An anonymous Reddit user recently shared his experience with a restrictive steak-and-eggs diet that lasted 30 days, claiming to have lost 25 pounds. The self-imposed challenge, which was outlined on the /WorkoutRoutines subreddit, involved eating only two meals daily consisting of 12 ounces of sirloin steak and four whole eggs, alongside 19-hour daily fasts. The individual’s only allowed drinks were water and black coffee, while seasonings were limited to salt and pepper.
The Reddit user expressed that the diet was simple and took the stress out of meal preparation. However, he acknowledged the monotony and challenges of social eating while on such a strict regimen. Despite the limitations, he reported feeling more energetic, mentally clear, and stronger in his workouts throughout the month-long trial.
Carnivore and keto diets, which focus on high-protein and low-carbohydrate eating, have gained attention in recent years for potential benefits like rapid fat loss and decreased inflammation. These diets also aim to eliminate processed foods and common food irritants, often providing structure and simplicity for followers.
Though the Reddit user’s results were impressive, exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., R.D., criticized the diet’s sustainability and nutritional balance. According to Mohr, the significant weight loss was most likely due to a drastic reduction in calories, with the user likely consuming only around 1,600 calories per day. For a man weighing roughly 200 pounds, this is considered a low caloric intake. Mohr pointed out that this approach is dangerously low in fiber and essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are typically derived from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
“While it’s not surprising that this individual lost weight given the extreme calorie reduction, the long-term health implications of such a restrictive diet should not be overlooked,” said Mohr. “The extreme nature of this diet is unnecessary and unhealthy in the long run.”
The Reddit user admitted that the diet was intended primarily as a weight loss tool rather than a permanent lifestyle change. He planned to use it for weight management, energy improvement, and self-discipline. Mohr emphasized that food and nutrition should be embraced and enjoyed, not used as a method of self-punishment or strict discipline.
In conclusion, while the results of this steak-and-eggs experiment are eye-catching, Mohr cautioned against such extreme dietary approaches, encouraging a more balanced and sustainable long-term view of health and nutrition.
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