus at the weekend that doesn't involve food, for example go to the cinema, make plans, even if it's just watching your favourtie film on the sofa with a diet coke as a special treat!! From a young age, we revolve food into "treats". On a saturday it's sweety day! when your older it's a bottle of wine a chinese takeaway and a bar of fruit and nut!! We just need to focus on other things than food!! And if you really need too, I don't see any harm in saying, on a friday or saturday night you'll have a nice steak and lots of fresh vegetables, and on a sunday you might have a diet coke and bit of ham and cheese. Protein only and a sensible amount. But allow yourself this. This diet is tough and you have done so well to stick to it all week!! So pat on the back to you!! The best thing to do, is keep yourself occupied, do your nails, read a book, or if you have to get out of the house!! and go for a walk! Maybe you are eatting out of boredom? as your other half is not there? Just keep yourself busy. Focus on Friday night, then Saturday, and then Sunday. You can do it Emma!! Let me know what your plan is for making the weekend easier!! xxxxxxx
posted Jun 16th, 2008 2:28 pmhelp!!
guys i need your help im totally confused !! I am on first day of sole soure and i thought i could only have three of these shakes a day? however on the website it says you can three plus a 200 calorie meal or four shakes and 200ml of milk?! my councellor told me three shakes a day and nothing else!?
posted Jun 16th, 2008 9:08 amcarrie
Hiya all your all doing so well! I started the diet a few weeks ago, but found my councellor was really unsupportive. Didn't really offer much guidance etc, just saw her to get wieghed and spend �35 on shakes. Consequently fell off the wagon a few times! I only lost 4llbs in the end, but at least that has stayed off! I totally hated the shakes, and felt really unwell in the evenings as some others of you have too. I only have a small amount of weight to lose which may be why? Want to lose about 19llbs in total as I know I will put a few back on once I am off SS. Which isn't too bad, to be honest I would be happy with losing 12llbs. I hated the soups! So am just trying with the shakes now. Will update you every few days. Think the key things are, take each day as it comes, think of it as a short term thing, remember the out come how good you'll feel when you've lost the wieght!, if your feeling unwell keep your mind off it, have a nice bubberly bath and paint your nails as JACKIE said! And also girls and boys, please don't be too hard on yourselves!! If you do happen to have a relapse then don't kill yourself over it!! Drink lots of water and start again the next day. Just don't relapse every day! Take each day as it comes, and just aim to stick to it that day. I'm going to try and remember this, and drink lots of water and tell myself the shakes are gorgeously yummy!! The first three days are the hardest, after that it does get better!! Good luck everyone!! Will let you know how it's going in a few days!xxxxxx
posted Jun 16th, 2008 9:08 amEmma
Well, Jackie and Troopersue: I need your help and fast!!! (and anyone else for that matter...........)! I saw my counsellor on Friday night as arranged, I honestly now think that she is next to useless. She stayed with me for less than 10 minutes, weighed me and i have lost 9 pound in a fortnight, and 5 inches. I know i had a weak moment (which lasted 3 days!) so i only have myself to blame, but even so there was no encouragement from her i didn't feel, all she said was "you can really tell you're starting to lose weight". That was it. She knows how difficult i am finding it. What do i do? I then ate all weekend again, but back on it today. Where i am going rwrong is obvious. I am so good Monday to Friday, and then because of that, i think i can treat myself on a Friday night. So off to the kebab shop. This then leads to saturday and then to Sunday if i feel down. What is the matter with me and why can't i do it? I really really want to. I have now lost 1 stone 10 pounds in 5 weeks which is still good, but then i am spending the week taking off what i put on at the weekend. Can anyone out there give me some tips or advice to stop me doing this and to help me? I possibly ought to change counsellors - i have emailed a couple in my area this morning and am awaiting a reply - i don't know how much they are charging but i am paying �38.50 at the moment for a week's supply. I only get a visit once a fortnight because of the "cost of fuel". I am back on it today and obviously i have to be good. What is it about weekends? Especially when my other half worked all weekend doing overtime, but i can't blame him bless him! PLEASE HELP ME BEFORE I GIVE UP!!!! xxxxx
posted Jun 16th, 2008 9:08 amJackie
(16/6/2008 - 12:15pm) Hi All! KATE, I did some research into the whole gum thing, and this is what I found on the cambridge website - "Can I chew calorie-free gum on the ?Sole Source? programme? It is best not to because chewing gum stimulates the release of gastric juices which in turn will make you feel hungry. Only chew for 2 or 3 minutes if you feel you have to." - Hope that helps!GRUMBLETUMBLE - You're Welcome! Im so glad to hear you are enjoying your shakes now! Thats fab! I'm sure after 5 days you should be in Ketosis by now! I buy ketosticks and check myself every few days. Not only will these tell you if you are in ketosis, but if they come back dark, it a sign that you need LOTS more water, so they are helpful! They cost about �5 for 50, and can be purchased from behind the counter at most chemists. Well done on your 8lbs! Thats FANTASTIC! I get weighed tonight! I think ive lost about 6lbs. That would make it 24lbs in 26 days. Not bad! Anyway, will confirm later on! Well done everyone! x
posted Jun 16th, 2008 9:08 amFraggle79uk
GRUMBLETUMBLE - my counsellor suggested sugar free polos - but definately not too many, i'm on day 5 and think i've lost about 9lbs so far and have had 2 a day so can't be too bad. I had a really bad day yesterday :( During the day i'm fine, it's the evenings I seem to really struggle with. I keep falling asleep in the evning and feel weak too. Also, i'm struggling with the drinks!! I don't mind water but it's the not being able to have anything else. I don't like coffee but enjoy tea but have tried it black and it'e eeuurgghh! Have not wavered though so am chuffed with myself for that. Keep thinking of my end goal and have bought some clothes in a size 12 which i'd love to get down to for motivation. I hope to start introducing exercise back into my lifestyle as the first few days like i've said, I just felt too weak to do much. I'm getting more used to it now and it's becoming more of a way of life which is nice. Sorry for rambling on but one of the things i've found so good about this site is reading everyone's posts and knowing that you're not the only one going through it!! You're all doing fantastically well and keep it up guys xx
posted Jun 16th, 2008 9:08 amgrumbletumble
thanks for replying jackie! i am making the shakes the same way as you, i have totally got used to them now and am looking forward to each one!!! i think maybe the lack of food has sent me doolally hehe...don't think im in ketosis yetas my tumble is still rumbling!..as far as i can tell my breath doesn't smell yet but i do have a manky white furry tongue! eek! i am getting weighed on wednesday so i will update then :o) but so far i think i have lost 8lbs and feel that i have lost on my waist yay! carry on with the good work everyone, take care x
posted Jun 15th, 2008 4:43 pmTABBYCAT
Hi there, been following you all for a while and think you are all great. I have been doing sole source for 6 weeks and have lost 25 lbs so far ~ finding it ok ~ and seeing the weight come off has made me more determined than ever (although there are still weak moments!!). Checking in with how you are all doing has really helped ~ will keep checking in!!
posted Jun 15th, 2008 2:33 pmkate
Jackie - aaarrrrrggggghhhhh my councellor said chewing gum was ok excet that it might make me hungry. its been my life saver - is it a no no cos of the carb content?? I'm on day 5 and so far ok - except for the gum!!
posted Jun 15th, 2008 2:33 pmtrucker lez
just done week one on cd,lost 13lb well chuffed, its not easy but the end result will be worth it.keep up the hard work.
posted Jun 14th, 2008 8:34 amJackie
Hey All! And welcome to all the newbies! Well done for taking that first step! GRUMBLETUMBLE - How do you make your milkshakes? I use just over half a pint of water, then add ice-cubes, then my sachet, and blend it all together in... well a blender! This makes it thick and creamy and yummy. Give it a go. With ref to the bad breath - yes this will happen. But don?t worry! Assuming you brush your teeth twice a day, you should be fine. However I also carry around breath spray with me. DO NOT USE CHEWING GUM! Or the ice strips. Whatever anyone tells you, they are not Cambridge Diet friendly! Keep up the good work! 7lbs in 2 days is FAB! FI - You are doing FANTASTIC! 11lbs in 11 days! You must be so pleased with yourself. Well done. MIKE ? I?m not sure this is the place to be trying to sell your packs. As you probably know, CD is a diet that should be done with GP and Counsellors input. Sorry to sound like a goody two-shoes, I just know how difficult it is to do this diet without the help of counsellor etc. I?m sure other would agree. To be honest I?m surprised that the Site Moderators allowed you to add that message! Sorry! Anyway, that?s just my opinion. Each to their own! Anyway good luck everyone. x
posted Jun 14th, 2008 8:34 amgrumbletumble
hi :o) i started the c.d sole source yesterday and am finding the milkshake thingys really yukky..i think it's probably psycological and am hoping i get used to them, at the moment i'm drinking them while holding my nose! have lost 7lbs so far hmm im thinking maybe this is a bit too much in 2 days but hey im not complaining! The thing that i am worried about is bad breath, my councellor said that i will def. get bad breath as that is a sign that you are in ketosis...has anyone else had this and how did you cope with it??!!! Good luck everyone, and well done for being so strong! x
posted Jun 13th, 2008 3:15 pmFraggle79uk
Hey all! I've been watching this site for a couple of weeks and finally started on CD yesterday! Yesterday I found pretty easy but today is a real toughie!! I have the most amazing craving for hot toast.....ah well. I'm hoping to lose about 7 stone in total and want to make a real effort for November as I am off to my brothers wedding in New Zealand and I haven't seen him in 5 years so really hoping to suprise him. I have to say, I seem to be really lucky, as so far (touch wood) i've liked all the shakes i've tried (choc, banana & strawberry) and also both soups (vegetable and leek & potato) so that's a big help. I'm trying to drink 3.5 litres of water a day too which is sometimes a struggle!! Though i've found a lot more palatable ice cold!! It is SUCH a big help (oh great - now the guys at work are all eating icecreams infront of me!!) to read all of your posts and bit of information and tips. I really felt prepared before my first meeting with my counsellor and there was nothing she told me which you guys hadn't covered. Just wanted to say thanks for such a great site and keep up all the hard work! I'll let you know how I get on on Thursday x
posted Jun 13th, 2008 3:15 pmMike
Hi everyone. Just to let you know, i have 83 cambridge products for sale (mixture of soups and shakes - most flavours) Email me if your interested. Thanks Mike
posted Jun 13th, 2008 9:34 amFraggle79uk
Hey all! I've been watching this site for a couple of weeks and finally started on CD yesterday! Yesterday I found pretty easy but today is a real toughie!! I have the most amazing craving for hot toast.....ah well. I'm hoping to lose about 7 stone in total and want to make a real effort for November as I am off to my brothers wedding in New Zealand and I haven't seen him in 5 years so really hoping to suprise him. I have to say, I seem to be really lucky, as so far (touch wood) i've liked all the shakes i've tried (choc, banana & strawberry) and also both soups (vegetable and leek & potato) so that's a big help. I'm trying to drink 3.5 litres of water a day too which is sometimes a struggle!! Though i've found a lot more palatable ice cold!! It is SUCH a big help (oh great - now the guys at work are all eating icecreams infront of me!!) to read all of your posts and bit of information and tips. I really felt prepared before my first meeting with my counsellor and there was nothing she told me which you guys hadn't covered. Just wanted to say thanks for such a great site and keep up all the hard work! I'll let you know how I get on on Thursday x
posted Jun 13th, 2008 9:34 amFi
Hi Just checking in. I'm now on Day 11 and have lost 11lbs. I'm thrilled, i've never lost weight this easily before. I am going away in 6 weeks for most of the summer and I'm a little worried that I'll put a lot back on after reading some of the comments. Any holiday advise would be appreciated. x
posted Jun 13th, 2008 9:34 amJackie
Hey guys! How is everything? Well i'm disappointed with myself. I slipped today - well, I had some salad. I'm in week 3, so I should have waited for my add a meal week - but I guess no one is perfect! I was contemplating whether to write this! But I thought No, others struggle too! I don't want to give the impression that i'm Miss Perfect! So there - I said it, but it wont happen again! Anyway - moving on! DONNA - 5lbs in 6 days is AMAZING!!! Don't feel bad! Men lose weight much quicker than women! Just keep at it, you havent starved yourself for nothing! GRUMPY GIRL - I am SO jelous! I wish I only had 1st to lose! However, it doesnt matter how much you have to lose, it still has the same effect on the way people think of themselves. I personally haven't had mood swings (that I know of!) Evenings have been tough for me this week too! I've been in on my own every night! That makes temptation worse. I would advise you to keep yourself busy. Take a luxurious bath, do your nails, relax and SMILE. Just smiling releases happy hormones in your body. So even when you feel crap, just try to feel better - it sounds stupid I know, but it works. Give it a go. Also, if your Councellor is that bad, FIND ANOTHER ONE! Your happiness is the most important thing. If you dont feel valued as a customer, you're bound to be feeling miserable. EMMA - thank you for your kind words! You made me grin from ear to ear at work today when I read your message. Im glad my comments help. You have been missed while you have been away! And its FAB to hear you're doing so well! Im pleased that my other half is back on earlies next week, I think it will allow me to really get my head around it! ELAINE, I dont know why you would still be feeling hungry. The appetite supressants should have kicked in already, keep drinking your water, and keep at it! Sorry to have rabbited on! If im boring people, tell me to STOP! Have a great day! x
posted Jun 12th, 2008 4:56 pmelaine
been on cd now for 3 wks, its really hard on sole source plus, but still feeling hungry why that anyone know, anyway, will carry on good luck everyone
posted Jun 12th, 2008 11:16 amemma
Hi guys, haven't posted anything for a few days so i thought i better catch up with people and tell you i am still here! Really back on track now with motivation, have my weigh in again tomorrow night so can't wait to see how many pounds and inches may have lost - will let you all know on Monday! I have been REALLY good since Monday, just doing ss and no coke zero even! Just water. I have lost 4 pounds up to this morning so happy with that. Went and bought myself some size 16 clothes at lunchtime, which was great - they don't fit but it has given me incentive to get into them so the money not wasted. Its great size 18 top now and considering i was a 22 in April, i am well impressed. Its hard, but i feel good (at the moment!) Even so, could really murder a huge doner and a slice of pizza, but hey, couldn't we all! I also think its psychological and not actually wanting it (or is it?!!! ...........) Good luck guys and speak again on Monday, JACKIE and TROPPERSUE you are both fantastic - your comments really keep me going!! xxxxx
posted Jun 12th, 2008 9:25 am