Weight Loss

Martha's Vineyard Holistic Retreat is a body cleansing and nourishing program developed by Roni DeLuz, a naturopathy doctor and nurse. She created this program with the purpose of improving digestion, boosting immunity, reducing cellulite and enhancing the thinking process. As a bonus, she discovered that this program greatly helps in reducing weight too. In fact, as much as 21 pounds can be lost in 21 days, and it fast became a selling line in the Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox.

The diet is essentially liquids, and nothing much beyond. Dieters drink fruit and vegetable liquids every two hours for 21 days at a stretch. It is supposed to be detoxifying and good for metabolism. Unlike some other extreme diets, the Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox is considered safe, but not always recommended.

The diet
The diet consists of juices, purees and soups of fresh fruits and vegetables. There are several fruits and vegetables on the list that also allows herbal tea. The liquids are to be consumed every two hours in a specific order according to the time of the day.

Dieters drink around six glasses of water, five glasses of herbal tea, two glasses of vegetable liquids and four glasses of fruit liquid throughout the day. The diet gives around 1,000 calories a day.

A few supplements like capsules and herb formulas need to be taken. The program is not merely about the diet; it comprises of a host of treatments like massage, enema, several kinds of baths (steam, spinal, half-bath, etc.), flushing and cleansing, mud therapy, etc.

Exercise
Exercising is recommended but should not be strenuous. Moderate exercises like walking and yoga are in the program. Bouncing on a mini-trampoline for 20 minutes is recommended for stimulating the lymphatic system.

Getting off the plan
It is crucial to get off the plan in a sequenced manner, else all the weight lost will easily come back. After the 21-day period, dieters are advised to eat vegetables and yogurt for a few days, followed by other foods in steps.

Positives

* The plan is good for detoxification.
* Specific medical conditions are taken care of.
* Weight loss is rapid.
* Helps break negative habits and addictions.

Negatives

* Weight loss happens because of reduction in fluid and muscle mass.
* Not a realistic solution for weight loss.
* The diet is low in proteins, fiber, and essential fats.
* Complete abstinence from regular food can cause headaches and withdrawal symptoms.
* Once off the diet, there is a strong chance of putting the weight back.
* Difficult to get back into a routine after the program.
* Not recommended by dieticians.