What is the 'Japanese Diet'?
Despite its name, this regimen bears little resemblance to traditional Japanese cuisine—no rice, miso soup, or sushi. Rather, it's a strict protein-vegetable detox with ultra-low calories (approximately 800–1,000 kcal/day), and total bans on:
- Salt
- Sugar
- Bread
- Alcohol
Sample Daily Menu
With no snacks or desserts—and not even porridge—here’s an example of the almost Spartan daily plan:
- Day 1: black coffee (no sugar), boiled egg, stewed cabbage, fish
- Day 2: coffee, carrot, beef, apple
- Day 3: coffee, toast, cucumber, eggs, tomato
Why People Try It
- Rapid weight reduction: up to 5–8 kg in two weeks
- A hard reset on overeating habits
- No need to log calories or plan complex meals
Popular in spring/summer for quick “beach body” results
Hidden Pitfalls
- Extremely low calories lead to dizziness, weakness, irritability
- Unbalanced nutrition: too little healthy fat, fiber, calcium
- Metabolism may slow down, with weight quickly returning
- Contraindicated for gastritis, diabetes, kidney, or heart conditions
“This is not a lifestyle, but a short, tough sprint—and not everyone finishes this marathon,”
warn nutritionists.
Who the Diet Is For
Only healthy individuals with strong willpower should consider this — and only for a short period, after consulting a medical professional. This is not a long-term health plan, but an emergency tool to shed weight fast.
The Japanese diet isn’t about taste or enjoyment—it’s pure control and results, requiring discipline and a clear understanding of its transient benefits and serious health risks.