The Sacred Heart Diet is a short-term weight loss plan centered around unlimited consumption of a specific soup recipe alongside a restrictive daily eating schedule. This article delves into the origins, description, function, benefits, precautions, risks, and general acceptance of this diet.
Definition
The Sacred Heart Diet is a 7-day dietary regimen that involves eating a particular set of foods each day while consuming as much of a specially prepared soup as desired.
Origins
The true origin of the Sacred Heart Diet is shrouded in mystery. A common, yet unsubstantiated, story claims that it was developed by Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital to facilitate rapid weight loss in obese patients prior to surgery, particularly cardiac surgery. However, numerous Sacred Heart hospitals across the United States and Canada have explicitly denied any association with the diet and do not endorse it. The diet's popularity seems to stem from word-of-mouth and internet dissemination.
The Sacred Heart Diet is known under various names, including the Spokane Heart Diet, the Cleveland Clinic Diet, the Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital Diet, and the Miami Heart Institute Diet. It shares similarities with some versions of the cabbage soup diet, with largely similar daily food guidelines. The primary distinction lies in the soup composition: the Sacred Heart Diet soup excludes cabbage, a key ingredient in most cabbage soup diet recipes.
Description
The Sacred Heart Diet is structured around a 7-day meal plan featuring a specific soup recipe and a set of daily food allowances.
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During the diet, individuals can consume the soup in unlimited quantities, with at least one serving per day being a common recommendation. While some versions erroneously claim the soup is calorie-free, this is not accurate, as all foods contain some calories. However, the soup is generally low in calories.
The Soup Recipe
Given the unclear origin of the Sacred Heart Diet, no single recipe is definitively "correct." However, the following recipe appears to be the most prevalent:
Ingredients:
- 1 or 2 cans of stewed tomatoes
- 3 (or more) large green onions
- 1 large can of fat-free beef broth
- 1 package chicken noodle soup mix
- 1 bunch celery
- 2 cans of green beans
- 2 pounds of carrots
- 2 green peppers
Variations may include chicken broth instead of beef broth, or the substitution of any fat-free soup mix. Some modern versions replace the Lipton soup packet with beef bouillon cubes, dried minced onion, garlic, and seasoning.
Instructions:
- Chop the vegetables into small to medium pieces.
- Combine all ingredients in a large soup pot.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, hot sauce, bouillon, or Worcestershire sauce to taste.
The Meal Plan
The Sacred Heart Diet mandates a specific selection of foods to be consumed each day, without calorie counting. Most foods can be eaten in unlimited quantities, and the soup can be consumed at any time.
Different versions of the diet have somewhat different recommendations for what kinds of drinks are allowed during the diet. Most versions require drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. Some versions of the diet allow the dieter to drink diet soda, but most forbid all carbonated beverages. Tea is allowed, as is coffee. Some allow skim milk and others do not. Unsweetened fruit juices are also usually allowed. Most versions of the diet forbid alcohol while on the diet.
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Day 1: Any fruit (except bananas) and unlimited soup. Watermelon and cantaloupe are often recommended due to their lower calorie content. Get your crunchy fix with dried fruits-snack on fruit throughout the day. Frozen pineapples and frozen grapes make delicious treats. Also, frozen watermelon blended makes a refreshing, natural slushy.
Day 2: All vegetables (fresh, raw, cooked, or canned), avoiding dry beans, peas, and corn. Green, leafy vegetables are recommended. A baked potato with butter is allowed for dinner.
Day 3: All fruits and vegetables (excluding bananas and potatoes) and unlimited soup.
Day 4: Bananas (at least 3) and skim milk in unlimited quantities, along with the soup. You can just have bananas and milk or unsweetened yogurt.
Day 5: 10 to 20 ounces of beef and up to 1 can of tomatoes (or 6 fresh tomatoes). The soup must be eaten at least once on this day. Some versions of the diet specify that boiled, broiled, or baked skinless chicken can be substituted for the beef. Broiled fish can also be substituted for beef, but only on one of the beef days.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to the Miami Heart Institute Diet Plan
Day 6: Unlimited beef and vegetables (leafy green vegetables recommended), excluding baked potato. The soup must be eaten at least once on this day.
Day 7: Vegetables, unsweetened fruit juice, and brown rice in unlimited quantities. The soup is also required at least once on this day.
Function
The Sacred Heart Diet is promoted as a rapid weight loss solution, with claims of 10 to 17 pounds lost in a week. Some versions suggest a loss of 5 to 7 pounds by day 3. It is not intended as a long-term lifestyle change but rather as a short-term method for extreme weight loss. Some versions recommend a break before repeating the diet.
Benefits
While healthy weight loss achieved through balanced nutrition and exercise offers numerous benefits, such as reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease, the Sacred Heart Diet is not generally considered suitable for sustainable weight management.
Potential benefits of the Sacred Heart Diet include:
- Low-calorie intake: The soup is typically low in calories, potentially aiding in weight loss.
- Vegetable consumption: The soup is rich in vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Satiety: The soup can promote a feeling of fullness, which may help individuals adhere to a reduced-calorie diet.
Precautions
Anyone considering a new diet, including the Sacred Heart Diet, should seek advice from a medical practitioner. Individual requirements for calories, fat, and nutrients can vary significantly based on factors such as gender, age, weight, and pre-existing health conditions.
This diet may be of particular concern due to the limited variety of foods allowed each day. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise extra caution, as deficiencies in vitamins or minerals can negatively impact the baby. The low-calorie content of the soup may result in a very low daily calorie intake, which can also be detrimental to both mother and child.
Risks
The restrictive nature of the Sacred Heart Diet carries several risks:
- Nutrient deficiencies: The limited food selection may lead to inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Consulting a healthcare provider about appropriate supplements is advisable.
- Unsustainable weight loss: Fad diets like the Sacred Heart Diet often lead to temporary weight loss, primarily due to water loss. Regaining the weight is common once normal eating habits resume.
- Potential health issues: Severely restricting calories and nutrients can have adverse effects on overall health, especially over extended periods.
Research and General Acceptance
The Sacred Heart Diet lacks scientific validation and has not been subjected to rigorous studies. Despite its name, it is not endorsed by Sacred Heart Hospitals.
The United States Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid (now MyPlate) provides dietary recommendations for healthy adults and children, emphasizing a balanced intake from various food groups. The Sacred Heart Diet falls short of meeting many of these recommendations due to its restrictive nature, making it potentially unhealthy if followed frequently.
For example, MyPlate recommends 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily, which the Sacred Heart Diet may satisfy due to the vegetable content of the soup. However, the recommended 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit per day may not be met, except on days 1 and 4. Dairy intake may only be sufficient on day 4, and the diet severely restricts starches and grains, which are important components of a healthy diet. Protein intake may be excessive on days 5 and 6, particularly with the emphasis on beef, which is not always lean.
Furthermore, the Sacred Heart Diet typically does not incorporate exercise recommendations, which are crucial for overall health and weight management. The Centers for Disease Control recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily for healthy adults.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Is this diet safe for me?
- Do I have any dietary requirements that this diet might not meet?
- Would a multivitamin or other dietary supplement be appropriate for me if I were to begin this diet?
- Is this diet safe for my entire family?
- Is it safe for me to follow this diet over a long period of time?
- Is this diet the best diet to meet my goals?
- Are there any signs or symptoms that might indicate a problem while on this diet?