- Benefits
- Preparation
- Variations
- Precautions
During the holidays, kiwi is on every party menu, from fruit salads and cocktails to fruit and berry pastries. But here, we are interested in how kiwi aids in weight loss. Nutritionists have long been including “Chinese gooseberry”, another name for kiwi, in the list of “good” foods. We will tell you about a fasting day on kiwi.
Benefits
This berry hails from China. The wild ancestor of modern cultivars was brought over to New Zealand, where, after selection, it acquired the taste and appearance that millions of fans around the world know today. The fruit is valued for its unique taste, a blend of gooseberry, banana, cantaloupe, strawberry, apple and pineapple flavors. Its health benefits lie in its unique composition and calorie content.
Low calorie content
A 100 g serving contains just 50 kcal. This amount of calories is equal zero. All energy goes to digestion itself. That is why you can eat copious amounts of kiwi without worrying about gaining weight. For a fasting day, 1 kg is typically recommended. This amounts to 500 kcal.
Biologically active substances
Contains the unique enzyme actinidin, which is similar in its properties to digestive enzymes. It breaks down proteins and accelerates metabolism. Fat deposits are burned off more quickly, and the pounds start to melt away. Kiwi goes very well with meat and other “heavy” dishes.
Dietary fiber
Is practically indigestible. As it passes through the intestines, it “grabs” all the waste that accumulates there as a result of an unhealthy diet. As we lose weight, the amount of these harmful substances increases. After their removal, food breaks down better, toxic effects disappear, and the feeling of heaviness in the abdomen vanishes.
Biochemical treasure trove
Everyone knows about the benefits of vitamins and minerals. Here’s how kiwi stands out from other fruits and berries:
- Enormous amounts of vitamin C. A 100 g serving contains the daily requirement. This is more than in any citrus fruit or bell pepper. This has no direct effect on losing weight, but this “bonus” is very good for your immune system.
- Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, slows down the aging process and prevents the formation of atypical tumor cells. It is found in high-calorie foods such as eggs, nuts and oily fish. People who watch their weight usually avoid such foods, which leads to a vitamin E deficiency. Kiwi can help to solve this problem.
- Niacin (vitamin PP) lowers blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels. This is vital for people who suffer from severe obesity (prophylaxis for heart attack, stroke, diabetes).
- Iodine is a trace element that is particularly important for those who are trying to lose weight. It is necessary for the thyroid gland, without which it is impossible to control weight.
The composition is rich in vitamins A, B vitamins (B1, B6, B12, B5), calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Such a rich variety, in combination with low calories, guarantees excellent weight loss results without harming your health. It should be noted that a deficiency of useful substances is the main reason why nutritionists do not recommend getting carried away with diets.
Preparation
To see maximum results (you can lose as much as 1.5 kg in a single day), proper preparation is important:
- On the day before, stop eating fatty or “junk” food (avoid foods with dyes, preservatives, fried foods and smoked foods).
- The last meal should be no later than 18:00. It is best to just have a glass of kefir.
- Prepare 2 liters of non-carbonated mineral water and 1 kg of kiwi beforehand.
How do you select a good kiwi?
Surely, each of us has bought unripe kiwi at least once. What a disappointment it is when, instead of a delicious, sweet treat, you end up with something that you toss right into the trash? To avoid this mistake in the future, remember these simple guidelines:
- For consistency, choose middle ground: ones that are too hard are unripe and ones that are too soft are probably overripe or even spoiled.
- Color: look for an even greenish protective color and a small amount of fuzz. If there are dark spots or uneven “hair”, it is best to choose a different kiwi.
- Smell: fresh kiwis do not have a smell. When stored for a long time, they can start to smell like wine, which is a sign of spoilage.
- Special care should be given to the place where the stem was attached. If a drop of juice appears after pressing on it, it has been stored improperly.
- There should not be any additional film! This is a sign of mold.
Finally, it is better to buy fruit not in pre-packed containers, but loose. It’s not for nothing that they cost a little more. By selling kiwis this way, vendors confirm that it is easier to hide spoiled fruit in pre-packed containers.
Variations
Option 1. Basic
The classic fasting day on kiwi includes the following menu:
- 1 kg kiwi.
- 1 skinless chicken breast.
- 2 liters of still water and green tea.
It’s best to boil the meat that morning. Divide the foods into 6 equal portions. It comes out to a serving every 2 hours. In between, drink water and tea with no sugar.
Why chicken breast?
- It is practically pure protein, which is guaranteed not to be stored as fat.
- Protein takes longer to digest and causes a feeling of fullness for a longer period.
- It is also an excellent building material for muscle tissue. If you have such days regularly and combine them with exercise, you can lose 4-6 kg in a month and make your figure slimmer and tighter.
How often should you fast? Usually, nutritionists recommend once a week. Any more often than that, it can become stressful, which can end in a “breakdown” and weight gain.
Option 2: On kiwi and kefir
Kefir is added to the menu as an alternative to meat.
- It contains the same amount of protein.
- It normalizes bowel movements, improving the composition of healthy microflora.
- It has a pronounced diuretic effect, resulting in loss of more weight.
Experts recommend drinking up to 1 liter of kefir throughout the day. You can blend some of it with diced kiwi to make a cocktail. The result: minus 1 kg for the day.
Option 3. On kiwi and apples
This recipe is recommended for those who like to have variety in their menu. Apples can be eaten raw or baked (without sugar, of course). They contain more carbohydrates, which is an additional bonus for those with a sweet tooth.
Recipe: combine the foods in equal amounts (0.5 kg each, but you can have a little more) in any way you want. The main thing is to eat 5-6 times a day and drink plenty of water or green tea with no sugar.
Option 4. On kiwi and cucumbers
Cucumber fasting is very effective in its own right. After all, no other vegetables can compare in calorie content (just 14 kcal in 100 g). They consist of water (95%) and fiber, which is important for cleansing the intestines of waste. Don’t worry about the quantities. Usually, people take equal amounts of 1 kg, but you can take more if you want.
How do you prepare it? For
