When you meet one of the men and women serving our country one thing is clear; they are in optimal shape. Yes, their training is long and difficult. The military trains their recruit hard, only those strong enough will be able to keep up with the demands required of them to serve and protect. To keep up with the rigorous and physical demands, recruits follow a strict diet. During basic training, the brave men and women receive three meals a day. Some military branches do not allow recruits, in particular, to consume pop or desserts. There is no room to be picky here either, you either eat to fuel your body or you starve. Eating in the military is to get into top shape and maintain it. If you want to eat like our soldiers do, you will be losing weight in no time. The benefit of the military diet is that it’s healthy and meant to keep you fuelled throughout the day.Day 1 – Breakfast 1/2 grapefruit 1 slice toast 2 tablespoons peanut butter Caffeinated coffee or tea Do not add cream, sugar or sweeteners.
Eat with moderation, keep your calorie intake to no more than 1,500 per day.
Day 1 – Lunch 1/2 cup tuna 1 slice toast coffee or tea
You can however, spread out your food throughout the day if it will help you feel fuller.
Coffee and tea often work as an appetite suppressant but if you don’t drink these hot beverages, no harm done.
Day 1 – Dinner 3 ounces meat (any type) 1 cup green beans 1/2 banana 1 small apple 1 cup vanilla ice cream Remember to only use no calorie or low calorie seasoning during this diet. No calorie seasonings are salt, pepper, lemon juice, and Mrs. Dash.
Day 2 – Breakfast 1 egg 1 slice toast 1/2 banana
Exercise during this diet is also encouraged. If you find you have low energy as you are adjusting to the amount of food being consumed, walk 30 minutes everyday, seven days a week.
Day 2 – Lunch 1 cup cottage cheese (or 1 slice cheddar cheese) 1 hardboiled egg 5 saltine crackers
The military diet is a form of intermittent fasting.
For example, peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter, soy butter, sunflower seed butter, hummus, pumpkin butter, or bean dip.
Day 2 – Dinner hot dogs (no buns) 1 cup broccoli 1/2 cup carrots 1/2 banana 1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream
Meat should be grilled or baked in this diet.
Day 3 – Breakfast 5 saltine crackers 1 slice cheddar cheese 1 small apple
Men can also take part in this diet. Experts recommend adding 100 extra calories a day in their meal plans, ideally through protein.
Fruity cocktails and beers are a big no-no even on the four days off the diet. Have one glass of red wine if you must drink something alcoholic.
Day 3 – Lunch 1 hardboiled egg 1 slice toast
Sleep deprivation, stress, thyroid problems, or hormonal imbalance may be one of the culprits. Make sure you speak to your physician to ensure you are healthy.
Day 3 – Dinner 1 cup tuna 1/2 banana 1 cup vanilla ice cream
Not that you will want to but you can substitute vanilla ice cream with one cup of apple juice or one cup of vanilla, strawberry or banana flavoured almond milk.
