The GM diet is a diet plan which is popular for significant weight loss of up to 17 pounds in just a week. It is believed to have been designed by General Motors to enhance workers’ health and consequently boost productivity. Even though there are uncertainties about its origin, the popular notion is that it worked for General Motors and it can work for anyone too.
It is a seven-day plan which cuts down on sugars, fat and empty calories by emphasizing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. It allows the intake of oils sparingly and animal proteins only on the fifth day. Though the restrictions might feel burdensome at the beginning the outcome is meant to be far rewarding for the self-control it requests.
What Are The Benefits Of The GM Diet?
- Significant Weight Loss In A Short Time : Compared to other popular dieting plans the GM diet can provide a weight loss of up to 17 pounds in just seven days. It is suitable for you if you only have a little time to spare to cut down on your weight and start a new life with full confidence.
- Strengthened Immune System : The strong emphasis on fruits and vegetables provides a mix of vitamins and minerals which strengthen the body’s immune system for fighting diseases and harmful substances.
- Enhanced Body Functions : Vitamins and minerals are important for the performance of the functions of many organs. Some of them strengthen the bones and skeletal system; others are needed for blood production, skin health, and performance of the brain among others. Regular intake of a variety of fruits and vegetables is a choice for a healthier life.
- The GM diet also provides an opportunity to break off from wrongful eating habits which you may have been addicted to by strengthening self-control.
What Are The Side Effects Of The GM Diet?
- Dehydration : The GM diet causes the body to use a lot of water and you can easily get dehydrated, if you don’t take the recommended glasses of water daily.
- Headaches : You can experience headaches as a result of the change in how you normally eat or as a result of dehydration. Headaches often go away within the first three days if you are drinking the recommended amount of water.
- Dizziness and Weakness : The low carbohydrate intake can result in dizziness and weakness for people who are used to or whose daily activities require high carbohydrate intake. These should resolve while you progress through the days. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activity during the early days to combat these.
General Motors Diet FAQs
Can I Follow The GM Diet If I Am Vegetarian?
The GM diet is flexible and can be followed by a vegetarian. The majority of days require plant based meals. On days with meals from protein sources, animal sources can be replaced with rich plant sources. It is favourable for all dieting styles.
Can I Follow The GM Diet If I Am Pregnant?
The GM diet is not recommended during pregnancy. While it is a healthy dieting plan, there isn’t enough information to prove its safety for the baby.
Can I Follow The GM Diet While Breastfeeding?
The GM diet is not recommended during breastfeeding too. It may result in malnutrition of the baby. Seek the advice of your healthcare provider for the suitable time to follow the GM diet plan.
Can I Continue With The GM Diet Plan After The Seven Days?
While the GM diet plan can be continued, it is advisable to repeat it in an alternating manner. If you want to do it frequently, you can do it every two weeks to allow yourself to ease out on your appetite during intermediate weeks.
Can I Exercise When Following The GM Diet Plan?
Yes you can! However, you should start out minimally for the first three days and keep it moderate for the rest of the days. Some people may experience dizziness and weakness with physical activity when on the plan. You should proceed with caution.
Daily Breakdown
GM Diet Day 1
It is a bold step to decide to do something and an even bolder step to start doing it. The first day is meant to be challenging, thus the plan allows you to take any fruit you want provided it is not banana. Interestingly, there is no restriction on quantity and you can take as much as you want.
Goal
The goal is to cleanse the body from toxins and prepare it for the days ahead.
How The Goal Is Achieved
The diet plan on day one packs a lot of vitamins and minerals into the body. These nutrients are important for what is called anti-oxidation. When the body performs the activities which let us survive, certain waste products called free radicals are produced.
These free radicals are known to be involved in diseases like cancer, hypertension and diabetes among others. By providing a good supply of vitamins and minerals on day one, this plan sets the stage for the body to get rid of these harmful substances.
Restrictions
You should avoid
- Banana
- All non-fruit foods
Challenges
- On the first day, your greatest challenge is likely to be a surge of cravings. It is the reason many people fail. You can survive this by taking a favourite fruit provided it is not banana and taking a snack once in between main meals.
- If you are not used to drinking a lot of water it can be a significant change for you. Even though water is recommended for the best results, you can replace it with equivalent glasses of orange juice or coconut water if you cannot overcome the difficulty.
Breakfast
The healthy way of eating breakfast is eating heavy. Therefore, heavier fruits are recommended for your first meal. Fruit suggestions include melon, cantaloupe, pawpaw and watermelon. You are also required to drink two (2) glasses of water. If this is difficult, you can replace with orange juice or coconut water.