The Velocity Diet

[energy]

I am a little concerned over the amount of people subscribing to this diet of late. I don't feel the diet and the rapid weight loss that goes with it is either healthy or advisable. No I do not have any research or stuidies to back this up, it is my opinion only although I am sure it will create quite a debate and there will be more informed opinions from people with more knowledge about the nutrient requirements of t6he body as well as people who have experienced the v-diet first hand.

I am posting this as I noticed a someone who is embarking on this diet who is not even close to being obese. It worries me that a 'FAD' diet is emerging and I do not feel it is healthy.


V-DIET

Please debate

[coma]

No it's not the healthiest diet around, but it's short in duration, calorie restriction isn't too bad and the macronutrients you get are actually useful. The change in tastes can also go a long way to maintaining the weight lost. Compared to what the average person thinks is healthy, what some people eat all the time or some of the scary fad diets (cabbage soup diet, maple syrup and cayenne, lemonade etc) that really do set you up for a rebound it's not too bad.

[CosmicFish]

I have mixed feelings on the V diet. I've done it a couple of times and used to love it but now have a more neutral opinion of it.

As coma points out, it's not something you could live on. However, its not designed for this and its brevity means that it's unlikely to cause any health issues - especially if those on it take a good multivit for the duration. Also, calorie restriction aside, it's probably at least as healthy, if not more so, than some of the McRubbish that a lot of people eat.

Downsides for me were the rapid weight gain afterwards (although admittedly, this is less of a problem for a weightlifter) and the fairly large amount of muscle lost on it, despite Shugart's claims to the contrary!

[Ripped Barbarian]

I don't agree with the method of the V diet but fat loss itself is going to promote health, as long as you don't yo-yo.

[ATZ]

V-diet is essentially a liquid version of Lyle Mcdonalds PSMF (Protein Sparing Modified Fast, high protein, low/no carb, low fat) diet, PSMF diets and their derivatives have been around since the 70's and will involve the participants losing anywhere between 10-20lb in 2-4weeks, of which most will be water, some muscle and anywhere up to 6lb of fat according to Lyle. They aren't healthy or optimal, but neither are they particulary dangerous imo.

The V-diet in particular is faddish due to its association with a certain website and the fact it utilises protein shakes which some may see as plus - easier compliance, down your shake and your done (no food choices). Having done the v-diet personally I found it permanently changed my tastes for food, I rarely eat the classic junk now (McD's, Subway etc), and have a broader palate for healthier options that I wouldn't have touched before it - the one healthy solid meal per week really makes you appreciate food for what it is. I did the diet almost 2yrs ago and would possibly consider it again, but think I'd be better off with a whole food version now I have my taste buds in check, it can get a bit monotonus.

[coma]

Personally I've done the diet twice, once improperly (using milk in the shakes, no fibre supplements, no refeeds and doing tabata burpees regularly) and the second time as recommended (but only 3 weeks, I found that strength dipped about here and could do without the 4th week). Both worked well and since I transitioned as advised I saw little to no rebound. I can't say any effects detrimental to my health were large enough to be expressed in anyway I might notice and even now, about a year since I last tried it I have no food specific cravings and find it extremely easy to have a 100% compliant diet. While that may not be entirely due to the V-diet, it certainly helped.

[hugedyno]

Quote

It worries me that a 'FAD' diet is emerging and I do not feel it is healthy.


V-DIET

Please debate

Hmmmm........

I have no experience of this diet, but from what I've read, it seems to be a mental-strengthening exercise in avoidance-willpower, rather than a true physical metamorphosis: that's impossible in two weeks. People need long-term solutions to diet and if the mental resolve comes from doing this, then fine.

A couple of years ago, I ate 6 tins of sardines a day, for a fortnight and nothing else. This together with ludicrous training got me temporarily uber-ripped, but with a craving for some form of veg, that I now look on broccoli and carrots like some people at crisps.

Maybe I should market the C (Sea) - Diet?




HD.

[hailtotheking]

Ther v-diet is a very short term extreme diet. Done in the proper manner, with the right calorie intake, EFA's, fibre, and taking a decent multi-vit or superfoods powder with it, it is fine for that short period. There are also good details for a transitioning-off plan on t-nation which should also be adhered to. People need to realise that it is not something that should EVER be done all the time, and is purely designed to kick start life-long leanness through starting the process by forcibly making the body use a significant amout of fat.

[sendos]

Personally i think it should be used as a last resort, anyone over 16% bf could just as easily loose the fat by increasing exercise and dieting moderately. Quick fixes work very rarely, at the end of the day it is a crash diet, most of which are strewn with problems. Someone who's around 11-12%, exercises regularly and wants to cut down to sub 10 is in a much better position to benefit from the diet.

[energy]

Quote

Personally i think it should be used as a last resort, anyone over 16% bf could just as easily loose the fat by increasing exercise and dieting moderately. Quick fixes work very rarely, at the end of the day it is a crash diet, most of which are strewn with problems. Someone who's around 11-12%, exercises regularly and wants to cut down to sub 10 is in a much better position to benefit from the diet.

This is a very interesting opinion.