General Motors 7 days Diet Plan Challenge

GM Diet Plan 2016: General Motors Cleanse, Chart, Menu, Find Out if it Works

General Motors reportedly developed the GM Diet to help its employees lose weight and feel healthier. GM is said to have collaborated on the diet with both the Food and Drug Administration and the US Department of Agriculture and that it was first used in field tests at Johns Hopkins Research Center in 1985.

This approach to weight loss—also known as “the cabbage soup diet” and “the Sacred Heart diet”—has been popular ever since.

This plan is said to work on the principle that the foods you eat will burn more calories than the amount of energy (calories) they provide for the body to store in the form of fat. People have reported losses of between 10 and 17 lbs per week on this plan.

While there is no evidence online that concludes that General Motors is the actual source of this plan (see this op-ed piece in the New York Times), there are plenty of reports of success by people who have done the plan.

(See bottom of page for a detailed How-to guide to the GM Diet.)

Overview of the GM Diet

The General Motors Diet is a seven-day eating plan that has been reported to bring weight losses of 10 to 17 lbs. in a week, compared to 1 to 2 lbs. per week on most conventional plans.

It not only reduces weight but puts the body through a detoxification process. This is because the content of it is mostly water: fruits, vegetables, milk and soup, as well as 6-8 glasses of water daily.

(Note: Toxins are stored in the fatty areas of the body. The GM approach can initiate rapid fat loss and hence, detoxification.)

This detox will cleanse the body and set it up for better overall health after the seven days. After you have completed the detoxification process, you might find that you can no longer face the unhealthful, processed foods that may have led to your becoming overweight in the first place.

The main eating plan of the General Motors plan can be modified for people whose regular eating patterns may be different. This includes an Indian and vegetarian version. Hence, the GM eating plan is not as restrictive as some other plans.

Both the fruits and vegetables that are eaten on this plan and the amount of water that is drunk promote faster digestion. This can help you lose weight quicker as the body is not holding on to what it does not need. By drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day, the body will begin to realize that it does not need to retain water as it is getting all the water it needs on a regular basis.

The GM plan can be of particular benefit to people who have suffered from constipation, as this eating regimen promotes regular bowel movements (necessary for good overall health). This helps rid the body of waste products and toxins that can make you feel sluggish and unhealthy.

There is no specific exercise recommendation in the GM plan.

7-Day GM Diet vs Other Weight-Loss Plans

While this is a workable plan that has been around for decades (known variously as “the cabbage diet” or “Sacred Heart Diet” in addition to “the GM Diet”), no single plan is appropriate for all people.

If you’re deciding whether or not to do this way of eating, you’ll find this comparison useful. We’ve put together the details on how the GM plan stacks up against two of today’s most popular — and our favorite — plans. The other plans, Venus Factor, The 3-Week Diet each have a wider range of benefits, including a supporting community of other dieters and detailed resources making it much easier to stay on track with the plans.

Depending on what you need from a program and your personal preferences, there may be a better plan for you than the GM plan.

GM Diet

Rapid and significant, with reported losses of 5 to 10 lbs. in a week.

Pros
Potentially better-than-average weight loss

Cons
May cause detox side effects that include sudden muscle weakness, fatigue, hunger, dehydration, dizziness, headache, and low energy; strong likelihood of gaining back weight after returning to normal habits

Duration
7 days

Exercise
No specific recommendations other than “at least ten minutes a day”

Restrictions
Highly restricted, mostly fruit & vegetable menu.

Support
A few forums - nothing official

Origins
Source not conclusively verified

Audience
Men & women

More Details Below

3-Week Diet

Rapid and significant: guaranteed losses of 12 to 23 lbs. in 21 days

Pros
Science-based rapid weight loss; unique motivational manual; unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons
Their over-the-top sales video is a bit annoying; Doesn't have a strong support community

Duration
3 Weeks

Exercise
3 days a week, 20-30 minutes a day

Restrictions
Serious caloric restriction in initial phase

Support

Comes with Introduction, Diet, Workout and Mindset & Motivational manuals

Origins
Brian Flatt, a sports nutritionist and health coach with a biology degree.

Audience
Men & Women

Comparison Conclusion: Which Diet is Best For Me?

Information about the GM plan is free on the Internet, whereas the other three plans must be purchased. However, the quality of resources the other plans give you is probably worth the cost.

The GM plan, though evidently workable (based on testimonials on YouTube and elsewhere online), is a plan with mysterious (and possibly fictional) origins and no cohesive support and no guarantees.

On the other hand, the 3-Week Diet and Venus Factor come from known, reputable sources. Each has its own official published information (book, manual, etc.). And each is based on medical or scientific principles.

The Venus Factor and 3-week Diet also have cohesive support networks which we think is particularly important for a plan that’s going to be challenging at times. And both the 3-week Diet and the Venus Factor come with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you don’t get the results you were expecting, you can just return the product and you haven’t lost anything.

Lastly, only the GM plan admits of possible adverse effects as well as a common “bounce-back” effect where your weight jumps back up again after you stop eating that way. That may be somewhat explained by this being as much a “detox” as a weight-loss way of eating, however bouncing right back up to your previous weight isn’t what most of us are looking for.

If you’re trying to make a decision on whether to do the GM plan, or a different plan, go ahead and skim through the rest of our guide which details the GM plan day-by-day and answers a few common questions. Then, check out the informational materials for the other plans we recommend so you can make an informed decision on which one will suit you best.

Overview: Day-by-Day Meal Chart

On each of the seven days, you will drink 6 -8 glasses of water, except where otherwise noted.

Day 1	You can eat any fruit but bananas. There is no limit on quantity; eat as much fruit as you want. It is recommended that you eat a lot of melons on the first day. In fact, if you limit your fruit consumption to melons, it will get your weight loss off to a great start.
Day 2	Fruits are replaced with vegetables on the second day. You can eat them either cooked or raw and there is restriction on the types or amount you can eat. You can even have a baked potato for breakfast on this day, with a pat of butter if you like. This will provide the body with the complex carbohydrates that will provide energy for the rest of the day. Vegetables provide plenty of essential nutrients and fiber and are virtually calorie-free.
Day 3	Except for bananas and potatoes, you can eat a mixture of fruit and vegetables on this day—as much variety as you like, in whatever quantities you choose. Potatoes are no longer needed, as carbohydrates will come from the fruit. By this stage the body is prepared to start burning excess pounds.
Day 4	Bananas, milk and soup make up the menu. You can eat up to eight bananas and three glasses of milk on this day (although you may find that you don’t eat all the bananas). You may consume as much of the soup as you like. (Soup recipe below) The bananas are important because they will help to replace the potassium and sodium that the body would have lost in the previous three days. There should be fewer cravings for sweets by this point.
Day 5	Today, you will eat beef and tomatoes: six whole tomatoes and two 10 oz. portions of beef. The beef can be eaten in the form of hamburger patties. All of the tomatoes should be eaten but not all the beef needs to be consumed. Increase your water intake by one quart today to help the body cleanse itself of the uric acid that will be produced by digesting the beef. The meat will provide your body with iron and protein and tomatoes provide fiber, which aids digestion.
Day 6	You will eat beef again today but will replace the tomatoes with a variety of vegetables of your own choosing. You may eat as much of each as you like. Note that by this day, the body is completely inclined towards weight loss and you should see a noticeable difference in the way you look and feel compared to when you started the diet.
Day 7	On the last day of the plan, you eat brown rice, fruit juice and unlimited vegetables. After following the meal plan for the last seven days, you should have completely cleansed and flushed out your system and should also find that you are 10 to 17 lbs. lighter than you were a week ago.

What Beverages Are Allowed?

Water is the recommended choice of beverage on this weight-loss plan and should be consumed in large quantities. However, there are a number of other drinks that are allowed, as long as they are consumed alongside water. These include black coffee, black tea and club soda.

What Happens When The Diet Has Finished?

If you still have more weight to lose after following the plan for one week, you can repeat it as many times as you require. Following the first week, you can reintroduce some alcohol (beer or white wine only) but it should not be consumed to excess.

The question of whether the weight will stay off after the person has finished the diet depends more on you than the diet itself.

The GM plan consists of fresh, unprocessed food. If you get into the habit of eating these types of foods, then this will make it easier for you to keep the weight off. However, if you go back to the same eating habits that led you to them become overweight, you will likely put the weight back on.

Throughout the week, you should undertake regular exercise along with the eating plan. You should aim for at least ten minutes every day. The body may experience a shock when you start it because it is such a different way of eating that what the body is used to. Exercise will help the body to deal with the shock.

Getting in the habit of regular exercise will also help you to keep the weight off after you have reached your target weight.

Are There Any Side Effects To The GM Diet?

You might experience sudden muscle weakness during the first few days. This is because you will not be consuming any protein during this time. Exercise can help to make the muscles feel stronger (and they will begin to feel strong again when protein is introduced later on in the week).

Another side effect is dehydration and incessant thirst. You can prevent this by increasing your intake of water. On the GM plan, you are encouraged to drink as much water as you possibly can. Feel free to increase the amount of water until you are satisfied.

You may also experience headaches initially. These will disappear once your body gets used to this new way of eating. Drinking a lot of water and engaging in regular exercise will also help alleviate these headaches.

How to Make the Famous GM Soup

The GM Soup is ridiculously easy to make and consists of mainly vegetable ingredients. This soup can be eaten throughout the week in unlimited quantities and the eating of the soup as often as possible is encouraged.

Tip: The soup helps you stay hydrated while your body is clearing out excess fat.

To make the soup…

• add water
• two green peppers
• six large onions
• fresh or canned tomatoes
• a bunch of celery
• one cabbage
• chicken soup stock
• and salt and pepper to taste

Chop vegetables and combine all ingredients in a large soup pot. Simmer for at least 45 minutes or until the vegetables are fully cooked. For a slight variation, try grilling the fresh vegetables before adding them to water.

Fruits Are Store houses for Nutrients

Almost all fruits have immense nutritional value, but obviously the type and quantity of nutrients vary between types. As the composition changes with each fruit, the health benefits also change with them. The beneficial powers of common fruits are discussed below.

Apples: A good example of a complete healthy fruit is the apple; it helps in digestion, strengthens bones, provides relief from asthma, lowers blood cholesterol, prevents cancer and helps in reducing weight. 

Pears: Another beneficial fruit is the pear, which is a good source of fiber, vitamin C,vitamin B2,vitamin E,copper and potassium. Pears are an excellent source of pectin and fiber that effectively lowers cholesterol levels. It is mostly prescribed for infants as it is believed to be a hypoallergenic fruit that is completely safe for young children to ingest.

Grapes: Grapes are also a common fruit that can be easily included in your regular diet. Grapes alleviate indigestion, constipation, fatigue, kidney disorders and eye problems. It is rich in several vitamins and also possesses minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. 

Berries: Blueberries, cherries, and blackberries prevent cancer and keep your heart protected. If you include cherries or cherry juice in your diet, you can eliminate the associated pain from arthritis, gout and joint inflammation. Berries have the capability of curing arthritis naturally. Blueberries with high silicon content aid in the functioning of the pancreas and is good for diabetic conditions. Blackberries can naturally controldiarrhea and form new blood cells, but it can also have the adverse reaction of promoting constipation. If you mix blackberries with cherries or prune juice, it will not eliminate that constipation. High sodium and potassium content in gooseberries and huckleberries protect the liver and the intestinal tract.

Zucchini: This fruit provides relief from asthma. Owing to its Vitamin C content, it is a powerful antioxidant, and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Zucchini is mostly known and widely used for weight loss. Read more

Mangoes and Papayas: Mangoes and papayas are rich in beta carotene. Papayas act as powerful antioxidants with an abundance of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D and vitamin A that all aid in the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This prevents the formation of dangerous plaque that can result in atherosclerosis, heart attacks, or strokes. You get good amounts of vitamin C from papayas, oranges, guavas and Indian gooseberries.

Tomatoes: You might be surprised to know that tomatoes are actually fruits and not vegetables, although we typically consider it as one of the latter. Tomatoes have a high vitamin content and they are an excellentblood cleanser.

Citrus Fruits: Fruits rich in vitamin-C like oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits are excellent for youroverall health.  Oranges are consumed widely for healthy skin, teeth, gums, and to keep the lymphatic system healthy. Lemon, the bitter yellow fruit, has been used for for vision issues for thousands of years and it also treats disorders ranging from common colds to epilepsy. Lemon juice helps people lose weight as well. Grapefruit lowers cholesterol and has antioxidant properties. Limes help prevent disorders like scurvy, piles, and gout, as well as respiratory and urinary disorders.

Dry fruits: Dry fruits like figs, dates, apricots and raisins are extremely beneficial for your health. Apart from being excellent laxatives, apricots are a great natural remedy for anemic conditions. Figs include potassium, the essential mineral that helps in controlling blood pressure. Raisins effectively treat anemia, acidosis, fever, and sexual weakness. It helps you to gain weight, promotes eye, teeth and bone health. Dates have abundant fiber that helps to prevent constipation.

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learn about yourself: To be loyal to myself

learn about yourself: To be loyal to myself: “Just because I liked something at one point in time doesn’t mean I’ll always like it, or that I have to go on liking it at all points in ti...

Ways to Get to Know Yourself Better

5 Ways to Get to Know Yourself Better

Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery

Journal writing has no rules, Grason said. Just set a timer and start writing. Don’t stop until your timer rings. Below are five prompts from Grason’s inspiring book.

1. “I don’t want to write about.” This is Grason’s all-time favorite prompt. “It’s just another trick to get your subconscious to let go of ‘protecting’ you from the feelings that are hiding beneath the surface and to let the real you show up on the blank page,” she said.

Set a timer for 10 minutes and write anything that comes to you. The goal is to be honest and vulnerable, Grason said. Write about the most difficult thing you can think of, she said. After you’re done, you can rip it up.

She gave the following examples: “I don’t want to write about how I’m still mad at my mother for…” or ”I don’t want to write about how I’m afraid that my relationship is falling apart…”

“Sometimes we tend to ‘write around’ the real issues in our lives. We want to make our journals pretty and perfect, when life is never perfect. Allowing yourself to write about the one thing you definitely don’t want to write about will take you right to the heart of what you need to work out on the blank page.”

2. “Who am I now?” Again, set the timer for 10 minutes and respond to this question. Also, consider who you were at different points in your life, such as when you were 8, 16 and 25. Explore the following, Grason writes:

Who were you then? Describe the differences between who you were and who you are becoming. How will the coming months and years transform your life? Then describe the you that has always been here. What is that person’s vision of your life? How has she or he guided you? Have you been listening, or have you been living on auto-pilot? When was the last time you checked in with the inner you that is always there?

3. “Things I love.” How often do you take the time to figure out what truly makes you happy? Write about anything that brings you joy and makes you smile, including the pricey stuff – like tropical getaways — and the priceless – like bubble baths and family outings at the beach. Add to this list regularly.

4. “Affirm how wonderful you are.” Make a list of 10 great qualities, and tell yourself that it’s safe to be you. Grason includes the following example of an affirmation her friend, Jennifer, created: “It is safe to be Jennifer. I am funky, intelligent, creative, wise, multifaceted, powerful, rich, exciting, joyful, energetic, healthy, and connected to Spirit. I bring that special Jenniferness to everything I do.”

5. “Conversation with your 99-year-old self.” Pretend that you’re 99 years old, very wise and in perfect health. According to Grason, answer the following questions in your journal: “What would you have me know? What should I concentrate on in the coming days and years? What things could I do or experience that would have the most positive impact on my life?”

15 Easy Ways to Be Healthier

ore and more research is showing that the key to lifelong good health is what experts call “lifestyle medicine” — making simple changes in diet, exercise and stress management. To help you turn that knowledge into results, we’ve put together this manageable list of health and wellness action steps.

We asked three experts — a naturopathic physician, a nutritionist, and a personal trainer — to tell us the top five simple-but-significant lifestyle-medicine changes they recommend.

Besides giving you three different takes on how to pick your health battles, this list gives you choices you can make without being whisked off to a reality-show fat farm — or buying a second freezer for those calorie-controlled, pre-portioned frozen meals.

James Rouse, N.D.
Naturopathic physician, triathlete, chef, author and host of TV’s “Optimum Wellness,” health-tip segments featured on NBC affiliates in several major cities.

1. Think positive and focus on gratitude

Research shows a healthy positive attitude helps build a healthier immune system and boosts overall health. Your body believes what you think, so focus on the positive.

2. Eat your vegetables

Shoot for five servings of vegetables a day — raw, steamed, or stir-fried. A diet high in vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of developing cancers of the lung, colon, breast, cervix, esophagus, stomach, bladder, pancreas and ovary. And many of the most powerful phytonutrients are the ones with the boldest colors — such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, grapes and leafy greens.

3. Set a “5-meal ideal”

What, when and how much you eat can keep both your metabolism and your energy levels steadily elevated, so you’ll have more all-day energy. A "5 meal ideal" will help you manage your weight, keep your cool, maintain your focus and avoid cravings.

4. Exercise daily 

Did you know that daily exercise can reduce all of the biomarkers of aging? This includes improving eyesight, normalizing blood pressure, improving lean muscle, lowering cholesterol and improving bone density. If you want to live well and live longer, you must exercise! Studies show that even 10 minutes of exercise makes a difference — so do something! Crank the stereo and dance in your living room. Sign up for swing dancing or ballroom-dancing lessons. Walk to the park with your kids or a neighbor you’d like to catch up with. Jump rope or play hopscotch. Spin a hula hoop. Play water volleyball. Bike to work. Jump on a trampoline. Go for a hike.

5. Get at good night's sleep

If you have trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques such as meditation andyoga. Or eat a small bedtime snack of foods shown to help shift the body and mind into sleep mode: whole grain cereal with milk, oatmeal, cherries or chamomile tea. Darken your room more and turn your clock away from you. Write down worries or stressful thoughts to get them out of your head and onto the page. This will help you put them into perspective so you can quit worrying about them.

Christina Reiter, M.S., R.D.
Resident consulting dietitian at the University of Colorado–Boulder Wardenburg Health Center for Nutrition Education and Therapies and former director of the nutrition program at Metropolitan State College of Denver.
 

1. Check your food ’tude

What we eat and how we feel are linked in very complex ways. A healthy approach to eating is centered on savoring flavor, eating to satisfaction and increasing energy, rather than focusing on weight. Check your balance of low-calorie foods, nutrient-dense foods (providing many nutrients per calorie), and foods that are calorie dense but nutrient poor. Most Americans need to eat more fresh whole foods (in contrast to processed, highly refined foods). Try to add more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and legumes into your meals. Pair these carbohydrate-rich foods with a healthy fat or lean protein to extend satisfaction.

2. Eat like a kid 

If adding more fruits and vegetables sounds ominous, look to “finger food” versions that preschool kids love — carrot and celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, grapes, berries and dried fruits. All are nutritional powerhouses packed with antioxidants.

3. Be a picky eater

Limit saturated fats and trans fats, and aim to eat more foods rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids to cut your risk of cardiovascular disease and maybe even improve depressed moods. The equivalent of just 1 gram of EPA/DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid) daily is recommended. Eating cold-water oily fish (wild salmon, herring, sardines, trout) two to three times per week will provide both EPA and DHA. Adding up to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and eating meat, milk and cheese from grass-fed animals will provide you with a healthy dose of omega-3s.

4. Use foods over supplements

Supplements are not a substitute for a good diet. Although many health experts recommend taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement that provides 100 to 200 percent of your recommended daily value, each and every supplement should be carefully evaluated for purity and safety. Specific supplements have been associated with toxicity, reactions with medications, competition with other nutrients, and even increased risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

5. Get satisfaction

Both eating and physical activity are fun, sensory experiences! In both, aim for pleasure — not pain. Pay attention to the nutritional value of the foods you choose to eat, as well as your sense of satisfaction, relaxation, tension, exhilaration and fatigue when you sit down to eat. Check in with yourself as you eat, rekindling your recognition of hunger, fullness and satisfaction when considering when and how much to eat.

Rick Olderman, M.S., P.T.
A physical therapist and owner of Z-Line Training in Denver, Colo., offering rehabilitation, personal training, Pilates instruction, motivational injury-prevention seminars, employee fitness program development and custom foot orthotics casting.

1. Give yourself a break

“I spend countless hours doing cardio and never seem to lose that last 10 pounds!” is a common complaint I hear from clients. Give yourself permission to shorten your workout. Believe it or not, overtraining could be the problem. Your body can plateau if not given adequate rest to restore itself, ultimately leading to a decline in performance. Fatigue, moodiness, lack of enthusiasm, depression and increased cortisol (the “stress” hormone) are some hallmarks of overtraining syndrome. Creating a periodization program — breaking up your routine into various training modes — can help prevent overtraining by building rest phases into your regimen. For example, you might weight train on Monday and Wednesday, cycle on Tuesday and Thursday, run on Friday and rest on Saturday and Sunday. You can also help balance your program by simply incorporating more variety.

2. Think small

Often the biggest deterrent to improving health is feeling overwhelmed by all the available advice and research. Try to focus first on one small, seemingly inconsequential, unhealthy habit and turn it into a healthy, positive habit. If you’re in the habit of eating as soon as you get home at night, instead keep walking shoes in the garage or entryway and take a quick spin around the block before going inside. If you have a can of soda at lunchtime every day, have a glass of water two days a week instead. Starting with small, painless changes helps establish the mentality that healthy change is not necessarily painful change. It’s easy to build from here by adding more healthy substitutions.

3. Keep good company

You can do all the right things — but if you have personal relationships with people who have unhealthy habits, it is often an uphill battle. The healthiest people are those who have relationships with other healthy people. Get your family or friends involved with you when you walk or plan healthier meals. Making healthy changes with a loved one can bring you closer together as well as motivate you.

4. Make a list … and check it twice

Take a few minutes and write down all the reasons you can’t begin an exercise program. Then look at the basis of each reason. For instance, if you wrote, “No time” as one of your reasons, then perhaps that’s based on a belief that an exercise program takes a lot of time. Starting with even five minutes a day will have a positive effect because you will have created a healthy habit where one didn’t exist before, and that’s a powerful mental adjustment. A closer look at your list will expose those false beliefs hiding behind each excuse.

5. Sign up for an event

Let’s face it, exercising just for the sake of exercising or losing weight can get boring. Spice things up by signing up for an event like a run/walk race or a cycling ride where you can be part of a team. Doing so gives your workouts a new purpose, and it’s fun to be around others who are exercising just like you — not to mention that most events benefit nonprofit organizations, which doubles your feel-good high.

To be loyal to myself

“Just because I liked something at one point in time doesn’t mean I’ll always like it, or that I have to go on liking it at all points in time as an unthinking act of loyalty to who I am as a person, based solely on who I was as a person. To be loyal to myself is to allow myself to grow and change, and challenge who I am and what I think. The only thing I am for sure is unsure, and this means I’m growing, and not stagnant or shrinking.” http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4157885.Jarod_Kintz