- Benefits
- Instructions
- Variations
- Precautions
Kiwis are a must-have on any holiday table: they can be used to make fruit salads, cocktails, and berry pies. However, we are interested in their benefits for weight loss. Nutritionists have included Chinese gooseberries, as the fruits are also called, on their list of healthy foods. We will tell you about a fasting day diet based on kiwi.
Benefits
The berry originates from China. The wild precursor of the modern plants was brought to New Zealand where, after cultivation, it gained the taste and appearance that is familiar to millions of fans today. The fruits are prized for their unusual taste: a blend of gooseberry, banana, melon, wild strawberries, apple, and pineapple. Their benefits come from their unique composition and caloric content.
Low caloric value
There are only 50 kcal per 100 grams of kiwi. The caloric content is effectively zero since all the energy is used up for the digestion process itself. That’s why kiwi can be consumed in unlimited quantities without worrying about weight gain. It is usually recommended to eat 1 kg of kiwi on a fasting day, which is equivalent to 500 calories.
Biologically active substances
Kiwi contains the unique enzyme actinidin, which is similar in properties to digestive enzymes. Actinidin breaks down protein and accelerates metabolism. This helps the body burn fat and lose weight faster. Kiwi is great to eat with meat and other hearty dishes.
Dietary fiber
Dietary fiber is difficult to digest. As it moves through the intestines it collects all the toxins that build up due to improper nutrition. When you lose weight, the amount of toxins increases. Removing them helps the body digest food better, eliminates their toxic effects, and relieves feelings of heaviness in the abdomen.
A chemical treasure
We all know about the benefits of vitamins and minerals. Let’s talk about what sets kiwi apart from other fruits and berries:
- Kiwi fruits are extremely rich in vitamin C. One hundred grams of kiwi contains the daily norm, which is more than you can find in all citrus fruits and bell peppers. Vitamin C is not directly related to losing weight, but this extra benefit is great for the immune system.
- Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that slows down aging and prevents the development of atypical tumor cells. Vitamin E is found in high-calorie foods such as eggs, nuts, and fatty fish. People who watch their weight usually avoid these foods, which can lead to a vitamin E deficiency. Eating kiwi can help solve this problem.
- Niacin (vitamin PP) reduces the level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. This is crucial for people with severe forms of obesity as it helps prevent heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
- Among the trace elements, iodine is particularly important for those who are losing weight. Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland, which in turn is essential for weight management.
Kiwi also contains plenty of vitamins A, B (B1, B6, B12, B5), calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. This diverse composition combined with the low caloric value guarantees great results for weight loss without compromising health. After all, a deficiency of nutrients is the main reason why nutritionists do not recommend a high number of diets.
Instructions
Proper preparation is essential for maximum results (it is possible to lose up to 1.5 kg of weight per day):
- On the eve of the diet, stop eating fatty and unhealthy foods (exclude foods with dyes, preservatives, and fried or smoked dishes).
- Do not eat after 6:00 pm. It is best to have a glass of kefir instead of dinner.
- Prepare 2 liters of non-carbonated mineral water and 1 kg of kiwi in advance.
How to choose a quality product?
We have probably all made the mistake of buying green kiwi at least once in our lives. What a disappointment it is to find out that the delicious sweet treat we hoped for is destined for the trash? You can prevent that from happening by following these simple rules:
- When choosing kiwi, aim for the golden mean in consistency: if they are too firm, they are not yet ripe, but very soft kiwi are likely overripe or even spoiled.
- Choose kiwi with a uniform green protective color and a little fluff. Avoid kiwi with any dark spots or uneven fuzz.
- Fresh kiwi fruits have no smell. When stored for a long time, they acquire a winey aroma that is a sign of spoilage.
- Pay special attention to where the stem was attached. If juice appears after pressing it, the storage conditions were not met.
- There shouldn’t be any additional plaque on the kiwi, as that is a sign of mold.
Finally, it is better to buy kiwi by weight, not prepackaged. There is a reason why loose kiwi is more expensive. Sellers can easily hide damaged products in finished packages.
Variations
Variation 1. Basic
The traditional kiwi-based fasting day includes the following menu:
- 1 kg of kiwi
- 1 skinless chicken breast
- 2 liters of still water and green tea
It is best to boil the chicken breast in the morning. Divide the food into six equal portions for a meal every 2 hours. Drink water and tea without sugar between meals.
Why chicken breast?
- Chicken breast is virtually pure protein, which will not be stored as fat.
- Protein takes longer to digest and creates a long-lasting feeling of fullness.
- Protein is also an excellent building material for muscle tissue. By arranging such days on a regular basis and combining them with exercise, you can lose 4-6 kg in a month, improving your body shape and tone.
How often can you do such an unloading day? Nutritionists usually recommend once per week. If you do it more often, it will cause stress, which can lead to a breakdown and weight gain.
Variation 2. Kiwi and kefir
Kefir is added to the menu as an alternative to meat.
- Kefir contains just as much protein.
- Kefir normalizes bowel function and improves the composition of beneficial microflora.
- Kefir has a pronounced diuretic effect, which promotes greater weight loss.
It is recommended to drink up to 1 liter of kefir throughout the day. Some of the kefir can be combined with sliced kiwi to make a cocktail. This recipe will help you lose up to 1 kg of weight per day.
Variation 3. Kiwi and apples
This recipe will appeal to those who like to add variety to their diet. Apples can be consumed raw or baked (but, of course, without sugar). Apples contain more carbohydrates, which is an extra perk for those with a sweet tooth.
Recipe: combine equal amounts of both products (0.5 kg each, or a little more, is fine) as you wish. Add 2 liters of water and divide the resulting mixture into 5-6 meals.
