The Sacred Heart diet has a very specific set of foods that may, or must, be eaten each day. There is no counting calories however.
Most of the foods can be eaten in as large quantities as are desired. The soup can be eaten at any time, and as much soup as is desired can be eaten.
Many versions of the diet claim that eating more soup will actually help the dieter lose more weight. Many also claim that this diet will flush toxins from the body and leave the dieter feeling more healthy and more energetic.
Different versions of the diet differ somewhat on what kinds of drinks are allowed during the diet. Most versions require drinking 6–8 glasses of water a day.
Some versions of the diet allow the dieter to drink diet soda, but most forbid all carbonated beverages. Tea is allowed, as is coffee. Some allow skim milk and others do not. Unsweetened fruit juices are also usually allowed. Most versions of the diet forbid alcohol while on the diet.
Day 1:
On this day any fruit except bananas may be eaten. Some versions of the diet recommend watermelon and cantaloupe, saying they are lower in calories than other fruits. Only fruit and the soup are allowed on this day.
Day 2:
On this day all vegetables are allowed, although some versions of the diet warn that dry beans, peas, and corn should be avoided. Green, leafy vegetables are recommended. Any kind of vegetables: fresh, raw, cooked, or canned are allowed. No fruits are allowed during this day. For dinner the dieter is instructed to have a baked potato with butter.
Day 3:
During this day the dieter is instructed to have all of the fruits and vegetables desired. The dieter is not allowed to have a baked potato. Some versions of the diet claim that the dieter will have lost 5 or more pounds by this day if the diet is being followed exactly.
Day 4:
During this day the only foods allowed in addition to the soup are bananas and skim milk. The dieter is instructed to eat at least 3 bananas. The dieter is often instructed to drink as much skim milk as they are able.
Day 5:
This day is dedicated to beef and tomatoes. The dieter is instructed to eat between 10 and 20 ounces of beef and up to 1 can of tomatoes (or as many as 6 fresh tomatoes). The soup must be eaten at least once on this day.
Day 6:
On this day the dieter is allowed to eat all of the beef and vegetables he or she desires. Usually leafy green vegetables are recommended. Often it is specified that no baked potato is allowed on this day. The soup must be eaten at least once on this day as well.
Day 7:
On the last day of the diet the dieter is instructed to eat vegetables, unsweetened fruit juice, and brown rice. As much of these can be eaten as is desired. The soup is also required at least once on this day.
Some versions of the diet specify that boiled, broiled, or baked skinless chicken can be substituted for the beef. Broiled fish can also be substituted for beef, but only on one of the beef days. By the end of this week the diet claims that dieters will have lost between 10 and 17 pounds.
