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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 56 of 59, 1175 total comments)

steph33

hi everyone have just started cd today and had my first breakfast vanilla shake i will get back to you in a few weeks and let you know how i am doing wish me luck!

vickie

Hi everyone, i started cd sole source 9 days ago and so far i have lost 10lbs. I must admit the 2nd week is easier than the first i have 2 1/2 stone to lose, does add a meal make a big difference and does it make you more hungry by eating food???

Diets In Review

Hello SCW- Thank you for reaching out to Diets In Review re: the Cambridge Diet. This is a great suggestion and one we will make a point of following up. Diets In Review recently added a live chat function. We definitely encourage you and other CD'ers to use the chat to share your experiences, in addition to the comments and forum.

Diets In Review

Hello SCW- Thank you for reaching out to Diets In Review re: the Cambridge Diet. This is a great suggestion and one we will make a point of following up. Diets In Review recently added a live chat function. We definitely encourage you and other CD'ers to use the chat to share your experiences, in addition to the comments and forum.

scw

This is a message for this web site, it would be good if a circular email was sent to all Cambridge counsellors asking them to advise all new and old clients of this web site as it would be nice to get more of peoples comments either hard times or good times. thank you

Debbie

I am thinking about doing the Cambridge Diet as I have tried dieting. My blood pressure is high and I have type 2 diabetes. I am going to ring counsellor on pay day. I did the micro diet in the 80's and lost 3 stone so they do work.

nafnaf206

Hardest thing I have ever done sole souce for the first week wanted to die!!! But lost 9lbs has kept me motivated not got that much to lose now only another 11lbs and I will be happy not a diet for the fainthearted and lots of will power required!!! Good luck Sam go for it!!!

Channyp63

Hi Guys, Well im on the 3rd day of cd and today I have really been tempted to eat carbs! May I say I have resisted and I find it a great help reading this page over and over, So supportive having you guys here going through the same as me and at different stages x x x

Sam

Hi there, I have a good 30 kilos to lshed. I am planning to start this diet next week..have fixed up an appointment with the conunsellors. Please wish me luck!

tony

im thinking of starting cd, i weigh 23 stoe [male] do u think i will manage ok as i do a manual job, and will it get easier after 2 or 3 days,

Channyp63

Can I drink Green Tea on the diet as I know im not allowed fruit teas but this isnt a fruit one so not sure?! I am on Sole Source at the moment. Thanks in advance.

Channyp63

Hi Guys, I want to start by saying I think comments of if we only have 1 or 2 stone we shouldnt be on this completley wrong! I started Cambridge Jan this year and Lasted 10 days in that 10 days I lost 6lb. I didnt last because I didnt truly have the will power at the time. 3 years agao I was a skinny size 8 weighing 8 1/2 stone- im only 5ft1. I went up to 11 stone after an operation and falling into depression. May I say I got down to 9st10lb since September doing Weight Watchers but I am ready to now throw myself into doing this. Im not doing it for anyone but myself and I think making this desision now rather than waiting until I get really big a pose real health problems for myself is the best thing I could ever do for myself. I am 21 in July and I am moving to Dubai in 6 weeks with my gourgeous Partner of almost 3 years. My life has completly turned around through the support of my partner and the determination in myslelf. My partner has always loved me and treated me like a Princess throughout me gaining all the weight. I dont want to loose alot, I just want to get back my body and feel really sexy again! Even if you only want to loose a couple of pounds this diet is for EVERYONE just go for it and never let anyone put you off what you want to do for yourself, Just loose weight because you want to not because you fell you have to guys x x x I start back the diet on 16/02/08 (Sat) and cant wait!

scw

I have been on the diet for three weeks, the first week I lost 7lb, 2nd week 4lb and the 3rd week only 1lb, the reason; I think for the small loss of 1lb is due to my monthly periods, does any body else have a small or no loss at the time of their cycle?? please let me know. It must make a difference or does it???. I am now into my 4th week and hope that I will have a better loss this week. I have also lost just over 7" in three weeks. Channyp63 I have read your oments and wish you Good luck!!

Anonymous

lighter life is made by cambridge diet, made in exactly the same place, it is a great diet and works, but you do have to change your eating habits when you finish.

Anonymous

i did it a few months ago and lost 17lbs in 15days before giving up. It is extremely hard!im considering trying it again but all the memories of tiredness moodswings, depression and also the fact that i started to get extremely obsessed with not eating food! This diet is a sure thing to loose weight, but is a easy method of obtaining a eating disorder.

Asha

I've started the CD, I'm one my first day I looking to loose 30 kg, wish me luck. I'm on my 1st day and its kinda difficult but your testimonies keep encouraging me.

feefee

I did this diet for two weeks and lost exactly a stone only put back on 5lb going back on it monday and really excited as i know it works and sole source is the only way to go i have a friend who has lost just over six stone in fifteen weeks and she looks amazing

Anonymous

I have now been doing CD for 4 weeks and have lost 16lbs and 12". I am now ready to "add a meal week" - Please can anyone advise me if I should just carry on with the shakes or to do the add a meal - I have another stone to lose. Help please.

Bev

Just reading some of your comments with interest. I am a cambridge counsellor and wanted to answer some of the Q's asked. for long shifts heavy work jobs try having 4 sachets a daym minimal increas in cals but better for energy, if you do add food you risk coming out of ketosis and feel worse. The first week is the hardest, but you should feel much better by week 2 stick at it, the temporary side effects are worth the results. It should cost you around �35-38 for a woman on 3 or �45-49 for a man or woman on 4 a day, dependant on choices. Only buy from an accredited counsellor to avoid being ripped off. Ring 0800 16 15 14 to find your nearest one. Good luck everyone Bev X

Anonymous

I am interested in this diet, but dont know if it is for me. I used to weigh around 9 1/2 stone, but over 2 years this has crept up to nearly 12 stone. A few months ago i changed my eating habits for the better and now exercise at least 3 times a week, but the weight is just not shifting. Can i do this diet if i just want to loose 2 1/2 stone?? Any comments would be useful. Thanks.


 

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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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