The “Military Diet,” a short-term, calorie-restricted eating plan promising rapid weight loss, has resurfaced in popularity, despite lacking any official connection to the U.S. Armed Forces. The diet, which originated as early as 1985, centers around a strict three-day meal plan followed by four days of less restrictive eating, and is based on the premise that discipline is key to success.
The diet’s name, according to its website themilitarydiet.com, stems from the level of commitment required to adhere to the plan, not from any actual military practice. But, former military personnel dispute this claim. Roland Paquette, a veteran of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces “Green Berets,” told Men’s Health magazine that the U.S. Military does not employ a specific diet. Major Carla Gleason, then a spokesperson for the Pentagon, confirmed to the magazine that the U.S. Department of Defense does not endorse any particular diet plan.
The core principles of the Military Diet, as outlined by Men’s Health, revolve around creating a calorie deficit, stimulating metabolism through unusual food combinations, and eliminating between-meal snacking. The diet typically restricts daily caloric intake to between 800 and 1400 calories, alternating between a very low-calorie intake for three days and a slightly higher intake for the following four.
The three-day meal plan is highly regimented. Day one consists of roughly 1000 calories, including half a grapefruit, a can of tuna, a slice of toast, two tablespoons of peanut butter, a small banana, and a single serving of vanilla ice cream. Day two allows for one egg, a cup of cottage cheese, two hot dogs (without buns), a hard-boiled egg, five saltine crackers, and another half-cup of vanilla ice cream. Day three features five saltine crackers, a hard-boiled egg, a can of tuna, a slice of cheddar cheese, a small apple, and a final serving of vanilla ice cream. The diet encourages drinking plenty of water and permits the use of the artificial sweetener Stevia, but prohibits sugar.
Nutritionists express skepticism about the diet’s effectiveness and safety. Gisela Ruhrmann-Adolph, a registered dietitian and nutrition scientist, told Men’s Health that the promised weight loss of several kilograms in a week is unrealistic. She explained that a deficit of 7,000 calories is required to lose one kilogram of fat, and that the Military Diet primarily results in water loss rather than significant fat reduction. Ruhrmann-Adolph also cautioned that such restrictive diets can lead to muscle loss, fatigue, and are based on “befremdlich” (peculiar) food combinations, questioning the benefit of including items like hot dogs and vanilla ice cream. She suggested that lean meats and natural yogurt with fruit would be more nutritious alternatives.