The Cookie Diet: 800 Calories To Body Bliss

What is the Cookie Diet?

The Cookie Diet is a trademark diet plan created by Dr. Sanford Siegal. It is comprised of cookies, soups, shakes and supplements which he first made in 1975. Most importantly, the doctor concocted special cookies which suppress hunger from which the diet got its name.

All of the products in the diet plan are available at key outlets and online. Although there are other foods and products claiming to be part of the original Cookie Diet, federal law states that only Dr. Siegal is the sole owner of the program and the recipes included.

What’s in the Meal?

The program promises individuals weight loss effects by eating only a single meal of 6 ounces of turkey, chicken, fish or seafood. One cup of vegetables can be taken together with the lean meat options. There are no red meat choices since these are very high in fat. Other than the lone meal, there are six special cookies to be eaten every day at different time intervals.

There is no fixed schedule when to take the cookies since the individual should eat them whenever hunger is felt. The meal however, has to be taken during dinner. Overall, the six cookies and lean meat meal totals 800 calories. Individuals also should drink eight glasses of liquid a day. Coffee and tea are permissible in the liquid options.

The 800-Calorie Plan

The diet is backed up with vitamin supplementation since 800 calories may be considered too low by some to cause safe weight loss. The cookies contain amino acids and proteins with hunger-suppressing characteristics. Oats, rice, bran and whole wheat are just some of the ingredients included which control hunger pangs and provide sufficient energy throughout the day. The cookies come in raisin, coconut and chocolate flavor without spiking blood sugar levels.

Energizing Effect

All six cookies provided 60 grams of carbohydrates while the single cup of vegetables for dinner gives 10 grams more. There are some health experts claiming that the total 70 grams is still short from the minimum 125 grams of carbohydrate requirement per day.

Dr. Siegal pointed out that the cookies were supposed to be low in carbohydrates, fat and calories but contained essential ingredients necessary to sustain energy like the oats and rice. Intake is also indicated on dieters only over a short period of time.

Does It Work?

A low-carbohydrate and low calorie diet will definitely cause significant weight loss. The questions lie on how safe 800 calories daily for 21 days can be. Most dietitians claim that the cookies including the single meal just can not provide enough energy and nutrients. Athletes and people working physically taxing jobs may not find the program as effective.

However, the cookie diet is also intended generally for people with sedentary lifestyles and are battling weight. Although Dr. Siegal said that the foods should only be taken over a short period of time, it is still unknown how long dieters can keep the weight off once they resume normal eating habits. The entire diet plan costs $400 a month.