- The Benefits of Kiwi
- Preparing for a Kiwi Fasting Day
- Kiwi Fasting Day Options
- Precautions
Not a single holiday table is complete without kiwi: fruit salads, cocktails, berry pies. But, we are interested in its benefits for weight loss. Nutritionists have long included «Chinese gooseberries», as they are also called, in the list of «healthy» products. We’ll tell you all about doing a fast day on kiwi.
Kiwi Benefits
This berry originally hails from China. The wild ancestor of modern plants was brought to New Zealand, where after some cultivation, it took on the flavor and appearance known to millions of fans today. The fruit is prized for its unusual flavor: a blend of gooseberry, banana, melon, strawberry, apple, and pineapple. Its benefits lie in its unique composition and caloric content.
Low calories
Only 50 kcal per 100 g. This nutritional value is equivalent to zero. All the energy goes towards the process of digesting it. This is why you may eat unlimited quantities of kiwi without worrying about gaining weight. Usually, 1 kg is recommended for a fasting day. That is 500 kcal.
Biologically active substances
Kiwi contains a unique enzyme, actinidin, akin in its properties to digestive enzymes. It breaks down proteins and speeds up the metabolism. Fat deposits are used up more quickly and the pounds melt away. Eating kiwi with meat and other «heavy» foods is very beneficial.
Dietary fiber
Practically indigestible. As they pass through the intestines, they «snag» all the toxins that have accumulated there due to poor nutrition. The number of such harmful substances increases during weight loss. Once eliminated, digestion improves, their toxic effect is eliminated, and feelings of heaviness in the abdomen disappear.
A biochemical treasure trove
Everyone knows about the benefits of vitamins and minerals. Here’s how kiwi stands out from the general range of fruits and berries:
- A huge amount of vitamin C. 100 g contains a daily dose. That’s more than in all citrus fruits and bell peppers combined. It is not directly related to weight loss, but this «bonus» is very helpful for the immune system.
- Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that slows down the aging process and prevents the formation of abnormal tumor cells. It is found in high-calorie foods – eggs, nuts, fatty fish. People who watch their weight usually avoid these foods, which leads to a vitamin E deficiency. Kiwi can solve this problem.
- Nicotinic acid (PP) lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood. For those suffering from severe obesity, this is essential (prevention of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes).
- Of the trace elements, iodine is particularly important for weight loss. It is essential for the thyroid gland, without which weight cannot be regulated normally.
Kiwi is also rich in vitamins A, B group vitamins (B1, B6, B12, B5), calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Such diversity, combined with low calorie content, guarantees excellent weight loss results without compromising health. After all, nutrient deficiency is the main reason nutritionists discourage fad diets.
Preparing for a Kiwi Fasting Day
In order to maximize the effectiveness of a kiwi fasting day (you can lose up to 1.5 kg per day), proper preparation is essential:
- The day before, stop eating fatty and «unhealthy» foods (exclude products with dyes, preservatives, and fried or smoked dishes).
- The last meal should be no later than 6 pm, ideally just a glass of kefir.
- Prepare 2 liters of non-carbonated mineral water and 1 kg of kiwi in advance.
How to choose a high-quality product?
Probably, each of us has bought unripe fruit at least once in our lives. How disappointing it is when instead of a delicious dessert, you end up with something that goes straight into the trash? To avoid mistakes in the future, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Choose a product of medium consistency: if it is too hard, it is unripe; if it is very soft, it is most likely overripe or even rotten.
- Check the color: look for an even greenish-olive hue and a little fuzz. If there are dark spots or uneven «hairiness», it is best to avoid it.
- Smell: fresh fruit has no odor. During long-term storage, a «winey aroma» appears – this is a sign of spoilage.
- Pay special attention to where the stalk was. If a drop of juice appears after pressing, the fruit was stored incorrectly.
- Additional plaque should not be present! This is a sign of mold.
Finally, it is better to buy fruit by weight rather than in pre-packaged containers. There is a reason why loose fruit is slightly more expensive. Sellers use pre-packaged containers to hide spoiled products.
Kiwi Fasting Day Options
Option 1. Basic
The classic kiwi fasting day menu includes the following:
- Kiwi – 1 kg.
- Boneless chicken breast – 1 pc.
- Still water and green tea – 2 liters.
It is best to boil the meat in the morning of the fasting day. Divide the products into 6 equal parts. This will provide a meal every 2 hours. In between, drink water and unsweetened tea.
Why chicken breast?
- It is nearly pure protein, which is guaranteed not to be stored as fat.
- Protein is digested over a long period of time, providing a long-lasting feeling of fullness.
- It is also an excellent building block for muscle tissue. If you regularly incorporate these days into your routine and combine them with exercise, you can lose 4-6 kg in a month and achieve a slim, fit figure.
How often can you do this? Nutritionists usually recommend once a week. If you do it more often, it could become stressful, potentially leading to a «binge» and weight gain.
Option 2. Kiwi and kefir
Kefir is added to the menu as an alternative to meat.
- It has an identical protein content.
- It normalizes bowel function and improves the composition of beneficial microflora.
- It has a pronounced diuretic effect, increasing weight loss.
It is recommended to drink up to 1 liter of kefir per day. Some of it can be combined with chopped kiwi to make a cocktail. Result – minus 1 kg per day.
Option 3. Kiwi and apples
This recipe is suitable for those who like to add variety to their diet. Apples may be eaten raw or baked (of course, without sugar). They contain more carbohydrates, which is an additional advantage for those with a sweet tooth.
Recipe: combine the products in equal quantities (0.5 kg each, although you may add a little more) in any way you like. The main thing is to eat 5-6 times a day and drink plenty of water or unsweetened green tea.
Option 4. Kiwi and cucumbers
A cucumber-only fasting day is very effective. Indeed, these vegetables are unmatched in caloric content (only 14 kcal per 100 g). They consist of water (95%) and fiber, which facilitate
