Diet “7 petals”: what you can eat, doctor's commentary

We asked doctors about the pros and cons of the diet “7 petals”

• How the diet works
• Efficiency
• pros
• Minuses
• Contraindications
• Menu for every day
• Expert comments

The material was commented on:

Irina Maltseva, biologist, geneticist, expert at the University of Educational Medicine, author of a telegram channel about health;

Ksenia Selezneva, nutritionist, candidate of medical sciences, head of the dietetics department at the European Medical Center (EMC).

Diet “7 petals” – what is it

The weight loss program was developed by Swedish nutritionist Anna Johansson. She called it “6 Petals”. The special diet is designed for six days, during which you need to alternate protein and carbohydrate mono-diet. The days alternate in the following sequence: fish, vegetable, chicken, cereal, curd and fruit. The “7 petals” diet option includes one more day – drinking.

For clarity, the creator of the diet depicted the diet in the form of a picture with a flower (visualization helps to remember the goal and move towards achieving it). On each petal there is a picture of a product that is allowed to be consumed that day, as well as a menu.

The diet is based on the principle of separate nutrition. According to him, there are compatible and incompatible products. In particular, combining proteins, fats and carbohydrates in one meal is not beneficial because these substances are digested at different rates (1).

Mixed food is digested more slowly. While some foods are being digested, others are fermenting. This can lead to unpleasant consequences. Eating proteins and carbohydrates at the same time, such as meat and potatoes or pasta, can cause indigestion. (2).

In mono-diet mode, a person consumes only one type of product per day, which is well absorbed by the digestive system. Strict alternation of protein and carbohydrate days allows the body to more efficiently take nutrients from food, get enough glucose and not turn calories into extra pounds. The caloric content of the diet is reduced, and the body begins to obtain energy by burning fat reserves. This leads to weight loss.

Basic diet rules

• The list of permitted products is extensive. It is allowed to eat red and white fish, seafood, herbs and vegetables (except for potatoes), chicken and turkey, cereals and seeds, cottage cheese and fermented milk drinks, as well as almost all fruits.
• Recommended fractional meals. You need to eat small portions 4-5 times a day. This reduces the risk of overeating and storing excess calories in fat reserves.
• You cannot consume permitted products in unlimited quantities. On protein days you can eat up to 500 g of meat or fish, on cereal days – up to 300-400 g of cereals and seeds, on vegetable and fruit days – up to 1.5 kg of fruits.
• It is important to maintain a drinking regime. The body requires at least 1.5–2 liters of fluid per day. You can drink tea, coffee, herbal infusions.
• It is allowed to add a small amount of salt and vegetable oil to food.
• During the diet it is recommended to take vitamins.
• It is necessary to follow the sequence of mono-diets.

What not to eat

I'll have to give up fast carbohydrates: sugar, confectionery, pasta, honey, jam, dried fruits, semolina, white rice, sweets and chocolate, ice cream and sweet drinks. The ban includes red meat and semi-finished products made from it, goose and duck, fatty dairy products, canned food and pickles, fast food and alcohol.

Diet “7 petals”: how much weight can you lose

In a week on the “7 petals” diet you can lose 3–6 kg. Weight loss depends on the individual characteristics of the body, as well as physical activity.

“Since the diet is salt-free and does not contain added simple carbohydrates, it is more likely a certain amount of excess water will leave the body, and due to a certain caloric restriction, perhaps another 1 kg of fat,” notes biologist-geneticist Irina Maltseva. According to her, this diet does not make much sense: “The diet may be quite tolerable for people without severe food addiction and the diseases associated with obesity. You can use it for interest: for example, during the day there are certain food groups prepared in different ways.”

Losing kilos is half the battle, says nutritionist Ksenia Selezneva. “What is much more important is how the weight is lost. In other words, if you step on the scale and see a lower number, this does not always indicate positive dynamics and a beneficial effect on your health. A person can lose water, precious muscles, but the amount of fat mass remains the same. Therefore, it is not enough to simply lose weight. It is important to understand what causes weight loss, the specialist emphasizes. “Competent weight loss occurs only with a properly composed varied diet, preferably in tandem with a nutritionist.”

After completing the diet, it is important to gradually introduce other foods into the diet, do not overindulge in sweets and fatty foods, maintain healthy eating habits and exercise regularly. It is necessary to maintain muscle tone to avoid sagging skin and other side effects sudden weight loss (3).

Pros of the 7 Petals Diet

• This nutrition program is much easier to tolerate than classic mono-diets. You only need to follow the restrictions for a week. During this time, the body receives nutritious proteins, healthy complex carbohydrates, and vitamins. It is believed that on the “7 petals” diet there is no strong feeling of hunger.
• The diet includes foods that help cleanse the intestines of toxins (4), (5). We are talking about fiber-rich vegetables, fruits and grains, as well as fermented milk drinks.
• The diet helps you follow the right eating habits: maintain a drinking regime, temporarily give up confectionery, alcohol, sweet carbonated drinks and other foods harmful to the body (6).
• The diet is effective for normalizing weight. You can lose a significant amount of kilograms in just a week.
• The meal plan includes familiar foods that can be bought at any store and can be easily prepared at home.

Cons of the 7 Petals Diet

The 7 Petals Diet has more adverse effects than benefits. It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist before restricting your diet.

• Diet can cause a deficiency of vital microelements. For example, avoiding red meat can lead to iron deficiency anemia and immune system dysfunction. (7).
• On protein days, you may feel very tired, get tired quickly, and have a headache. (8). This is due to carbohydrate restriction. The body will lack energy.
• Drinking the 7 Petals Diet every day poses health risks. Stomach pain, a feeling of weakness, and possible deterioration of health may occur. As the study showeddrinking water alone has side effects (9). 12 middle-aged men participated in the experiment: they observed water fasting for eight days. Afterwards, doctors recorded a mild form of dehydration in the subjects. Blood tests showed low levels of sodium and sugar, as well as elevated uric acid. However, the participants in the experiment lost weight and noted a decrease in stress.
• Weight loss on this diet is 500–800 g per day. This is much higher than the level that is safe for the body (50 g per day).
• Due to restrictions, especially during the drinking day, there is a risk of overeating and the return of extra pounds after finishing the diet (10). Regular weight loss and gain can increase your risk of heart disease.

Contraindications to the 7 Petals Diet

The “7 Petals” diet is contraindicated for children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women. This diet is also not suitable for people with poor health who are undergoing chemotherapy, being treated with hormonal drugs, have diabetes or have…