Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Surbhi Chandna recently spoke about her diet choices. Though she is not particular and loves a good meal, Chandna shared that while shooting for her TV show Qubool Hai, she did try the GM diet, also called the General Motors diet. “I think I tried the GM diet during Qubool Hai (2012-16) days. It included eating fruits on one particular day and one had to eat vegetables on another day. Who does that? I am sorry, but people who follow, hats off. I thought it was really crazy,” said Chandna in a conversation with PinkVilla.
Then, she made tweaks to her diet. “I figured that you should do what makes you happy, which a lot of people will swear by. I am very happy when eating food that makes me happy.”
Taking a cue, let’s understand more about this particular diet pattern.
The seven-day, rigorous GM diet is intended to encourage “quick weight loss,” said Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and diabetes educator. “It is frequently asserted that it was created in cooperation with the FDA and USDA, although these claims are mostly urban myths and lack supporting data. The diet emphasises eating particular food groups every day, concentrating on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and reducing fats and carbohydrates,” described Malhotra.
How does the GM diet work?
The GM diet operates on the principle of creating a caloric deficit, where participants consume fewer calories than they expend. Each day of the diet is structured around different food groups:
– Day 1: Only fruits (except bananas)
– Day 2: Only vegetables (raw or cooked)
– Day 3: A mix of fruits and vegetables
– Day 4: Bananas and milk
– Day 5: Tomatoes and lean meat (or alternatives)
– Day 6: More vegetables and meat
– Day 7: Brown rice, fruit juices, and vegetables
Additionally, participants are encouraged to drink 8-12 glasses of water daily.
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Benefits
Malhotra said that people who have tried the diet report losing a substantial amount of weight (up to 5 kg) in a week, primarily due to cutting back on calories and drinking more water. “The diet promotes eating more fruits and vegetables, which are abundant in fibre, vitamins, and minerals yet low in calories,” she told indianexpress.com.
The GM diet may help lower total sugar intake by excluding processed foods and added sugars.
Cons
Malhotra said that essential nutrients, including protein, good fats, vitamins B12 and D, iron, and calcium, are lacking in the GM diet. “If this is done over time, it may result in deficits,” said Malhotra.
The diet involves eating fruits (Source: Freepik)
Feelings of hunger and deprivation may result from the extreme calorie restriction. “For most people, this strategy is not viable in the long term,” expressed Malhotra.
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Rather than losing fat, a large portion of the weight lost on the diet is frequently water weight. “When regular eating habits are resumed, this can lead to a quick return of weight,” said Malhotra.
Insufficient protein consumption may result in muscle loss rather than fat while following a diet.
Important considerations
*Individuals with underlying health conditions or those requiring balanced nutrition should approach this diet cautiously or seek professional guidance.
*Malhotra said some benefits are noted, but many claims about detoxification and “negative-calorie foods” lack scientific backing.
Sustainable weight management requires lifestyle changes beyond temporary diets, including regular physical activity and balanced nutrition.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.