Weight Loss & Diet Plans

Lose 21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox

What You Can Eat continued...

"The plan provides approximately 1,000 calories and about 20 grams of protein per day, depending on your choices," says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Amy Jamieson-Petonic, MEd, RD.

There are plenty of fruits and vegetables on the Lose 21 Pounds in 21 Days plan that are either juiced, pureed, cooked, or come in a powdered form. But there's very little else. Allowed foods include garlic, beans, carrots, cucumbers, celery, collard greens, kale, beets, sweet potatoes, summer squashes, most green vegetables, tomatoes, and purple cabbage.

Nutritionists are quick to point out that the Lose 21 Pounds in 21 Days plan is lacking in essential protein, fat, and fiber, which could be dangerous.

"Diet plans deficient in protein can lead to muscle wasting, and when you don't ingest enough essential fatty acids from fat, you also risk compromising your immune function," says nutrition and fitness expert Pamela Peeke, MD.

This plan makes it almost impossible to go out to eat, unless you take along your drink. Be prepared to give up coffee, which experts point out can result in headaches. Alcohol is also on the extensive list of foods and beverages to avoid until the maintenance stage, and even then it is very limited.

How It Works

"When you're trying to lose weight, your body is not metabolizing or eliminating correctly, so if you put back natural nutrition into your body, you will lose weight," says the author. She blames the "toxins" in the foods and beverages we consume for causing us to be unhealthy and gain weight.

Liquid foods are recommended in the Lose 21 Pounds in 21 Days plan because they allow rest from chewing and are better absorbed in the body.

Not so, says Peeke. There is no advantage to consuming foods in liquid form. In fact, it works against you. She says whole foods -- not pureed or juiced -- are the best form to eat.

"Your body needs whole foods to chew, digest, absorb to keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning well," Peeke says. "Every part of the intestine is designed to extract nutrients, so there is no advantage in liquefying them."

DeLuz thinks everyone needs to detox, and says that unless you have a medical condition, there are no consequences to the cleansing and detoxifying 21 day plan."

The Lose 21 Pounds in 21 Days plan would be difficult for anyone who is working or traveling to follow, Jamieson points out.

"It is unrealistic to follow the plan unless you are at home," says Jamieson.  She also thinks it is expensive, with all the recommended treatments, supplements, and the need for a juicer not found in most home kitchens.

A 21-day program plus nine-day maintenance pack is available online for $199 from the author. The web site estimates that the plan costs around $12 per day, but does not indicate what that amount includes.