Cucumber diet for weight loss: Can eating only cucumbers help in losing belly fat?

The cucumber diet is a short-term weight loss plan that, when followed correctly, can help one to lose up to 15 pounds (7 kg) in 7 days. The diet focuses on eating cucumbers at most meals, along with protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, chicken, fish, nuts, and paneer. The diet suggests that "whenever you feel hungry, eat a cucumber." Regardless of how unbelievable it seems, some people have tried this fad diet to reduce belly fat and achieve rapid weight loss. However, the issue remains: is this diet something that must be followed?
Cucumbers are nutritious and low in calories, but they lack important nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, calcium, and iron. This makes it important to pair them with other foods that can aid in meeting daily nutrition supply.

Does a cucumber diet work for weight loss?

There are no studies that particularly support the cucumber diet's efficacy. Because of the extremely low calorie consumption, the weight loss may be temporary. A normal day would include eating roughly 6 cucumbers, some chicken, eggs, and a few other limiting vegetables, totaling about 800 calories. Cucumbers contain nearly no calories, thus they will most certainly cause short-term weight loss; but, it is doubtful that you will lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off once you resume your normal diet.

Is this weight loss diet sustainable?

However, this diet's low success rate raises concerns regarding its efficacy and sustainability. The cucumber diet is criticized for being very restrictive and encouraging potentially hazardous eating habits. According to research, such severe diets are difficult to stick to and may even cause weight gain due to a slowed metabolism.



For long-term weight loss, doctors recommend a well-balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and lean meats. Avoiding excessive calorie restriction may also lead to long-term health problems and harmful weight growth.