- Impact on the Body
- Pros and Cons
- Contraindications
- Variations
- Recommendations
- Sample Menu
The rich, juicy flesh of this berry is loved by both adults and children. It seems that it can be eaten without any restrictions. Such a perfect product for losing weight! It is delicious, low-calorie, healthy, and helps the body get rid of toxins and excess fluid. So before the end of summer, it’s time to arrange a watermelon fasting day. It will help quench your thirst and get into shape before going to work after vacation. The most important thing is to organize it correctly.
Impact on the Body
Why will a watermelon fasting day help you achieve good results in losing weight? It’s all about the processes that are triggered in the body under the influence of the pulp, which is rich in many beneficial substances:
- the diuretic effect helps get rid of a couple hundred grams of excess water;
- with such a small calorie content (only 27 kcal), energy expenditure will begin to exceed its intake with food;
- the feeling of fullness increases, allowing you to suppress your appetite;
- despite the high glycemic index, it does not affect blood sugar levels in any way, which means that it does not stimulate the accumulation of fat;
- it quenches thirst well, replenishes lost electrolytes (for example, potassium), and maintains a stable level of hydration during physical exertion with increased sweating;
- an increase in the concentration of the amino acid arginine in the blood plasma, which is used in bodybuilding and fitness to reduce muscle fatigue.
As a result, after such a fasting day, you can lose up to 2 kg of excess weight without stress or harm to your health. However, not everyone manages to achieve such a result. The weight loss is usually about 1 kg.
Did you know that… a watermelon is 92% water? That’s what makes it a diuretic.
Pros and Cons
There is no doubt about the benefits of watermelon. It contains a huge amount of vitamins, amino acids, and other biologically active substances. But since you will eat it in large quantities on a fasting day, be prepared for the fact that it can be harmful if used improperly.
Pros:
- well tolerated;
- perfectly quenches thirst;
- can be used to make protein cocktails;
- low cost;
- eliminates swelling;
- improves blood circulation;
- lowers blood pressure;
- prevents the development of cancer;
- a source of potassium, strengthens bones;
- good for eyesight;
- cleanses the body of harmful substances;
- rejuvenating effect;
- increases immunity;
- helps muscles recover after training, relieves pain;
- improves sleep;
- a natural energy drink that will prevent a depressed mood and loss of strength throughout the day.
Cons:
- possible side effects: diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, dizziness, flatulence, weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever in case of poisoning;
- as a fruit rich in nitrates, it negatively affects blood viscosity, and by the end of the day can cause intoxication and decreased hemoglobin;
- strong diuretic effect;
- can cause stones to move through the bile ducts, if there are any;
- there is an opinion that this product does not satisfy hunger, but on the contrary, increases appetite;
- this method of losing weight is available only 2 months a year;
- the high glycemic index of the fruit can worsen the condition in some diseases.
Weigh the pros and cons before arranging such a delicious fasting day. Will you be able to avoid the disadvantages?
Fun fact. Watermelon owes its red color to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment, and it is not found in such a large amount in any other product. This is a powerful natural antioxidant that prevents the development of cancer, helps with male infertility, and slows down the aging process.
Contraindications
Watermelon fasting days are contraindicated in the presence of the following health problems:
- diseases of the urinary system;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- urolithiasis and cholelithiasis;
- tendency to diarrhea;
- feeling unwell;
- elevated body temperature;
- exacerbation of any chronic diseases;
- diabetes mellitus;
- severe cardiovascular diseases;
- the last trimester of pregnancy;
- allergies;
- problems with the spleen;
- obesity.
Ignoring them can lead to complications.
Origin of the name. The word “watermelon” comes from the Turkic word “χarbuz”, which translates as “melon”. The literal meaning is “a huge cucumber the size of a donkey.”
Variations
Ideally, nutritionists recommend not combining watermelon with other products. There is even a rule: you can enjoy its juicy flesh no earlier than 1.5 hours after your main meal. And accordingly, you can’t eat anything for the same amount of time after that. However, in order to somehow diversify the menu of this fasting day, you can eat a small amount of other products, both to satisfy the feeling of hunger and help the body get rid of excess weight more intensively.
Compatible with:
- fruits — sour and sweet;
- fermented milk products: cottage cheese, cheese, sour cream.
Absolutely incompatible with:
- meat;
- fish;
- eggs;
- mushrooms;
- peas, legumes;
- starchy foods.
It’s all about the different digestion rate. Such a combination as a result will lead to flatulence, fermentation, and bloating. Consider these lists when creating a menu and choosing a fasting day option. Below are the most effective ones.
- Classic version
Not only a classic, but also an ideal option, when during the day you can only eat watermelon. The recommended daily
