The 5-day miracle diet is a weight loss plan that promotes eating at specific times of the day while limiting certain foods from the diet. Key points of the plan state that spikes in blood sugar throughout the day not only lead to weight gain but also to chronic conditions like diabetes. By limiting high glycemic foods, meaning foods that cause a strong spike in blood sugar after consumption, one can help offset the negative side effects. The 5-day miracle diet also recommends eating most of one's daily calories early in the day and avoiding large meals in the evening and nighttime hours.
Most dieters find that the 5-day miracle diet has both good and bad points. While restricting foods that are high in sugars and refined carbs is a good thing, taking away any food or food group almost entirely will generally lead to feelings of deprivation. The diet does provide moderate to high levels of weight loss, but once the restricted foods are put back into the diet, the weight tends to pile back on. Eating the heaviest meals of the day in the morning and early afternoon is thought to promote weight loss by many researchers, so this element of the diet is good to follow and can be done long term.
One of the major cons of the 5-day miracle diet is that the plan does not promote regular exercise. Although it does not limit or discourage regular physical activity, it is not mentioned at all in the diet plan. In order for any diet to provide long term results exercise must be included. The recommended amount of exercise for healthy individuals is three to five times a week in half an hour to one hour intervals.
Overall, the 5-day miracle diet is good for a quick fix when it comes to weight loss. Since most foods that are restricted on the diet will eventually be added back into the diet, even in smaller portions, this plan is not good for long-term results. To lose weight following similar principles, one may consider simply cutting back on sweets and high starch foods and adding more exercise into everyday activities. Weight loss may be slower with this more moderate approach, but the results will likely be longer lasting because a more relaxed plan will be easier to stick with.
As with any diet plan, a doctor should be notified before beginning a new regimen. Healthy individuals should have no problem getting back into shape, but new dieters should be checked for any underlying conditions. Once given approval by a doctor, it is a good idea to ease back into exercise slowly to avoid over exertion.