Almased Diet for Weight Loss – Pros And Cons

The Almased diet plan is a unique weight loss plan that helps you burn fat and manage weight gain. Many people have been benefitted from this diet, as it also seems to promote weight maintenance. This diet plan is the latest trend in the weight loss industry.

This plan uses the Almased powder that is known for its hunger-curbing properties. It also revs up metabolism and promotes overall well-being. Learn more about this diet plan and how it can help you shed those extra pounds. Read on.

What Is Almased?

• This diet product is made from raw ingredients of high quality. The process involves a complex production method to preserve the delicate active ingredients that can release their benefits later on.

• Hubertus Trouille, the mastermind behind the Almased diet product, claims that depriving the body of food is no good. Instead, he strongly advocates drinking protein-rich shakes that stimulate the body’s metabolism (1).

• Almased comes in powder form and is made from natural products of high quality such as skim milk, fermented soy, enzyme-rich honey, and yogurt powder (2).

• It is rich in protein (53.3% of the total amount). Its protein content is 83% soy protein isolates and 17% milk protein. It also has a very low glycemic indexⁱ  XA measure of carbohydrates in the food, which indicate how quickly it can raise blood sugar levels. (GI=27) and glycemic load (GL=3.2) (3).

• This powder contains vital nutrients, such as enzymesⁱ  XProteins accelerate metabolism or chemical reactions in the body to help with digestion, and muscle and nerve functions. and essential amino acids, mostly needed by your body to make digestion easy.

• The product is non-GMOⁱ  XNon-genetically modified organism - any plant, food, or organism whose genetic makeup has not been altered in the laboratory. and gluten-free and is devoid of any fillers, flavors, artificial preservatives, and sugars (1).

• A lab-tested formula that can be used even by a person with diabetes to lose weight (1).

Trivia

The book ‘Die Markert Diet’ by Hubertus Trouillé, which advocated fasting with Almased as part of his theory, was the book that gave Almased its big break.

How Does It Help You?

The major plus of this diet program is that it helps you avoid the much-dreaded yo-yo effect. To enable weight loss, it is very important that your body’s metabolism functions properly. You suffer from different diseases, mainly due to some issues with your digestion. Regular intake of products containing industrial productions, preservatives, and flavor enhancers destroys the most important nutrients, enzymes, and amino acids from the body. Due to this, your metabolism slows down, and the body cannot burn calories as fast as it should. This leads to a lack of energy and obesity and many other related complications (4).

Regular intake of Almased improves your metabolism and makes your body function at the optimal level. Due to this, you can easily lose weight and avoid the yo-yo effect associated with other diets (3). Since Almased never lets your metabolism rate go down, you can retain the weight loss even after switching to your normal diet.

The 14-Day Almased Plan

• Phase 1 (Day1-Day 3): Accelerate Metabolism

Reset your metabolism. Burn more fat and build muscle mass by substituting each meal with a long glass of Almased drink. The protein present in Almased helps curb hunger. This makes you feel full for about five hours. In this phase, the intake of carbohydrates is restricted, and all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are replaced with Almased shakes. You may snack on vegetable soup, vegetables, and fruits. You can consume enough water, fresh fruit juice, green, or black tea (without sugar).

Why This Works

For three straight days, the main meals of your day will be Almased, which will help induce the secretion of the hunger-curbing hormones. You will feel less hungry and eat fewer carbs (potato wafers, chicken nuggets, etc.). This will allow the body to mobilize the stored fat and use it as an energy source.

100 g of Almased powder provides 30.6 g carbohydrates and 360 kcal energy (5). It is a low-carb, low-calorie, high-protein powder that can provide satiety and fullness. But the amount to be taken depends on the height, weight, and activity level of a person. Hence, the same rule of weight loss doesn’t apply to all.

Phase 1 Recipe

Zucchini And Watermelon Salad

What You Need

• 1/2 zucchini
• 1/2 grapefruit
• 1 cup watermelon (medium-sized cubes)
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mango powder
• Salt

How To Prepare

1. Wash and cut the zucchini into medium-sized cubes. Toss them into a bowl.
2. Add the watermelon pieces.
3. Squeeze in the juice of the grapefruit.
4. Add the roasted cumin powder, dried mango powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Mix well.

• Phase 2 (Day 4-Day 7) – Mobilize Fat

During this phase, dieters need to drink Almased shake for breakfast and dinner and have a low-carb lunch. This will help burn fat more easily and quickly. Now that a good amount of stored fat has been used up as energy to drive the body functions, the low-carb lunch will not be stored as fat. It will be burnt to keep up with your daily activities. Steer clear of carbs and any junk! This phase is also called the reduction phase as you are bound to lose extra pounds.

Why This Works

The breakfast shake of this protein powder will curb your hunger for longer hours. A low-carb and light lunch will keep you active. Snack only if you feel hungry. For dinner, the warm milkshake will curb your night-time cravings and help you sleep better.

Phase 2 Recipe

Bell Pepper And Chicken Salad

What You Need

• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 1/4 red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken breast cubes
• 1/2 cup green beans
• 1 tablespoon low-fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper

How To Prepare

1. Toss the chicken cubes into a soup pot, add a teaspoon of rosemary and add enough water to cover all the chicken cubes.
2. Bring the water to a boil. Once the water has boiled, simmer the chicken for about 7-8 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, chop the green and red bell peppers into medium-sized cubes. Toss them into a bowl.
4. Blanch the green beans, cut them in half, and add them to the bowl.
5. Separate the water from the chicken cubes and toss the chicken into the bowl.
6. In another small bowl, add the olive oil, low-fat yogurt, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Drizzle this over the salad and mix well.

Quick Tip

Alternatively, you can serve the salad on a bed of lettuce topped with nuts, seeds, leaves, roots, fruit (typically with the peel), and vegetables.

• Phase 3 (Day 8-Day 10) – Stabilize Weight Loss

During this phase, dieters are allowed to drink the Almased shake only once a day. However, it allows low-calorie and nutrition-dense foods for other meals so that there is stable weight loss. You can have the Almased drink for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Avoid refined carbs and consume greens, salads, and other protein-rich food for the other two meals.

Why This Works

The foods given in this chart are low-calorie and nutrition-dense. This means your body will continue burning fat by being metabolically active without losing any vital nutrients.

Phase 3 Recipe

Bottle Gourd With Tomato And Coriander Leaves

What You Need

• 1 cup shredded bottle gourd
• 1/4 cup chopped tomato
• 1/6 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon rice bran oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• A handful of coriander leaves
• Salt

How To Prepare

1. In a soup pot, heat the oil and fry the cumin seeds first.
2. Add the chopped onions and fry until they are golden brown.
3. Add the chopped tomato and fry for about a minute.
4. Add the shredded bottle gourd, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
5. As the bottle gourd cooks, the stored water in the bottle gourd will ooze out.
6. Add more water if you need to.
7. Close the lid and cook until the ingredients are cooked.
8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

• Phase 4 (Day 11-Day 14) – Live Life

During this phase, dieters are allowed to eat three low-carb, nutrition-dense meals along with Almased shake at least once a day. You do not have to replace any meal with the Almased shake. Have the Almased drink at around 3 pm, so that you don’t feel hungry until dinner. To derive the maximum results, ensure that you eat healthy. Stick to salads, soups, and broths. You may also include fruit. Steer clear of anything rich in carbohydrates.

Why This Works

You eat three healthy meals plus one large glass of Almased shake, which keeps your metabolism ticking at a high rate. You will continue to lose weight through this phase, but the results won’t be as dramatic as in the reduction phase. Doctors suggest you prolong Phase 2 if you wish to lose more weight.

Phase 4 Recipe

Asparagus Stuffed Mushroom

What You Need

• 2 asparagus tips
• 5 button mushrooms
• 1/4 boiled potato
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon grated cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

How To Prepare

1. In a soup pot, bring about two inches of water to a boil.
2. Throw in the asparagus tips and cook for a minute.
3. Chop the garlic and toss the pieces into a bowl.
4. Add the boiled potato, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mash the potato and mix the ingredients well.
5. Chop the blanched asparagus tips finely and mix with the potato.
6. Take the stems of the mushrooms out, chop finely, and mix with the potato.
7. In a frying pan, heat the oil and saute the mushroom heads.
8. Stuff the mushroom heads with the potato mix.
9. Top it with grated cheese.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 180ºC for 5 minutes.

Now that you know how to follow the Almased diet, let’s check out its benefits and side effects.

Benefits Of The Almased Diet

• Helps reduce and maintain weight (3).
• May help you stay active all day long.
• May keep you full for longer.
• May help build immunity.
• May help maintain healthy skin.
• May strengthen bones and build muscle mass.

Side Effects Of The Almased Diet

• May cause constipation and bloating.
• You may experience headache and nausea.
• Long-term use may also cause abnormal cell growth of the uterus.
• May cause mood fluctuations.

Why Is Almased Different From The Rest?

The company that manufactures Almased claims that the product offers the following benefits:

• Almased powder is rich in optimal nutrients that your body may not be getting through your regular diet.
• The ‘vital nourishment’ increases your metabolism due to the presence of probiotic yogurt, high-quality soy, and enzyme-rich honey. This ensures you receive all the essential amino acids that activate the
• fermentation process in the intestine, ultimately leading to easy digestion.
• Blending all the raw materials into one creates a synergistic effect and also makes bio-protein available for the body. This combination is immensely beneficial for weight loss.
• The easily digestible Almased ensures that you feel full for a longer period after taking it. This curbs your appetite and keeps you from snacking in between meals (6).
• Almased has a low glycemic index and thus it helps regulate healthy blood sugar levels (6).

However, it is important to remember that there is not enough scientific evidence that supports most of these benefits.

Regardless of the diet you follow, it is always important to work out when you are trying to lose weight. Check out the role that exercise plays in the Almased diet.

Role Of Exercise

It is important that you continue your regular exercise routine or start to work out regularly (one day rest). You can go for a run or walk or do freehand exercises along with stretching. You can also opt for aerobics, swimming, power yoga, and dancing. Go for strength training only after you have lost the desired amount of fat from your body. It will help to tone the muscles of your body.

Do’s & Don’ts

The Almased diet plan can work really well if you can follow the phases, work out regularly, and watch what you eat. If you feel the side effects are interfering with your daily life and the normal functioning of your body, stop this diet immediately and see a doctor.

Infographic: A Complete Guide To The Almased Diet

The almased diet can improve your metabolism and help manage your body weight. However, following this diet for a long time may cause bloating and mood swings. Check out the infographic below to know more about the benefits and side effects of following this diet before including it in your lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Almased a meal replacement?

Yes, Almased is a meal replacement that provides all the essential nutrients that your body needs.

Does Almased have caffeine?

No, Almased does not contain any caffeine. Its nutrition is diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, and free of artificial flavors and sweeteners.

Is Almased vegetarian?

Yes, Almased is a vegetarian product made of soy protein isolates and skim milk powder.

How much weight can you lose on the Almased diet?

You should be able to lose about 8 to 10 pounds per month if you stick to a very rigid diet regimen and a disciplined lifestyle.

Can I drink coffee on an Almased diet?

Yes, you are permitted to drink up to two cups of coffee or tea made of unsweetened, non-low-fat milk each day. It is also recommended to keep your caffeine intake to a minimum. Hence, decaffeinated teas or green teas are ideal.

Why am I not losing weight on Almased?

It is possible that your body is not compatible with the Almased diet (7). You could instead try other diets or incorporate a strict exercise regimen to increase your energy expenditure and burn fat.

Is Almased safe for hypothyroidism?

Possibly yes. The brand claims that the product does not affect thyroid hormone levels and functioning, and thus can be consumed by those with hypothyroidism. However, consult your doctor for more information in this regard.

Do protein shakes make you poop?

Possibly. According to anecdotal reports, the artificial sweeteners in such shakes may cause diarrhea in certain people.

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Madhu SharmaRD

Madhu Sharma is a member of the National Executive Committee of IDA. She has been associated for almost three decades with Pediatric Nutrition at PGI while serving in the Gastroenterology Department (20 years) and then the Advanced Pediatric Center (10 yrs) at PGIMER, Chandigarh. She is former Senior Dietitian from PGIMER, Chandigarh, retired in 2012.   Madhu has been closely...more

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