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Cambridge Diet

Cambridge Diet Review (UPDATED 2025): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

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

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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.

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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.

• 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.

How Does Cambridge Diet Compare?
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User Feedback

(Page 55 of 59, 1175 total comments)

Helly

I'm on day 4 - no headaches, no nausea, I stuck with my normal caffeine intake of tea minus the milk, and 4pints of water a day, that I've drunk out of a sports bottle that i keep topping up, which I have found easier than out of a glass. I have 'cheated' by having small cubes of cheese, and bits of ham on an evening which is carb free. I have my weigh in on Monday, but on myscales I have lost 4lbs in 4 days - and I have gained energy!

posted Mar 13th, 2008 9:56 am

Sharon

I've just had my 1st weigh in and only lost 4 lb which I'm a bit gutted about. My counsellor says I am retaining water...has anyone else experienced this?

posted Mar 11th, 2008 10:20 am

Robin

Hi All, Just to say I'm on day two and not feeling too bad. A little hungry, but not dying for food yet. I've got about 2st to lose so really want to stick to it. I had my third shake late last-nite which seemed to help the carb-cravings. My problem is missing alcohol and the fact I have to feed four kids and a husband! But I am determined since two friends have done so well. I couldn't believe how skinny they looked! I'm going to get my nails done, have bought a few magazines and will treat myself to a new top at the end of the week, provided I've lost. Treats are the order of the day! Go for it people, I'm sure it works! x

posted Mar 11th, 2008 10:20 am

Layla

I've been on the CD now for 2 days. It's been great, I was going to do Lighterlife but found out that this is exactly the same, and cheaper, I've felt hungry today but its mind over matter, I have over 12 stone to lose. I'm going to do this by this time next year!

posted Mar 11th, 2008 10:20 am

Dawn

My partner and i started this diet 4 wks ago i have ost 1 stone 3llb my partner 2 and half stone in a month we are both so pleased. It is a easy diet to do but boaring as you cant go out to eat at all or spend a night in the pub unless you drink water, having said that it is well worth it i have 13 to go and hope to do that over this next month and i am now adding a meal. my partner has a bit longer to stay on it and for someone who was a complete junk food king says its easy and wants to keep going untill he gets to goal. My daughter aslo did the diet and lost 5 stone in 6 months. Just keep going its well worth it. Good Luck.

posted Mar 8th, 2008 6:01 pm

dawn

had my first weigh in today lost 9lb yippee doing another week of ss

posted Mar 5th, 2008 2:13 pm

TRACIE

HI THERE I AM ON WEEK 9 THIS WEEK AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY HAIR LOSS SO DONT WORRY GUYS IT HASNT HAPPENED TO ME OR MY 4 FRIENDS DOING THE SOLE SOURCE CD IT IS JUST A SIDE AFFECT THAT CAN HAPPEN HOPE THIS HELPS AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CD AND WEDDING SHARON

posted Mar 5th, 2008 7:51 am

dawn

just curious as to how many people have hair loss?is it patchy like alopecia or is it just extra hair all over?

posted Mar 4th, 2008 2:43 pm

DONT say the f word

Started today - want to loose 3 to four stone wish me luck

posted Mar 4th, 2008 9:38 am

Sharon Wraith

Hi Paula, thanks for your reply. That really worries me about the amount of hair you lost. How soon into doing sole source did it start coming out...can you remember?

posted Mar 3rd, 2008 2:10 pm

Paula

Starting sole source today, Monday 3rd March. My comment is for Sharon. Previously I did lighter life for 3 months and lost 5st. I lost tons of hair, it literally came out in handfuls in the shower, very scary! Other friends did the diet and didnt lose as much as me, so I think it depends on the individual. As I dont want to lose my hair again, because I was actually more upset about it than I thought I would be, I intend on doing 2 add a meal weeks in a month. Hoping the extra boost in vitamins and minerals will prevent it.

posted Mar 3rd, 2008 8:02 am

Sharon

I'm starting the sole source CD tomorrow and I'm really worried about the potential hair loss I keep reading about. I'm doing the diet as I'm getting married in 3 months and want to lose 2 stone if possible but I would rather be fat and have all my hair I think! Has anyone experienced hair loss? Good luck to everyone doing the diet S x

posted Mar 2nd, 2008 7:57 pm

dawn

i started cd on thursday 28th feb couldnt get on with the shake cup for mixing the shakes they were always lumpy so ive invested in a electric hand whisk from argos �3.89 hooray no more lumpy shakes.drank masses of water and had no side effects whatsoever.

posted Mar 2nd, 2008 7:57 pm

tracie

just wanna say well done everyone i am now on wk 8 and have 6lbto go until i have lost 3 stone so feeling very proud also just wanna say good luck fiona with your ivf hope it all goes well for you .xxxxxx

posted Feb 28th, 2008 12:46 pm

Fiona

Hi all. Started CD 10 days ago. Have lost 11 lbs. Found day 4 the toughest of all, but it got easier. Feeling the urge to start eating but will battle on. Have to loose another half stone in 2 weeks as I'm hoping to start IVF. Wish you all the best with the diet !! And yes terri one meal WILL do a lot of damage,either cancel your night out or be ready to start all over again.....it's your choice. Keep drinking the water !!!!!!!!! It really works !!

posted Feb 28th, 2008 10:56 am

scw

Just completed my 4th week on CD and lost 5lb and another 3" so thats 1st3lb and 10" in 4 weeks, feel really healthy. let hope the next 4 weeks is a repeat.

terri

Ive read all these comments and I am very exited about starting the diet. I start on thursday. A few questions, How much exercise can you do that is safe? I am worried that I will not be able to do too much because I will not have the energy. and before I planned to do the diet I arranged a get together with old friends. will a one off meal at a restaraunt do alot of damage and what about a little alchohol? is it a no no for just one night?

nic

been doing cd 2weeks now and lost 1stone,10lb the 1st week and 4 the 2nd.its bin hard at the weekends when all your frends are going out,ive ad a few vodcas with diet coke.but the next day felt starving.so makes you think is it realy worth it.

sue

started cd monday now on day 5 feeling ok no headaches drinking loads of water hoping for good weight loss 2 boost me on

flea

Hi everyone, well done for losing the weight! I'm on day one and finding that im very tired, any advice?


 

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BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND 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 2025?

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

EXERCISEEXERCISE

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.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

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 MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

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

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