What is the zucchini diet, and how does it work?

The zucchini diet is a short-term diet that involves eating only zucchini-based meals for 3-7 days. The idea behind it is to give your digestive system a break and allow it to focus on absorbing the nutrients from the zucchini. It's designed to be low in calories and high in fiber, which can help with weight loss and improved digestion.

What are the benefits of following a zucchini diet?

The benefits of following a zucchini diet include weight loss, improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and a boost in energy levels. Plus, you'll get a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the zucchinis.

Is the zucchini diet suitable for everyone?

No, the zucchini diet is not suitable for everyone. It's particularly not recommended for those with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease. It's also not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.

How do I prepare for a zucchini diet?

To prepare for a zucchini diet, you'll need to stock up on zucchinis and plan out your meals in advance. Consider consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to ensure you're getting all the nutrients you need.

What are some tips for sticking to a zucchini diet?

Some tips for sticking to a zucchini diet include planning out your meals in advance, cooking zucchinis in a variety of ways, and finding healthy ways to stay hydrated. It's also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Can I eat other foods besides zucchinis on the diet?

No, the zucchini diet is designed to be a strict regimen of only zucchini-based meals. However, you can consider adding other foods to your diet once the initial 3-7 day period is over.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when following a zucchini diet?

Some common mistakes to avoid when following a zucchini diet include not planning out your meals in advance, not staying hydrated, and not consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overeating.

How long does it take to see results from a zucchini diet?

Results from a zucchini diet can vary depending on individual factors, such as starting weight and overall health. However, many people report seeing significant improvements in their energy levels and digestive system within a week or two of starting the diet.

My Zucchini Diet Experience: Weight Loss, Energy Boost, and Improved Gut Health

Name: My Zucchini Diet Experience: Weight Loss, Energy Boost, and Improved Gut Health
Item: Zucchini Diet
Rating: 5
Author: Ley

I've been dealing with chronic health issues for a while now, so I'm always on the lookout for ways to improve my gut health and overall well-being. That's why I was excited to try a zucchini diet during zucchini season!

So, from the start of July, I've been on a zucchini diet. Okay, with a few breaks. The idea behind a zucchini diet is to stick to it for anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Apparently, you can lose between 1.5 and 4 kg in that time, but my goal isn't exactly weight loss.WHAT I'M HOPING FOR FROM THE DIET:

Actually, I'm hoping for reduced swelling and regular bowel movements. Plus, I want to feel satisfied and energized, and get a good dose of vitamins and minerals.

I'm hoping to feel lighter and more energized. Losing 1.5 kg would be great, but it's not a priority.ORIGINAL STATS:

Age - 37 years;

Height - 170 cm.

Weight - 54.9 kg.

I've been dealing with chronic gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and edema, especially in my lower extremities. My legs feel like two big stones.

My lifestyle is pretty sedentary, with some occasional gardening activities like weeding, watering, and harvesting.

THE BENEFITS OF ZUCCHINI:

One of the reasons I chose to try the zucchini diet over a regular detox day was, of course, the benefits of zucchini itself.

The benefits of zucchini:

It's incredibly low in calories (only 17 kcal per 100g);

It's packed with essential vitamins and minerals;

It helps reduce bad cholesterol levels;

It helps get rid of edema and cellulite;

It normalizes gut function;

It regulates blood sugar levels;

It's suitable for infants and people with allergies.

The zucchini diet has very few contraindications. However, it's not recommended for people with excessive potassium levels in their body. Additionally, raw zucchini is not recommended for people with active gastrointestinal diseases.

I decided to exclude raw zucchini from my diet to avoid exacerbating my conditions. Although, some people believe that eating raw zucchini is beneficial for weight loss.

THE RULES OF THE ZUCCHINI DIET:

I've found that to make the most of a zucchini diet, you need to follow a few key rules.

1. Zucchinis should make up around 50% of your diet.

A simple zucchini and apple snackIt all makes sense, really. The foundation of the diet should be zucchinis, but it's also recommended to add other veggies and fruits to your routine. For instance, I've been eating unlimited amounts of greens like lettuce, parsley, and herbs during this period, and I also add other veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and carrots. Plus, I can have a small serving of fruit in the morning, such as a nectarine or a small mango.

I don't eat potatoes during this diet, although there's no formal rule against it. I do have some whole grains, but only in limited amounts, and my go-to choice is usually brown rice.2. Try to eat younger zucchinis, ideally with the skin on.

This is something I always stick to. To be honest, I'm not a fan of overgrown zucchinis with thick skin, so I opt for smaller varieties like the 'Gribovsky' type, which typically weighs no more than 1.2 kg.

Honestly, I prefer to eat the fruits in 300-400 gram portions, with tender skin and no seeds. To me, they're the tastiest.3. I allow myself to eat fresh zucchinis or cooked, stewed, or steamed dishes made from them.

I'm particularly fond of grilled zucchinis without any added oil or stewed ones. I'm not too keen on boiled or steamed options. Plus, I make a side dish called 'mashed zucchinis' using soy sauce, which I add to my protein-rich meals as a snack.

Fried zucchinis, especially those made with oil and various sauces, are a complete no-go for me. I've even had to give up on zucchini pancakes, although I love them. During my diet, I only eat zucchini in the form of grilled or steamed pancakes - I have a steamer at home.4. To maintain a balanced protein intake, it's essential to eat lean beef, chicken, turkey, and fish.

In general, these are the types of meat I already include in my regular diet. This time, I ordered salmon (3.5 kg) and bought tuna steaks, stocked up on turkey and chicken. I've temporarily given up on beef and pork.

Besides eggs, I made sure to include them in my diet (no more than 3 times a week). I'd have them raw or boiled.5. Drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water.

I've got this part down pat. I always drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day. Plus, I regularly have green tea (I've got some amazing options for matcha and jasmine tea that I brought back from Vietnam). In the evenings, I steep chamomile. Occasionally, I make a ginger, lemon, and honey tea. The last one's not a daily thing, but a few times a week for variety.

WHAT'S OFF-LIMITS ON THE ZUCCHINI DIET:

Strictly forbidden:

pastries, smoked foods, fatty stuff, overly salty foods, and booze.

I didn't see a direct ban on sweets, so I allow myself the occasional piece of fruit leather or a square of dark chocolate.

Occasionally, I'll make sweet compotes and have one cup of that a day.

Apple and raspberry compoteBut overall, I try to stick to fruits, nuts, and dried fruits.As for the no-baked-goods rule, I can sometimes allow myself a piece of whole-grain bread that's been lightly toasted every 3-4 days.

MY MENU:

I've been following the zucchini diet for a month now, but with breaks of 1-2 days in between. I wouldn't call these breaks, exactly - it's just that summer's here and there are a few birthday bashes on the calendar that feature no zucchini in the menu! So, I've been eating as healthily as possible (veggies, fruits, fish, chicken), and even skipped an amazing-looking cake, but that's still a deviation from the diet since I was having a drink or two.

Also worth noting is that the zucchini diet doesn't rule out dairy products, but I don't consume them much due to poor digestion. One exception is homemade natural yogurt, which I use to make the perfect sauce for the zucchini diet - tzatziki. Below, I'll share my go-to recipe:

Ingredients:

400g Greek yogurt;

2 medium-sized zucchinis;

2 cloves of garlic;

2 tsp olive oil;

1 tsp lemon juice;

A bunch of fresh dill;

1/2 tsp salt;

1/4 tsp black pepper.

I grate the zucchinis and give them a light sprinkle of salt. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then squeeze out the excess liquid. I press the garlic through a garlic press and chop the dill.

Mix all the ingredients together, chill the sauce for 30 minutes, and enjoy it over the next 2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

When it comes to cheese, I only have it about once a week and mostly as an added ingredient in a dish.

Here's a sample 3-day menu, as many dishes like stew and grilled zucchini repeat throughout the week.

1. Breakfast:

- Zucchini waffles + tzatziki sauce or 1 l low-fat sour cream;

или - I love pairing the grilled zucchini with a poached egg and a slice of pickled salmon I make myself;

или

zucchini fritters with a side of pickled salmon (made with my own salt);

- unlimited green tea to wash it all down.

2 Lunch:

- grilled zucchini with a steak (salmon or tuna);

- grilled zucchini with a chicken cutlet; - zucchini casserole with chicken;

As for drinks, it's usually green tea, but on weekends, I like to treat myself to a glass of homemade apple compote or fruit juice.

3. Snack:

Fresh fruits, nuts (except peanuts), and dried fruits - I like to mix and match or go solo;

On weekends, I add a side of veggie salad.

3. Dinner:

- buckwheat or rice noodles with veggies (including zucchini) and chicken;

- zucchini stew with a side of steamed meatballs. Sometimes I skip the meatballs and just have a slice of black bread instead.

Zucchini stew- buckwheat with slow-cooked meat and diced zucchini. I like to drink a honey, ginger, and lemon tea or a herbal tea to round off the meal.4. Evening snack:

- a soothing chamomile tea with a zucchini pancake or two.

I make my fritters with rice flour - I actually ordered a 0.5 kg bag from Ozon specifically for this purpose.

I've been mixing up the meals, swapping what's listed as dinner to lunch, and vice versa. Sometimes I substitute the zucchini side dish for a veggie salad, but that's not more than once a day.

However, I make sure to stick with zucchini options for my remaining two meals of the day.MY TAKEAWAYS:

Considering I've been on this diet with breaks for a whole month now, I'm comfortable and enjoying the food, but let's get into the details.

1. Weight Loss.

For many, this is the most important aspect. Well, I've lost 1.4 kg in just three days.

And then the weight just kept coming off. Given my age, height, and lack of excess fat, I'm happy with my current weight of 53.5 kg.2. Reduced Swelling.

The zucchini diet really delivered on this front. Even with the heat and increased water intake, my body has noticeably reduced in size. My legs have slimmed down, and my waistline is more defined, but my bust hasn't shrunk.

I can also feel the diuretic effect of the zucchini, especially when I'm urinating.

3. Improved Digestion.

This is where things get interesting. On the one hand, everything is working smoothly during the diet. I have easy bowel movements, no discomfort or pain, and no bloating.

But... And that's one of the reasons I've been sticking to zucchinis in all forms for over two months now - I just can't comfortably get off the diet. As soon as I remove zucchinis from my diet, for example by replacing them with grains or adding baked goods, my digestive system starts to malfunction (I get constipated and feel bloated). Even my favorite egg omelets and sandwiches with pickled fish have lost their appeal.

So, I'm back to eating zucchinis and it's a vicious cycle. I replace them with vegetable salads, but with different side dishes, especially if it's potatoes and pasta - that's a problem. I'm not sure how I'll get out of this situation. Maybe I'll try combining vegetables with grains. Although, to be honest, I'm not a big fan of grains.

But the fact that I now can't eat even a potato with mushrooms without feeling bloated is really frustrating.4. Energy boost.

I have no idea how this is related to eating zucchinis, but I've noticed I'm getting up easier and my productivity has improved. Usually, I'm like a boiled egg in the heat.

This energy boost took a while to kick in - it was around a week ago, after a pretty long period of eating zucchinis.

5. Reduced sugar cravings.

I have to say, the cravings for sweet treats were a surprise. When I tried sticking to pescetarianism, my desire to eat cookies or chocolate was almost constant, especially after the first month.

But here's the thing - I don't even want cakes, cupcakes, or candies anymore. Although I do enjoy a warm drink with honey and a fruit compote, but not every day. And it's funny with fruits and candies - I don't overindulge in the first ones because I simply don't like them, and the second ones I bought are ginger-based, so they're more spicy than sweet.

Ginger candiesWhat I do want to note is that on the diet I mentioned in the menu, I'm actually eating enough! And to top it off, I've lost my late-night snacking habit. My last meal of the day (evening snack) is 3 hours before bedtime, and I don't feel like eating anything else.Given that the zucchinis are homegrown, I'm also getting a ton of vitamins!

In short, it's all positives!

So, as you can tell, I highly recommend the zucchini diet! It's easy, delicious, nutritious, and during the season, it's also super budget-friendly! From me, 5 stars.

PLUS:

- you'll see weight loss in just 3 days;

- it's gentle on the digestive system;

- it's delicious;

- it's diverse;

- it's easy;

- it's great for reducing water retention.

MINUS:

- there are some contraindications.

No issues with the return process - I was a bit worried about sending it back, but the packaging was solid and the return label was easy to print. The customer support team even reached out to confirm they'd received my return request. I was impressed with how smooth it was.