Embarking on a weight loss journey often involves trying various approaches, some more conventional than others. This year, after the inevitable holiday indulgence, I found myself a little heavier and once again contemplating how to shed those extra pounds. Our usual attempts at dieting, my husband and I, tend to fizzle out, making sustainable weight loss feel like an elusive dream. However, a rather unconventional idea sparked a unique challenge: what if I tried a different diet every single day for nine days straight? The goal: to lose 5 pounds and reset my eating habits. What followed was a whirlwind of different dietary philosophies, daily weigh-ins, and a surprising outcome. I’m also thrilled to share a delightful recipe for Leek and Mushroom Gratin that became a surprising highlight during this intense period.
The Post-Holiday Predicament: A Familiar Struggle
Like many, my year typically kicks off with a familiar resolution: to eat healthier and perhaps shed some extra weight accumulated over the festive season. My husband and I are notorious for our inability to stick to diets. Historically, we’d aim to diet in November, motivated by our anniversary getaway at the month’s end, allowing some wiggle room before Christmas. However, last year, that commitment wavered. We made sporadic attempts to be “healthier,” which usually translated to cutting out snacks, given that our main meals, though generous in portion, were generally balanced. Yet, the scales remained stubbornly unmoved.
This year, we decided to forgo the rigid dieting mindset altogether. Our New Year’s resolution shifted towards a more holistic approach: mindful eating. The principles were simple yet profound:
- **Listen to Our Bodies:** Stop eating the moment we feel satisfied, rather than continuing out of habit or obligation.
- **Portion Control:** Consciously reduce serving sizes at mealtimes to avoid overconsumption.
- **Mindful Indulgence:** Acknowledge cravings, especially for sweets like chocolate. If the craving is genuine and intense, allow for a small, intentional treat, but avoid mindless gorging.
- **Evening Snacking Strategy:** Eliminate late-night snacking. Instead, opt for a small, healthy bite immediately after dinner if true hunger strikes.
- **Rethink Lunch:** Minimize or completely cut out takeaway sandwiches during lunchtime, opting for homemade, healthier alternatives.
- **Strategic Treats:** Save any desired cakes or indulgent items for the weekends, transforming them into special, planned treats.
I genuinely believe in these principles for fostering a healthier relationship with food and maintaining a stable weight without the feeling of being “on a diet.” However, as January progressed, I found myself veering off course.
When Mindful Eating Hits a Roadblock: The Need for a Reset
The first two weeks of January were passable, despite a few too many chocolates and a couple of late-night “pudding” escapades. Week three, however, was a complete disaster. With my husband away on business in India, I sought comfort in copious amounts of chocolate, excessive pasta, and even succumbed to a mid-week McDonald’s treat with the kids – and yes, I thoroughly enjoyed that Quarter Pounder with cheese and fries slathered in ketchup. This downhill slide meant that three weeks into our “new lifestyle,” I weighed exactly the same as I did post-Christmas. My clothes felt snug, a dreaded “muffin top” emerged, and even my gym runs became a struggle, leading me to swap my fitted running gear for baggy tracksuits. The thought of skin-tight leggings was simply unbearable.
It became clear that my mindful eating resolution needed a temporary pause. It was time for a more direct intervention. While my long-term goal was to lose a stone (which would make me the lightest in 15 years), I decided a more immediate, achievable target was necessary: a 5-pound weight loss. Once that was accomplished, I could confidently return to my mindful eating principles.
The Challenge of Diet Boredom: Inspiration Strikes
My biggest hurdle with dieting has always been boredom. Slimming World was my most successful venture in the past, primarily due to its flexibility and the accountability of weekly weigh-ins at classes. Trying to follow it at home invariably led to failure. As I pondered which diet to tackle, I stumbled upon an article about a man who attempted 10 different diets over 50 days, spending five days on each. His reason? He, too, got bored easily. He even documented his experience in a book, “Minimize Me: 10 Diets to Lose 25 lbs in 50 Days.” (This is an affiliate link to the book mentioned.)
This concept resonated deeply with me. While 25 pounds and 50 days felt too ambitious, the idea of rotating diets was brilliant. I decided to condense the challenge: 9 diets in 9 days – one day for each diet. My husband and mum were skeptical, and I wisely kept the full details mostly to myself, sharing only with a few others who chose to reserve judgment!
It’s crucial to state that I am not advocating this extreme approach for anyone else. This was a personal experiment, a somewhat “ridiculous diet” designed to combat my boredom and provide the quick reset I desperately needed. Documenting my experience, meals, and daily weight loss was my way of staying accountable and motivated throughout this intense journey. So, no need to skip to the end for the reveal… I’ll tell you now: it worked! I lost 5 pounds in just 9 days, finishing a day ahead of schedule. Now, the real challenge begins: keeping it off and reintegrating my mindful eating habits.
The Nine Diets in Nine Days: A Daily Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the diets I explored and my experience on each day:
- Day 1 – The 5:2 Diet
- Day 2 – Atkins
- Day 3 – Slimming World
- Day 4 – Nutriblast (Smoothie-Focused)
- Day 5 – Special K Diet
- Day 6 – NHS 1400 Calorie Plan
- Day 7 – Slimfast
- Day 8 – Weight Watchers
- Day 9 – My Own ‘Mindful’ Principles
- *Day 10 (Paleo) was not undertaken as my target was reached early.*
Day 1: The 5:2 Diet – A Fast Start
The principle of the 5:2 diet is straightforward: eat normally for five days of the week, and restrict calorie intake to 500 calories (600 for men) on the remaining two “fasting” days. For my challenge, I followed one of these 500-calorie days.
Surprisingly, this day was quite manageable. I started with just a coffee, which sustained me until lunchtime, and even managed a 30-minute gym session after the school drop-off. I suspect my ease might have been due to the generous Lancashire Hotpot, vanilla slices, and a cream egg I consumed the night before. Recognizing I wouldn’t make it to dinner on a single meal, I opted for two very low-calorie meals instead.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast: Coffee with 100ml semi-skimmed milk (49 calories)
- Lunch: Spicy Breakfast Eggs with kale (205 calories)
- Dinner: Thai Prawns with Cauliflower and Coriander Rice (246 calories)
Weight Loss: 2 pounds – A fantastic start!
Day 2: Atkins Diet – The Carb Challenge
For Day 2, I delved into Atkins Phase 1 (Induction), limiting carbohydrates to a maximum of 20g, with at least 12g coming from vegetables. This phase includes a strict list of allowed foods.
Initially, I thought this day would be easy. Bacon, eggs, cheese, beef, cream, and some approved vegetables seemed like a pleasant enough menu after the previous day’s restriction. However, I was utterly miserable! I woke up hungry, which is unusual for me, and by the end of the day, I felt completely unsatisfied, intensely craving cake and toast. Even with a few carbs left, my mood prevented me from enjoying anything else. The only bright spots were the delicious Parmesan Courgette Fries with Dippy Egg and the Leek and Mushroom Gratin.
I definitely couldn’t have sustained this diet for more than a single day.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast (3.5g carbs): 3 rashers of bacon (0.2g carbs), Parmesan Courgette Fries (1.8g carbs from Parmesan, 1.5g carbs from courgette), 1 soft-boiled egg, 2 cups coffee with a splash of almond milk.
- Lunch (1g carbs): Carb-free pancakes (2 eggs blended with 3 tbsp double cream, cooked in butter), topped with 1/2 sachet Splenda (0.5g carbs) and 1 tsp lemon juice (0.5g carbs).
- Dinner (9.95g carbs): 250g beef rump joint (0.2g carbs), Leek and Mushroom Gratin (9.75g carbs) – Recipe below.
- Planned Snack (not consumed due to grumpiness, 5.2g carbs): 3 celery sticks (2.4g carbs), 1/2 avocado (1.8g carbs) mashed with a hard-boiled egg, 1 tsp lemon juice (0.5g carbs), and 1/2 clove garlic (0.5g carbs).
Weight Loss: ½ a pound.
Day 3: Slimming World – Flexibility and Filling Foods
On Day 3, I followed the Slimming World Extra Easy plan, which emphasizes unlimited lean meat, fish, pasta, potatoes, fruit, and vegetables. Key guidelines include ensuring one-third of your plate consists of non-starchy vegetables, sticking to a limited amount of “Healthy Extras” (dairy, bread/cereals), and allowing up to 10 “Syns” (for treats).
I woke up absolutely ravenous, a stark contrast to my usual morning appetite. After dropping the kids off at school, I rushed home to savor a distraction-free breakfast of fruit and porridge. Never had plain apple or un-honeyed porridge tasted so incredibly good. With breakfast and coffee, I felt normal again.
Lunch was a delightful, “Syn-free” egg, bacon, and quinoa salad with a fat-free garlicky coriander dip. In the afternoon, I made some fruit and nut granola bars, using one to utilize my Syn allowance. That first taste of sweetness, even from raw honey, was heavenly – I could have easily eaten five! I managed the rest of the afternoon without excessive hunger and was thoroughly ready for my Salmon with Pasta dinner (a modified version of this recipe, omitting cream, oil, and cheese).
I was pleasantly satisfied for the evening, though I dreaded the next morning’s weigh-in, fearing I might have regained everything.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast: Porridge oats (Healthy Extra 1) with milk (Healthy Extra 2), topped with chopped apple and berries.
- Snack: Fruit.
- Lunch: Chopped egg, bacon, and quinoa salad with a Syn-free dressing (50g fat-free Greek yogurt, 1/2 clove garlic, 1 tsp lemon juice, pinch of salt, 1/4 tsp Canderel, 1 tbsp coriander).
- Dinner: Regular and courgette pasta with salmon in a tomato sauce (a modified version of this recipe, without cream or sugar, and using Frylight instead of oil).
- Snack: No-bake nut and raisin granola bar (8.5 Syns).
Weight Loss: ¾ of a pound (a pleasant surprise!).
Day 4: Nutriblast Diet – The Smoothie Challenge
Day 4 brought the Nutriblast program, Stage 1. This involved a smoothie for breakfast, followed by a choice of one of three options for lunch and dinner, plus two allowed snacks from a defined list.
I was astonished to find myself even lighter this morning! Despite the advice not to weigh myself daily, I couldn’t resist. Although a little hungry, I managed the school run, a quick supermarket trip, and prepared and photographed my Nutriblast smoothie before consuming it. It was tasty, filling, not overly sweet, and kept me going until lunch, which I approached with trepidation.
Broccoli and quinoa on a wholemeal wrap for lunch sounded dreadful, but it was surprisingly better than expected and kept me full for a couple of hours. Then came the prescribed snacks. My first attempt, banana ice cream (blended frozen bananas with almond milk), was a definite “yuk” and went straight into the bin. Next, plain popcorn, popped without oil, butter, or sugar, tasted like packing polystyrene, though I ate most of it. My final snack, raw cacao nibs with raisins, was bitter but strangely compelling, offering just a hint of chocolate flavor that kept me nibbling. I also had coffee with almond milk, which simply wasn’t the same as proper milk.
Dinner, a simple chicken breast with an undressed green salad, felt incredibly depressing. This is another diet I wouldn’t stick to for more than a day.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast: Nutriblast smoothie (kale, pineapple, banana, avocado, almonds, and chia seeds).
- Snack: 1 cup of plain, oil-free popcorn.
- Lunch: Quinoa asparagus wrap with a dressing of 1 tbsp lemon juice mixed with 1 tbsp aioli, plus 2 cups raw veggies.
- Snack (alternative): 1/2 oz cacao nibs with 1 tbsp raisins.
- Dinner: 4oz chicken breast and salad greens.
Weight Loss: ¾ pound.
Day 5: Special K Diet – Cereal and Simplicity
The Special K diet revolves around having Special K cereal for breakfast and lunch, two Special K snacks, and a sensible dinner.
My plans for a spin class were thwarted by snow, keeping schools closed and me home – a fortunate turn, as I doubt I’d have had the energy. I held out until 10 am for breakfast, and my bowl of Special K with semi-skimmed milk and a nice cup of coffee left me feeling satisfied and happy. A Special K snack bar curbed my pre-lunch hunger, tasting incredibly sweet after my recent sugar deprivation. Lunch was another bowl of Special K. My husband’s contemplation of a ham and cheese toastie was quickly dissuaded by my “evil look.” Later, I enjoyed another Special K snack bar.
Dinner was a tasty sticky beef stir-fry with plenty of vegetables and a side of quinoa. Overall, I quite enjoyed this day’s diet. It required minimal thought or preparation, and the flexibility allowed me to cook the same dinner for the rest of the family. I could probably stick to this diet for a few days, but I imagine cereal fatigue would set in eventually.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast: Special K and semi-skimmed milk.
- Snack: Special K bar.
- Lunch: Special K and semi-skimmed milk.
- Snack: Special K bites.
- Dinner: Sticky beef stir-fry with quinoa.
Weight Loss: 0 pounds (disappointing, though I expected a slowdown).
Day 6: NHS 1400 Calorie Diet – Flexible Fun
The NHS 1400 calorie diet focuses on a balanced intake, prioritizing fruit, vegetables, bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes, with less emphasis on meat and dairy, and only small amounts of fatty or sweet foods.
Being a weekend, our impromptu decision to treat the kids to sushi and the cinema meant a deviation from my planned meals. Fortunately, the NHS diet’s flexibility was a lifesaver. I could enjoy sushi with my family and even indulge in a chocolate bar at the cinema. Dinner was a lighter affair: soup with some bread and strawberries. It was an enjoyable day where I felt neither hungry nor deprived. The only slight annoyance was having to calculate calorie amounts discreetly in the restaurant, which can be time-consuming.
I could definitely sustain this diet for a longer period, but the constant calorie counting isn’t ideal for me.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast: 1 banana (100 calories).
- Lunch: Sushi restaurant choices, totaling 600 calories.
- Snack: Chocolate bar (Twirl at 230 calories).
- Dinner: Cheese and lentil soup (212 calories) with wholemeal bread (150 calories).
- Snack: Punnet of strawberries (100 calories).
Total: 1392 calories.
Weight Loss: ½ pound (thrilled to lose weight even with chocolate!).
Day 7: Slimfast Diet – Shakes and Self-Reflection
The Slimfast diet entails a shake for breakfast and lunch, two Slimfast snacks, and a 600-calorie dinner.
Having not had a Slimfast shake in years, I was struck by their intense sweetness! My coffee shake for breakfast kept me full until lunchtime. Lunch consisted of another coffee shake and a packet of Slimfast cheese crackers. A moment of self-reflection occurred when my daughter, sitting beside me, asked why I was drinking a milkshake instead of having a healthy sandwich and chopped vegetables like her. I felt a pang of shame. There she was, eating a balanced lunch, and I was modeling what felt like an unhealthy choice. I certainly don’t want to implant ideas of dieting in her perfect young mind. So, I explained that I was conducting an experiment to compare “right” ways of eating with “wrong” ways, and today was a “wrong” day I wouldn’t repeat. She agreed it looked a bit silly.
Upon reflection, my explanation to my daughter felt entirely accurate. The only positive aspect of this diet was the flexibility of dinner, allowing me to prepare a healthy meal for the entire family. This is definitely not a diet I’ll revisit.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast: Slimfast shake.
- Lunch: Slimfast shake and a packet of Slimfast crackers (Snack No. 1).
- Snack No. 2: Slimfast chocolate snack bar.
- Dinner: Trout, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and feta (494 calories) with a banana (100 calories).
Weight Loss: 0 pounds (disappointing, though it might have been more effective earlier in the challenge).
Day 8: Weight Watchers – Points and Planning
Based on my height and weight, I was allocated 20 “PointsPlus.” These points are calculated based on calories, fat, and other nutritional factors, with most fruits and vegetables being zero points.
I had never tried Weight Watchers before, and I found it quite acceptable. It actively encourages fruit and vegetable consumption, and allows you to eat what you like, as long as you stay within your points limit. I enjoyed all my meals, didn’t feel overly hungry, and could again share the same dinner with my family. My only frustration was the difficulty of finding or calculating the points values for various foods without official Weight Watchers resources. It’s undoubtedly easier for members with access to their databases, but for a single-day trialist, it was a bit of a hassle.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast: Blueberry, apple, and banana fruit bowl.
- Lunch: Supermarket chicken noodle salad (9 PointsPlus).
- Dinner: Chicken Shawarma pita salad (7.2 PointsPlus).
- Snack: WW lemon slice (2 PointsPlus).
Total: 18.2 PointsPlus.
Weight Loss: 0 pounds (frustrated by no loss, just wanting to hit my 5lb target to stop all the tracking!).
Day 9: Mindful Eating – Back to Basics
This was it! On Day 9, I finally felt liberated to choose my own meals, guided by my initial “mindful eating” principles. I worried I might be too lenient without strict rules, but I believe I managed well. We visited my mother-in-law for dinner, a weekly tradition I had missed the previous week due to strict diet rules. Her meals are always delicious yet healthy, so it was wonderful not to miss out this time.
What I Consumed:
- Breakfast: 2 tbsp homemade coconut macaroon granola with Greek yogurt and mixed berries (no honey).
- Lunch: 2 poached eggs on toast with some carrot sticks.
- Snack: An apple and a handful of sugar snap peas.
- Dinner: Chicken Tikka with a few spoonfuls of spiced potatoes, spinach, and cauliflower.
Weight Loss: ½ a pound. Hooray!!! This brought my total weight loss to 5 pounds in 9 days.
Conclusion: Lessons Learned from a Rapid Diet Challenge
Reaching my target on the day I returned to my preferred eating style felt incredibly satisfying. This “ridiculous diet” challenge, while requiring intense planning and dedication, successfully achieved its goal. My favorite days were Day 9 (my mindful eating principles) and Day 6 (the flexible NHS 1400 calorie diet), both of which felt sustainable and enjoyable. The least favorite were Day 2 (Atkins, far too restrictive for my need for carbs) and Day 7 (Slimfast, primarily due to the uncomfortable conversation with my daughter and the feeling of promoting unhealthy choices). This challenge was a unique, rapid reset that highlighted the importance of accountability and finding an eating style that truly resonates with your body and lifestyle.
Day 10 (Planned but not executed): Paleo Principles
Had I continued, Day 10 would have been based on Paleo principles:
- **EAT:** Grass-fed meats, Fish/seafood, Fresh fruits, Fresh vegetables, Eggs, Nuts, Seeds, Healthy oils (olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut).
- **DON’T EAT:** Cereal grains, Legumes (including peanuts), Dairy, Refined sugar, Potatoes, Processed foods, Overly salty foods, Refined vegetable oils, Candy/junk/processed food.
Planned Consumption:
- Breakfast: Fried eggs and bacon.
- Lunch: Mushroom, chilli, lime, coconut and almond butter soup (+ veg).
- Snack: Almonds.
- Dinner: Slow cooked lamb coconut curry with cauliflower rice and green veg.
- Snack: Carrot sticks and blueberries.
Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Gratin (Low-Carb & Delicious)
As promised, here’s the recipe for the Leek and Mushroom Gratin, a low-carb lifesaver from my Atkins day. It’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying!
Leek and Mushroom Gratin Recipe
This creamy, cheesy gratin is a fantastic low-carb dish, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect as a side or a light main course.
Key Information:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Servings: 2 servings
- Course: Dinner
- Cuisine: British, French
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (0g carbs)
- 200 g (2 cups) leek, thinly sliced (13.6g carbs – *Note: Carb counts for leeks vary, this is based on Atkins Phase 1 guidelines.*)
- 100 g (1 1/3 cup) mushrooms, thinly sliced (3.6g carbs)
- 1 clove garlic, chopped (0.9g carbs)
- 2 tbsp double cream (*Allowed in small amounts on Atkins Phase 1, though primarily for beverages; I took advantage!*)
- 60 g (1/2 cup minus 1 tsp) cheddar, grated (0.8g carbs)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (0.1g carbs)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan. Add the thinly sliced leeks and mushrooms. Fry over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the leeks have wilted and the mushrooms have softened.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and double cream. Cook for an additional minute, then add half of the grated cheddar and stir until combined.
- Transfer the leek and mushroom mixture to a heat-proof dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and black pepper over the top. Grill until the cheese is melted and beautifully golden.
- Carefully remove from the grill. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes:
Nutritional Information is per serving.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 309 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
- Sodium: 215mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.