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

Name: Cambridge Diet Review (UPDATED 2025): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
Item: Cambridge Diet Review (UPDATED 2025): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
Rating: 35
Author: admin

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

Top Rated Diets of 2025

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

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

• Diarrhea, gas, and loose stools.

• Indigestion, nausea, and stomach pains.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“numerous adverse effects”

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

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

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

“carcinogenic properties of degraded carrageenan”

“ulcerations and neoplasms in association with exposure to carrageenan”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cambridge Diet Quality of Ingredients

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Price and Quality of Cambridge Diet

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

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

Business of Cambridge Diet

The contact information for the diet is as follows:

Phone Number: (44)(0) 1536 403344

Address:Stafford House, 10 Brakey Road

Corby, Northants, NN17 5LU

Email: [email protected]

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

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

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

Customer Opinions of Cambridge Diet

Here are some direct quotes from user reviews:

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

“never felt full, I always felt hungry”

“Having a bad time with motivation”

“the first few days are the hardest”

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

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

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

Conclusion - Does Cambridge DietWork?

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

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

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

How Does Cambridge Diet Compare?

Product Name
User Rating
Easy to follow
Cheap Price
Fast Results

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

High Protein Diet
91/100

Dukan Diet
89/100

Paleo Diet
87/100

Plexus Slim
77/100

Cambridge Diet
35 /100

User Reviews Archieved

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User Feedback

(Page 59 of 59, 1175 total comments)

Anonymous

I'm about to embark on the Cambridge Diet as need to lose weight seriously before 21st January as I'm in an am dram musical....wish me luck ! ;)

3 weeker

I have been doing cambridge for 3 weeks. I lost 10 pounds in 1st week. But have not lost anymore since then. I go swimming at 3 times a week!! whats going on!!??

Anonymous

hiya,ive been doing this diet for 3 days now and i already feel really light.i did get the headaches and mood swings but im fine now.so far so good.i cant wait to see the results in two weeks time.i will let u know how i get on.

CEN

i went on the cambridge diet and lost 2st all my friends and workmates said it wasnt gonna work and i would put the weight back on. and did i prove them wrong not only did i keep the weight off i went on to lose another 1st by eating sensible while on the diet i read a range of gi diet books by Rick Gallop & Dr Ruth Gallop which helped me change the way i looked at food it is important to look at your eating habit and recognise your faults the diet works its up to you. i've started again on the 2/01/08 as i want to lose 2st wish me luck

louisa

i am on this diet and had my first weigh in yesterday morning and lost 11lbs. i did it 2 yrs ago as well and lost 17lbs in my first week!!!!!!!!! it really is the best diet, i just wish people would do research on it before saying we're doing a crash diet!

louisa

i've been doing the cambridge diet for a week now and lost 11lbs!!! i know this diet works and love it! and i know too many people who are maintaining their weight to believe it does stay off as long as you change the way you were eating before. More people need to do their research on this diet than going around telling us we're on a crash diet!!

Helen

I'm on my 4th day of the diet and it's been the biggest shock to my system. My moods have been awful and i've had terrible hunger, headaches and nausea! I am pleased with the initial results as I seem to be losing weight really quickly, but it is really hard!

kerrie

am on my 2nd day feel a bit better than yesterday had bad headaches nausea and was very light headed lost 5lb am finding it very hard x but am guna do it !

Maggie

I start the diet on wednesday 09/01/08 i have tried loads of diets. I hope this works as well for me as it has for loads of other people. i will let you know how i do in first two weeks.

Anonymous

how much does it cost?

paula

Istart this diet on tues 1st jan 2008, i done the lighterlife plan last yr and lost 3 stone, however i have put 2 stone back on through my own greediness, i did find it very expensive and im hopin that the cambridge diet will work just the same, i don belive that hey are the makers of the lightlife shakes, with the added bonus that they have more flavours and the shakes do come in cartons, so no more blending, which was a pain, so wish me luck and have a great 2008

Laura

I am on my second day. I went out with my friends to a pub earlier and they ate some delicious sausage and mash in front of me and I didn't even care. I had a big shock when I had a medical and they told me my BMI indicated I was obese. I am only 22 and do not want to go through my life as a fat person. I feel revolting. I am determined to lose 3.5 stone and wear a bikini this summer. I feel good at the moment and the water drinking is great. I am hoping this will change my life x x

Cambridge user

I lost over 100 pounds on Cambridge several years ago and I have kept it off. It is the best diet on the market! Any diet that has been around for almost 30 years has proven it's self to be safe I would think. I bought mine at www.cambridgediet.org . They have a great support system there and the distributor is the best. She used to be a nurse so she can answer your questions about it's safety.

Brandy

Is this healthy? Sounds realy low in cals- i've heard you should have like 2000 cals a day.

X2C

I think it's probably OK for getting started and losing a few pounds. Nothing says encoragement like looking at the scale a few days after starting and already losing weight!

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BACKGROUND Start the Diet Now Advertisement

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

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

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

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

Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2025?

PRO

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

CON

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

DIET and NUTRITION

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

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

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

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

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

EXERCISE

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

Common Misspellings

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