The watermelon diet has gone viral — heres what…
Watermelon for weight loss is a new development that’s taking off on TikTok.
The watermelon diet is billed as a weight-loss and detox technique that is tried for a number of days in a row – some people commit to it for three, 5 or even seven days.
On TikTok, a number of creators have documented their experiences with this method, marking a number of kilos of weight loss at the top of their “fast.”
While watermelon is great for hydration and will be a healthy snack option, some warn that limiting the physique to low-calorie fruit can pose dangers.
Dr. Mark Hyman, a Texas-based doctor and co-founder at Function Health, commented on this development in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“The watermelon diet is the latest in a long line of trendy quick fixes — and while watermelon is a delicious and hydrating fruit, turning it into the centerpiece of a restrictive diet is not only unsustainable, but it can actually backfire on your health,” he warned.
On TikTok, a number of creators have documented their experiences with this method, marking a number of kilos of weight loss at the top of their “fast.” Creative Cat Studio – stock.adobe.com
While watermelon will be a great addition to a numerous and nutrient-dense diet, eating only that fruit for days at a time can “become a problem,” as it lacks balanced, crucial vitamins, according to the physician.
“There is no one-size-fits-all diet or advice, especially not when it’s driven by social media algorithms instead of actual science,” Hyman mentioned.
“Watermelon is mostly water and sugar, which means you’re missing out on critical nutrients like protein, healthy fats and fiber that your body needs to function,” he went on. “It may lead to temporary weight loss, but it’s not fat loss — it’s water and muscle.”
The objective in dropping weight shouldn’t be about a “quick drop on the scale,” Hyman mentioned, but a focus on way of life adjustments for a longer, more healthy life.
As the human physique is designed to detox on its own, Hyman famous that eating “real food” will offer the correct of assist for weight loss and general wellness.
“Whole vegetables, clean protein, healthy fats and plenty of fiber,” he listed. “Add in quality sleep, stress management and movement, and you’ve got a sustainable plan for lifelong health, not just short-term weight loss based on trendy internet fads.”
Hyman added that social media is a “powerful tool,” but will be a “double-edged sword” when it comes to health.
“What’s popular online isn’t always what’s right for your body,” he mentioned. “Health is personal, and your body isn’t an experiment. I encourage people to be curious, but also cautious.”
The objective in dropping weight shouldn’t be about a “quick drop on the scale,” Hyman mentioned, but a focus on way of life adjustments for a longer, more healthy life. maxbelchenko – stock.adobe.com
As the human physique is designed to detox on its own, Hyman famous that eating “real food” will offer the correct of assist for weight loss and general wellness. Milen – stock.adobe.com
Los Angeles-based dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein famous in an interview with Fox News Digital that the water, l-citrulline and potassium discovered in watermelon might help detox the physique.
“Just one cup of diced watermelon contains about half a cup of water,” she mentioned. “From what I’ve seen on TikTok, people doing a ‘watermelon detox’ often consume 12 to 14 cups a day or more, which means they’re taking in the equivalent of six to seven cups of water just from the fruit alone.”
“It may lead to temporary weight loss, but it’s not fat loss — it’s water and muscle.”
This quantity of hydration can help stimulate bowel actions and urination, the physique’s “natural detoxification pathways.”
L- citrulline, an amino acid discovered in the rind and flesh of watermelon, finally converts to nitric oxide manufacturing, which Muhlstein mentioned is crucial for blood circulate, circulation and lymphatic drainage.
“That’s why athletes sometimes like to consume watermelon to help boost muscle recovery, and why watermelon may help reduce puffiness and bloat,” she added.
Watermelon is also high in potassium, which helps to flush out extra sodium through urine and scale back water retention, the knowledgeable mentioned.
For somebody coming off of a high-salt diet of fast food and processed snacks, the watermelon diet might set off a “strong de-bloating.”
“However, they need to be careful that their sodium levels don’t drop too low,” Muhlstein cautioned. She recommends including a sprinkle of good mineral salt to watermelon, “especially if they feel weak, tired or dizzy.”
This quantity of hydration can help stimulate bowel actions and urination, the physique’s “natural detoxification pathways.” Mediteraneo – stock.adobe.com
For somebody coming off of a high-salt diet of fast food and processed snacks, the watermelon diet might set off a “strong de-bloating.” M.studio – stock.adobe.com
Despite the fruit’s detoxifying results, Muhlstein agrees that a strict watermelon diet is just not really helpful.
Eating only watermelon may cause muscle loss within the first 24 to 72 hours, as the fruit incorporates “almost no protein.”
“Your body will eventually start pulling essential amino acids from your muscle tissue to support your organ functions and systems,” she mentioned.
“Watermelon is very high in potassium but very low in sodium, which can lead to an electrolyte imbalance and potential headaches and dizziness.”
As watermelon is usually sugar and water, this can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, negatively impacting temper, focus and sleep.
The nutritionist as an alternative recommends eating watermelon as half of a balanced diet, which might embrace a cup or two of the fruit with a healthy meal.
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