Military Diet Chart
Provide your patient with a military diet chart to assist and guide them as they embark on this popular diet journey.
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What is a Military Diet Chart?
Before delving into what a military diet chart is, it’s best to discuss the diet. The Military Diet, colloquially known as the 3-day diet, is a brief yet intense weight loss regimen asserting the capability to shed up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) within a week. The diet involves a structured 3-day meal plan, significantly restricting calorie intake, followed by a 4-day respite.
Do note that advocates are advised to iterate this weekly cycle for a month or until their desired weight is achieved. However, it's crucial to recognize that despite its nomenclature, the Military Diet does not align with the dietary practices of military personnel.
The diet comprises two phases spanning seven days, each presenting a predetermined breakfast, lunch, and dinner without allowance for snacks between meals. This results in a daily caloric intake ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 calories during the initial phase, reflecting a low-calorie regimen. Notably, the diet prioritizes high protein content while maintaining low levels of fat and carbohydrates, accompanied by specific food combinations purportedly aimed at enhancing metabolism and facilitating fat burning.
Moving on to the military diet chart. On our take of the said resource, one can expect to find a list of the food one is allowed to eat during the first three days and a dedicated section for writing down a meal plan for seven days. This template can be provided by the referring physician who has evaluated the patient’s overall health and has given the go signal to try the diet, preferably only short term.
Printable Military Diet Chart
Download this Military Diet Chart to help clients manage their diet.
How does it work?
Step 1. Downloading a template
Obtain a digital and printable template for a military chart by following either of the subsequent procedures:
- Opt for the "Download Template" or "Use Template" button.
- Navigate to Carepatron's template library on their website or app and locate the "Military Diet Chart” by searching the aforementioned terms on the search bar.
Step 2. Content review
This chart is a tool for comprehending the required food choices and items to restrict during the 3-day period that follows a strict meal plan.
Step 3. Meal plan formulation
Sources may say that the military diet has a 3-day strict meal plan. However, when analyzed further, the diet only provides a list of food one can eat during these three days. Hence, especially for those who aren’t experienced with creating dishes out of a list of ingredients, the meal plan section of the template.
You may brainstorm meal ideas with your patient for the 3-day strict meal plan and four days of respite. This will ensure two things: One, during the three days of restriction, the patient still hits the maximum caloric count allotted, and two, that they receive the nutrients their body needs during the meals they have for the rest of the week.
Step 4. Ensuring template security
After the consultation, you must secure the template and restrict access to relevant parties only. You may use and store your files on Carepatron, a HIPAA-compliant patient record software that provides secure and user-friendly storage solutions.
Military Diet Chart example (sample)
For those looking for guidance on using the military diet chart, here’s a PDF file of a completed template for your convenience. This example template is available in digital and printable formats, customized to your needs.
However, note that all information presented in the sample template is entirely fictional, and you must only use it for explanatory purposes. Furthermore, our provided example represents one of the many methods you can utilize the blank template. You should explore alternative approaches to serve your professional requirements better.
To obtain a copy of this invaluable resource, you can either review the sample template below or select the "Download Example PDF" button. This will get you a comprehensive and illustrative version of the template, serving as a practical reference for your purposes.
Download this Military Diet Chart example:
When would you use this chart?
The Military Diet chart is typically employed by individuals seeking rapid weight loss, particularly in preparation for imminent events such as weddings, photo shoots, or other occasions where a swift reduction in body weight is desired. This short-term diet plan, known for its aggressive calorie restriction, is chosen by those who aim to shed up to 10 pounds within a week. The urgency often associated with imminent events prompts individuals to opt for this strategy, as it promises quick results.
However, it is crucial to approach the Military Diet with caution. While it may yield rapid, short-term weight loss, its highly restrictive nature raises concerns about long-term sustainability. The calorie intake prescribed by this diet falls significantly below the recommended levels for adults, potentially compromising nutritional adequacy and overall well-being. It is essential to emphasize that such a drastic reduction in calories should not be pursued without the guidance and supervision of a medical professional.
In the broader context, it is imperative to recognize that sustainable and healthy weight management is best achieved through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Before embarking on any new diet plan, including the Military Diet, consulting with a healthcare professional is strongly recommended to ensure both safety and long-term health goals are prioritized.
Research & evidence
Currently, there is a conspicuous absence of scientific research substantiating the weight loss claims associated with the military diet. However, there are articles that discuss the military diet, and here are findings from some of them.
According to a website that focuses on the military diet, adherents of the diet may witness a short-term decrease on the scale, and potential risks such as weight regain, consumption of unhealthy foods, and excessive calorie restriction loom as concerns. The efficacy and safety of the military diet are contingent on individual goals and adherence to the prescribed regimen.
The dearth of studies supporting the purported benefits and effectiveness of the military diet found in an article published on the BBC Good Food website is noteworthy, notwithstanding the likelihood that individuals may experience weight loss due to calorie reduction.
Finally, as discussed in an article posted on Healthline, the diet's rapid, short-term weight loss outcomes are tempered by its highly restrictive nature, raising doubts about its sustainability over an extended period. Moreover, crash diets like the military diet bear the potential to adversely impact one's relationship with food, given their stringent constraints.
To safeguard both safety and nutritional adequacy, it is strongly advised not to pursue the level of calorie restriction mandated by the military diet without the guidance and supervision of a medical professional.
References
Does the military diet work? | Military diet. (n.d.). https://themilitarydiet.com/does-the-military-diet-work/
Mba, A. L. B. (2023, March 15). The military diet: All you need to know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/the-military-diet-101#safety
Nutritionist, K. T. –. (2022, October 19). What is the military diet? BBC Good Food. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-military-diet
Commonly asked questions
A patient who wants to try the military diet chart that a healthcare practitioner has evaluated are most likely to use the military diet chart. Their referring physician may also use the military diet chart as a guide, educational resource, etc.
Military diet charts are used when the patient wants more information on the military diet and when they’re creating a meal plan.
The military diet charts can be used as a reference, guide, educational tool, or document to keep a record of a weekly meal plan.
