Mayo Diet: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Might Be Dangerous
What is the Mayo Diet?
The Mayo diet is a particular dietary regime that draws on nutritional practices dating back over 80 years, but revised and adapted in the 1980s. This diet plan is also known as the Mayo ketogenic diet which, for those willing to follow its strict protocol, can offer significant weight loss in a short period of time. The Mayo diet is based on a period of calorie restriction that lasts 14 days, punctuated by just two days of rest. This means that for two weeks you eat only low-calorie foods, followed by two days of consuming food more liberally. However, despite its name, the Mayo diet is in no way associated with the renowned Mayo Clinic. The Mayo ketogenic diet is a weight loss method that emphasizes rapid weight loss. However, it is important to note that this is a highly restrictive approach, which may not be suitable for everyone. It is very hard, can be unsustainable and should only be undertaken after consulting a health professional. One of the most obvious criticisms is that, in addition to fat loss, it also involves the loss of muscle mass. Our muscle mass is critical to our strength and daily function, so too much reduction can lead to negative health outcomes. This diet protocol involves a severe limitation of carbohydrates, with a large focus on proteins and fats. Your body adapts to burn fat as an energy source rather than carbohydrates, which is what happens in a traditional balanced diet. This fat burning mechanism, called ketosis, is the underlying principle of the Mayo ketogenic diet and other ketosis-based diets. In conclusion, the Mayo diet or Mayo ketogenic diet, despite its strict protocol and commitment required, can offer rapid weight loss. However, this must be balanced against the potential health risks that long-term unsustainability and loss of muscle mass can pose. As is always the case, before starting a new diet or exercise regime, it is important to consult a health professional.
What to eat on the Mayo diet?
In the Mayo diet, the first food that becomes the protagonist is undoubtedly the egg. This is recommended in a range from 6 to 36 eggs per week. Rich in proteins, the egg represents one of the fundamental elements of this diet, as it helps to give satiety and support the maintenance of muscle mass, even in a context of reduced caloric intake. Fish and lean meat are also included in this diet. Both protein sources can be consumed fresh, preferably grilled, baked or boiled to avoid the addition of unnecessary fat. Let us remember, in fact, that the main objective of the Mayo diet is to reduce daily calorie intake, so it is essential to pay attention to both the quantity and the cooking method of food. As for drinks, the Mayo diet allows the consumption of coffee and tea, naturally without the addition of sugar. As alternative sugars, synthetic sweeteners can be used, but better if in limited quantities. Allowed vegetables include celery, tomato, cucumber, lettuce and spinach. These foods are recommended for their detoxifying properties and their low calorie intake. Grapefruit, the only fruit allowed, is particularly appreciated for its draining properties and its satiating effect. Finally, although the Mayo diet excludes most dairy products, the exception is made of one yogurt every 14 days, preferably without added sugar or fat. Even one slice of bread a day is allowed, preferably wholemeal or ancient wheat, as it is richer in fiber and therefore more satiating. Let us always remember that the main objective of any diet should always be to improve or maintain optimal health. Therefore, before starting any diet, it is always recommended to consult a professional who can evaluate your specific individual nutritional needs. This is particularly important in the case of the Mayo diet, which involves a drastic limitation of some fundamental food groups and may therefore not be suitable for everyone.
Does the Mayo Diet work? It hurts?
The Mayo Diet, despite being widely advertised as an effective and fast method for losing weight, is considered by many nutrition experts to be a very difficult diet to follow and potentially harmful to your health. First of all, this diet is based on an excessive intake of proteins and saturated animal fats and, consequently, leads to high cholesterol intake. Excess cholesterol can lead to a series of health problems, ranging from the formation of arteriosclerotic plaques, thus predisposing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, to an increased likelihood of suffering from heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, the Mayo diet does not take into account the need for micronutrients that are essential for the correct functioning of the body. This can easily lead to salt-vitamin deficiencies, which can manifest themselves with symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, irritability and, in severe cases, even anemia. Another negative aspect concerns the loss of muscle mass. Although in the short term the Mayo diet can lead to significant weight loss, in the long term, this is primarily due to the loss of water and muscle tissue and not body fat. In addition to causing a general weakening of the body, this also increases the risk of regaining lost weight once the diet is finished. Finally, it should be underlined that maintaining a nutritional balance is fundamental for our body. Following an unbalanced diet such as the Mayo diet can therefore be very harmful to your health. In general, to support healthy and lasting weight loss, the most recommended is to adopt a balanced and healthy lifestyle, which includes a varied and balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and good fats, accompanied from regular physical activity. Therefore, unless specifically recommended and monitored by a doctor or nutritionist, it is best to avoid undertaking the Mayo diet. Rather, opting for a more balanced and sustainable approach towards food and exercise can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight in the long term without compromising your health.
