The Sacred Heart Diet

Much like the Cabbage Soup diet, the 7-day Sacred Heart diet promises to shed pounds quickly with broth-based soup and vegetables.

What it is: The Sacred Heart diet was developed to help overweight patients to lose weight rapidly, especially after surgery. The week-long diet plan also claims to cleanse your body of impurities and give you energy without caffeine.

How it works: The diet centers on the special Sacred Heart soup, made from 11 ingredients. See the recipe below. According to the diet, you can lose up to 10 pounds or more in a week.

What you do: During the seven days, the dieter consumes the Sacred Heart soup each day with fruits and vegetables, some beverages and gradually lean protein. Bread, alcohol, carbonated beverages and fried foods are completely eliminated from the diet.

Benefits: There are health benefits to avoiding refined sugars and flours, and consuming more fruits and vegetables. The diet does not require any additional supplements, and does allow for exercise.

Downside: Week-long plans do not establish long-term healthy eating habits, and individuals should be wary of binge-eating at the completion of the diet. Sacred Heart Hospital and the American Heart Association both deny any association with this diet.
 

The Sacred Heart Diet Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can of fat-free beef broth
• 1 package of Lipton chicken noodle soup mix
• 1 bunch of celery, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 1-2 cans stewed tomatoes
• 2 cans green beans, chopped
• 2 lbs. carrots
• Seasonings-salt, pepper, curry powder and a dash of Worcestershire and/or Tabasco

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Add water to cover all vegetables.
3. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until tender.