Since I started my blog over four years ago, I have gained a little over fifteen pounds.

When I mention that to friends, they all chime in, “No you haven’t. You look fine. You could never tell, ” etc. etc. Yes, all the proper things you say to someone when they complain about weight.

I first wrote about my Weight Loss Roller Coaster two years ago when I encouraged hundreds to join me in the 30 Day Shred and 30 Days of Healthy Living. It was a wonderful time of accountability, and I felt great. My muscles were toned by the end of that 30 days, but instead of starting a great new habit of exercise, I stopped. Again. Yes, admittedly, it was a lack of discipline.

I’ve really pondered my weight and desire to be fit over the last year, but the question one has to ask themselves, “Do I want it bad enough?” Often, the answer is “No.”

I want to make healthy living choices. I don’t need to be thin. I don’t need to get back down to the weight I was four years ago (even though it would be glorious), but I do want to be healthy, and that means losing a bit of what I have gained, and then maintaining that within my typical up and down five pounds.

Since I am now in my 40’s (gasp), that weight is so easy to put on. I still want my favorite food of all times, french fries, in moderation and am not willing to cut out all my favorite foods. I want balance.

Now here’s where I am going to be blunt , and my excuse is that I am writing this on the third day of my cleaning out my body of any sugar, processed foods and carbs, so I am ready to mortgage my home for a good order of fries, I don’t need a bunch of book suggestions on new things I should try (because I probably have read them over the years).

Over the years, I have become very educated in nutrition, so I know exactly what and how to go about making lifestyle choices. Again, it’s those little choices for me that I make every day and I am not one to make excuses for myself. I don’t always follow through with my head knowledge, but this works so well for me and I’ve never posted about it until I have done it three times and have checked with  nutritionists. They’ve said this would never be recommended as a long term option, which I agree, but on looking at the options of adding in lots of vegetables on the banana and beef day, the rest is fine.

I’ve always end the week feeling disciplined because I’ve proven I can conquer my food, dropped weight, and actually crave healthy fruits and veggies. It’s the kick start that I need.

I pondered my journey in a past post, My Evolution to real foods, organic, junk and everything in between. Don’t miss the comments. They are a wonderful read, which highlight so many perspectives.

Since I posted pictures on instagram nearly every day, and mentioned my detox week on facebook, I’ve had many requests inquiring about the specific regiment I am doing. I share this knowing it will be met with many opinions.I call this a detox because when you eat carbs and sugar, anytime you completely cut those out of your system, you are detoxing from the bad stuff.

Know that I am not a doctor. I will not recommend this for anyone unless they check with a trained professional, and obviously, if in any way you feel uncomfortable, don’t even think about doing it. But it’s real foods every day and on the day it feels too limiting, eat lots of vegetable soup.

This system works for me because it’s limiting enough that I completely detox from sugar, processed foods and bad carbs, basically of all impurities, while giving me enough to looking forward to the next day because it’s something different. I can do anything for a day, and in this GM diet, each day is different and I can eat as much of that one thing that I desire. Know that I love my carbs and in no way am I giving them up for good. I just need to break the strong desire to consume them all day, yes holidays lead to that intense carb addiction, and once I have that broken,  slowly introduce them back into my daily diet on a good note.

I first did the GM diet plan over a year ago with about 10 friends. Half of us made it the entire way through, while the other half dropped out around day two or three. Those first three days are insanely difficult. As with any detox, your body is ridding itself of the poisons that have built up in the body, so headaches, light headedness and for some bloating can occur. (Yes, that was hard to believe since all you eat is produce those first three days.)

Know that you can make up any excuse for how horrible you are feeling. It WILL happen. You will talk yourself into stopping. I guarantee it, but if you can make it through day three, by day four, you won’t believe how much better you feel. The headaches will be gone.

You will not be hungry and it’s now just mind over matter because you WILL want other foods. I highly encourage you do it with a friend that will hold you accountable. I am now trying to do this every six months and I have a friend who does it with me. It is the ONLY way I make it through. We text each other moaning and groaning about how we can’t do it, but because we know the other one is, we continue on. We also text each other if we dare cheat. The first time, I didn’t cheat at all, the last time, I cheated with something like an apple on the veggie day and a bit of chicken. 🙂

If you google the GM diet or GM Diet Plan you will find a ton of variations. Many claim it was first started by doctors at GM (thus the name) to provide a healthy option for their workers. I am fairly certain this is a urban myth, but considering that so many over the years did it with amazing results, I decided to give it a try. I recommend you read through many of the variations before doing it to give you a broad range of opinions.

For me, If people think,  “That’s not healthy.” I look at what I’ve eaten for days – tons and tons of produce, huge amounts of cleansing water, no processed foods, no fast food, no quantities of white carbs, and I realize it’s all real food.  I think it’s the banana day that gets people. It’s odd, but by making frozen banana smoothies, and eating as much veggie soup as you want, most get through it just fine.

Here’s a brief overview of what some sources say. If you’re interested in a  day to day account of what I ate in a future post, let me know in the comments and I can write it up specifically from my stand point.

“The GM diet is a seven-day weight loss management plan that consists mainly of selected fruits and vegetables, and strict amounts of meat. It can be a difficult diet to follow especially since it relies mainly on foods that are high in fiber and less in protein, fat and carbohydrates. At the same time however, this diet plan can be used for fast-paced weight loss regimens, with up to 10 lbs. lost after successfully completing one diet week.

The GM diet and it’s unique diet plan help your to reduce close to 10 pounds in 7 days. Reducing weight is the primary goal, additionally with reduced weight comes the added benefit of feeling good, looking good all translating to a great experience. Not only does it improve the mental state and attitude of the person following the diet course, it also help you to cleanse and detoxify your body. In fact quite a few people follow the diet once every 6 months to cleanse and detoxify primarily rather that weight loss.”

Each time I have done this, I’ve lost 8 pounds. Now granted, this will completely vary for each person based on their present weight, height etc. I also know that any time you detox, some of that is water weight, so I am always thrilled to lose eight, but know that I will gain some of that back. The key once you’ve lost is to not just jump back into your old eating habits on day 8, but continue with that balanced diet we all know is wise – lean proteins, fruits and veggies, lots of water and small portions of good carbs.

I do this when I have mentally determined I am ready to get back in shape and this is my kick start. It’s quick. I see immediate results and can really start well. The last time we did this, my accountability partner finished the week and transferred right over to counting her Weight Watcher’s points. She kept all of her eight pounds off completely.

Here is an overview of the seven days.

Continue to take any vitamin and/or mineral supplements that you taking.

Day 1:  All Fruits 

All fruits can be consumed, except bananas, which are high in starch, potassium and carbohydrates.

We are focusing on detoxification, so drinking at least 10-12 glasses of water each day is essential. You may find “dry mouth” to be an issue, so make sure you keep the fluids flowing. I took it as a good sign that my body was doing its necessary cleansing.

Get ready for this day by eating a lot of good carbs the day before such as bananas and a yummy baked potato. This will give you the necessary energy to make it through the first day. It’s also important not to consume alcohol a few days before and during the diet schedule. Alcohol blocks the natural detoxifying processes from taking place. You will also want to buy a large variety of fruits and veggies. Be prepared with easy items to grab and eat.

When I first viewed this plan, I though Day 1 would be so easy. I love fruit.  Fruits are packed with lots of water content, which helps cleanse our body. I love smoothies and assumed this would be one of my favorite days, but by evening, I was ready to quit. Since my body is so use to carbs, this first day of detoxifying led to some headaches, light headedness, and more cravings than I care to admit.

This occurs with all detoxes since you are ridding your body of all the junk. I kept pushing the water and went to bed early just to face another day.  Watery fruits such as melons, apples melons, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, peach are preferred.  Fruits that are very sweet should likewise be avoided.  Sugar tends to add up the calories.  Among the ideal fruits that can be consumed in plenty during the diet include watermelons, berries and citrus produce. It’s not recommended to drink fruit juice on this day, since it will result in high caloric intake. Still with whole fruit smoothies, where your body is benefiting from all the fiber and pulp.

If you can include at least ten minutes of exercise a day, it will help tremendously on the feelings of exhaustion you may feel the first days (of any detox.)

Day 2 – All Veggies.

Unlike Day 1 in which followers would feel a bit lightheaded due to the lack of carbohydrate intake and continuous consumption of fluids, Day 2 focuses on foods  easily digested by the gastrointestinal tract.  Start the day with a baked potato and vegetables. I savored that. I stretched it out for hours.  I stir fried tons of onions, garlic and zuchinni with just a touch of olive oil and Herbamare , then loaded it on the potato. Each bit of veggie has just a bit of potato, so I could stretch my favorite food even more.  This baked potato serves as the body’s main energy source for the day, and then it can be followed up with vegetable dishes during lunch and dinner. Salads may be dressed with vinaigrette or olive oil (just a touch), but not anything mayonnaise based. If you are really struggling with hunger, homemade vegetable soup  is recommended during this day, as it provides all the energy the body will need. (But trust me, it won’t feel that way.)

“All sorts of vegetables may be consumed on the Day 2 of the GM diet, and these range from green leafy vegetables to starchy crops. This is to boost the fiber intake of the body while regulating the sugar content from the first day’s consumption, and at the same time foster metabolic processes.”

Day 3 – Fruits and Vegetables

I was SO looking forward to adding fruits back in on day three. Again, for me, the day to day variety keeps me going.  Our body is already used to fruit and vegetable intake, so any flu like systems, will really start decreasing.  I started the day with a great fruit smoothie. If you can throw in some brocolli or spinach and still have the taste covered by the fruit, I recommend it. Remember though, no potatoes or bananas. Avoid starchy produce.

“In most cases, individuals following the diet experience slight headaches in the succeeding days as they are already allowed to consume meat. Having a variety of servings during breakfast, lunch and dinner would not only keep the stomach satiated, but at the same time content as the appetite’s cravings are regulated at lower levels.When consuming melons for breakfast, it is important to have them supplemented with two glasses of water for better digestion.Fruits and vegetables may be served the whole day, from breakfast to dinner, including midday snacks.”

Day 4 – Up to 8 Bananas and 3 glasses of milk (plus Vegetable Soup)

Banana and milk combos may be consumed all day, with vegetable soup servings during lunch and dinner. Yes, this is definitely the oddest day and seems quite boring, but by now your body is really beginning to benefit from the detox. Your cravings are minimal and believe it or not, you will not be hungry.Continue on with your intake of water. This is so important. Bananas and milk provide the potassium, calcium and sodium to your body which you have lost in last 3 days.

For people who don’t like bananas, I am not sure how you can get around it. If this is a deal breaker, then I recommend just trying the frozen banana smoothie. It’s delicious. Freeze bananas, then blend them with the milk for a nearly banana ice cream experience. If you can’t tolerate that, I would recommend another fruit and veggie day. Who can go wrong with God’s perfect foods?

Another source says, “By Day 4 the body has already garnered sufficient amounts of sweets from fruits, and at the same time fiber from vegetables. Since it already has a sustained appetite, it would no longer be responsive to the taste of bananas. Persons who have reached Day 4 would rely more on liquids, and they get their energy from milk shakes and soup. By Day 4 followers of the diet have already gone through natural detoxifying processes.” Honestly, I did not eat the soup.

Cabbage Soup recipe idea for Day 4

Ingredients:

Procedure:

Boil onion, peppers, cabbage and celery in water together with salt, pepper and herbs for flavoring. Any flavoring may be used as long as there is no fat included. Extra vegetables may be added except for beans as they add extra calories. Serve hot.

Day 5  – “Feast day” Beef and 6 tomatoes

* There are vegetarian options, but since I didn’t do that route, I can’t address that, although one friend substituted chicken for beef.

Yes, you read that correctly – beef and tomatoes, plus veggie soup, if desired. One source claims that you can eat up to 20 ounces. That’s a lot of beef. Water intake needs to be increased as the quantity of uric acid produced by the body is increased due to meat intake. Beef will provide proteins and iron which you were missing in your diet in last 4 days. Tomatoes will provide fiber and will improve your digestion system. You need to eat the six tomatoes recommended. On this day the body’s protein requirements are addressed, but not to the extent that they will be followed up with fat. Beef is used in this case as it is rich source of protein and fiber, and it does not have to be consumed in large amounts just to fulfill the cravings of one’s appetite. You will not be hungry at all, and need not eat all the beef mentioned if you don’t feel the need.

It was quite weird to start the day with a roast or plate of ground beef, but you will be so delighted to eat it. I diced up onions, garlic, tons of the required tomatoes and the ground beef and fried it up, seasoned with Herbamare and really did feast.  The last time, I made a roast the night before and started it in the crock pot so it was ready when I woke.

Day 6: Beef and vegetables.

This is also considered a feast day, since you feel like you are cheating with all the beef and vegetables one wants. It is also great to eat on this day as the body is slowly “gaining back its appetite but in a rather fructose craving mode”, thus fresh greens hits the spot. One of my favorite things to eat, which I found out on this Detox, is shredded cabbage tossed with a touch of oil and seasoning salt. Hits the spot at the crunchy craving moments. I didn’t even think I was a lover of raw cabbage until last year when I tried this.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :

  1. Water (flavored with lemon/lime if desired).
  2. Club Soda
  3. Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
  4. Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
  5. Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

Day 7: Fruits, Veggies and a few cups of brown rice

Congratulations. If you made it this far, you are feeling great, have lost a good amount of weight and are thinking you can actually start on a better eating plan.

We’re doing a final flushing of the system, but slowly adding in brown rice to help keep the energy and fiber contents high.

As you come off your 7 Day GM diet plan, be smart. I went into  the 17 day diet plan, which was a great experience.

Just because your week is finished, do not jump right back into your old habits. You’ve worked hard to clean your system, so ease back in on Day 8. I recommend lean proteins like chicken or eggs with fruits and veggies. Then on Day 9, begin adding in additional whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat English muffin or whole wheat toast. If you jump back to junk, your body will really feel it with bloating and upset stomach.

Continue to learn from how your body is feeling, and be excited about the hard work you’ve accomplished.

Let me know if you have questions. I’ve learned so much from the three times I have done this and can do a follow up post addressing some of the questions you may have.

Again, others have written up many details, but be educated as you read. Do not purchase ANYthing someone is trying to sell relating to it and know it’s about making healthy eating choices, not following some specific plan. Again, this has worked well for me, but I do not know your history, so can not make any claims for anyone else besides myself and the friends that have done it with me.

Obviously, this is not a long term solution, but helps cut the carbs right off the bat, then when I was finished, I began the 17 day diet plan which is basically a very healthy and doctor recommended program which felt like a breeze after this week.

What can I eat on the GM Diet?