While strawberries are indeed a nutritious fruit, relying solely on them for an extended period is not a balanced approach to nutrition, which is what the strawberry diet proposes. Like most single-food diets, the strawberry diet gained attention for its promises of rapid weight loss. In fact, it claims to help people shed 4 pounds in just four days by severely limiting calorie intake (per Diets Meal Plan). Nevertheless, it falls short in terms of promoting sustainable eating habits.
The strawberry diet has no specific guidelines or instructions, and it is available in two different forms. One of the most extreme versions of this diet is the strawberry-only variation, where dieters are supposed to consume only one meal of strawberries daily (via Livestrong). In contrast, the more lenient version, known as the strawberries-at-each-meal version, permits roughly 1,200 calories daily, incorporating strawberries into every meal and featuring strawberry smoothies or yogurt with strawberries as snacks. In addition to the fruit, the site explains that this version allows for a limited selection of other foods, such as lean proteins (turkey, low-fat cottage cheese, and chicken breast), fresh fruits (apples and bananas), vegetables (asparagus, cucumber, and lettuce), and even a baked potato. Regarding beverages, unsweetened tea and coffee are also allowed.
Per Livestrong, the diet justifies its strict regimen by highlighting the nutritional benefits of strawberries, including fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. However, its severe calorie restriction raises concerns, as a diet so low in calories can lead to a lack of energy, nutrient deficiencies, and numerous additional potential side effects (via Healthline).
