The Cambridge Diet

My First 4 Weeks on the Cambridge Diet (a review)

Cambridge Diet, Cambridge Weight Plan or One2One Diet

Back in 2010 I wrote a blog about my experience on the Cambridge Diet. I could never have predicted how many people would read that blog, or go out of their way to contact me directly and share their experiences. I still over eleven years later get emails about these blog posts. I also went on to work as a Cambridge Consultant for nearly two years.

However, I think it’s now really important to state that I no longer recommend this diet to people. In hindsight with over five years since I was last on it I can say that the merry-go-round of dieting massively affected my mental health. In September 2016 I decided to Ditch the Diet and focus on eating in a healthily and balanced way instead. I have not been back on a diet since and I don’t regret that decision. I think I am happier as a result of it.

After doing a lot of research and working on my health, I believe that in the long term that diets do not work. There is compelling research to show that 95% of people that go on diets, put all of the weight back on and that the process of dieting actually changes your metabolism and setpoint weight causing people to ultimately end up heavier than when they started. I have written a blog post Why I will never go on a diet again and why diets do not work. I know that 11 years since I went on the Cambridge Diet none of the weight I lost stayed off. Did it help me conceive my children? I guess I will never know and I cannot regret my journey because of that. But, is it a long term weight-loss choice, no, I do not believe that it is.

All Cambridge Diet Posts

Here is a list of all of my Cambridge related blog posts if you would like to read them:

31 thoughts on “The Cambridge Diet”

  1. did diet for 38 days and lost 2 stone – ate lots s-free gum to help with bad breath!!! and to allow me to chew as I ate no food at all over that period. Great diet

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  2. Loving reading all of your blog entries and looking through your instagram. My husband and I would love to start our family. However, we have agreed I would like to be at a healthier weight before we start trying to conceive.

    I have contacted a consultant and hoping to get started on CWP soon.

    Thanks for all the information you have shared here and for the experiences you have shared. x

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  3. I did the Cambridge diet sole source and lost 3 stone in 3 months. I then maintained the loss by having shakes and food with combined exercise. However, I then injured my shoulder and was unable to keep up with my regular swims and slowly started to gain weight. At that time I started to hit my menopause and suffered quite badly with anxiety and not managing any levrlnpfbpressure. Sadly I regsined my loss and more!! I am now in s better place and started the ss again with my lovely and supportive councillor. I need to lose the weight as it is effecting my health. My knees hurt to climb the stairs and struggle terribly with heartburn. I am looking hot support from similar people. Thanks. I used tone about 8 stone then gained 3 stone which I lost on the cd. I am now just over 12 stone snd need to get back to 8 stone again. I am hoong in 4 months to have reached that goal. Wish me luck!!

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  4. I first did Cambridge back in the ’80’s when I was living in the UK and had just had my 3 child. I’m now living in NL and giving it another go – with the aim to lose 10kg to get me down to a healthy and manageable 60kg (I hope). Started 10 days ago – and have lost 3kg and already feeling much clearer headed, more energetic – AND less hungry. Don’t get me wrong…I still have my moments – but at such times I either gulp down another glass of water (sparkling is good because it fills you up with gas) – or if it’s late in the evening….go to bed (always works). I have a couple of social engagements coming up this weekend (one at my place which is easy to manage as people don’t notice so much if you’re not drinking / nibbling away at snacks) – but the other is at some friends of ours which means I will have to be a little more vigilant. I hate having to tell people I’m on a diet…because you get the usual “But why? you’re ok as you are, you don’t need to diet” kind of crap – and then they practically try to force feed you! But I’m well into my stride now….so will not weaken!

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    • Good luck Carol – I hope you do really well on the diet. It’s funny how people react to you being on a diet isn’t it? everyone always has an opinion. The nibbling avoidance is the hardest for me. I hope you get to goal x

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      • Hi Laura. Well I survived the ‘nibbles’ weekend…..although I must confess I just could NOT resist the offer of a G&T on the 2nd evening….and boy did I savour every drop! Suffice to say that was my only ‘lapse’ and I am now back on track – and another kg lighter…..so that’s a total of 4kg in 2 weeks. Happy days 🙂

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      • Laura how come the USA have produced a new Cambridge 330 formula decreasing muscle loss and in creasing fat loss., but it hasn’t come to the uk,why when they know it’s more benificial to there clients. Also how can you find out a councilors id number if they don’t put it on there order form , feels rude to question them. They advertise as a couple but unsure of who of them the experience and symbols relate too on there web pag

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        • I know nothing about the US Cambridge product at all, so I really cannot comment. Your consultant’s ID number should be on the personal record form you completed when you signed up – you should have been given a copy and on all of your receipts. If you have any concerns can I suggest you give Cambridge Weight Plan head office a call 🙂

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  5. I’ve done it before but didn’t reach my target! 4 years on I’m heavier now, but am more determined. I am on day 3 of ss and my husband is doing it with me which makes it a bit easier! By the end of my second day I had lost 5.5 pounds! It’s given me a boost to carry on! I’m struggling with head aches and I also feel very drained! But I’m determined this time! I would love to read more blogs about other peoples journeys and if there is also any one else on day 3?

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    • hi Jodie,
      i’m undecided about doing this diet plan, my daughters just want me to eat healthy proper meals as they call it as don’t like the idea that diet plan foods like shakes and dried chilli etc may contain additives etc, but i’m so depressed and stressed I just want to be able to eat something thats all worked out for me , at least for a while. I have a holiday in 4 weeks so desperate to at least be the weight I was when I went last year so that would mean me losing 7llb. I’ve tried the juicing crazy but don’t seem to lose weight on that either and its hard on the bladder if you know what I mean . I think I may give it a try but would be easier if my girls didnt live at home because they will be nagging me all the time and its going to be hard enough without that.. They think this is just another stage of me trying everything from slimming cllubs to cabbage soup plans and just want me to change my lifestyle and eat properly but like I said I have 4 weeks to get at least a few pounds off. I agree the way to a healthy weight and fitness is a lifestyle change long term but surely the cambridge diet would be a good kick start?

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  6. hi Jodie,
    i’m undecided about doing this diet plan, my daughters just want me to eat healthy proper meals as they call it as don’t like the idea that diet plan foods like shakes and dried chilli etc may contain additives etc, but i’m so depressed and stressed I just want to be able to eat something thats all worked out for me , at least for a while. I have a holiday in 4 weeks so desperate to at least be the weight I was when I went last year so that would mean me losing 7llb. I’ve tried the juicing crazy but don’t seem to lose weight on that either and its hard on the bladder if you know what I mean . I think I may give it a try but would be easier if my girls didnt live at home because they will be nagging me all the time and its going to be hard enough without that.. They think this is just another stage of me trying everything from slimming clubs to cabbage soup plans and just want me to change my lifestyle and eat properly but like I said I have 4 weeks to get at least a few pounds off. I agree the way to a healthy weight and fitness is a lifestyle change long term but surely the cambridge diet would be a good kick start? Any advice and views off you or anyone would be appreciated. x

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  7. I think it’s completely up to you. It’s very tough but you do get fast results and this is unlike all the other shakes ect. It satisfied my doctor and she said it’s a good idea for me. If you completeness it then it changes your lifestyle but it’s a few months down the like until you complete. It’s not just shakes, it starts off that way to rid the bulk of your weight, but then it introduces meals slowly and steadily, you adapt and before you know it your meals are different, you can’t any where near the amount you used to and you crave healthy foods instead of junk! It’s the only thing that worked for me as I need the strictness and personal support.

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  8. I too was very stressed and depressed due to my weight, but I started feeling a lot better after a couple days starting this.

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  9. Hi Everyone
    My friend is on this plan and has lost an amazing 32 lb in 12 weeks. I’m meeting a consultant tomorrow and hoping to start Monday !
    With four stone to lose I joined slimming world in January and whilst I like the plan it has taken me 12 weeks to lose 12 lb. I’m getting disheartened with the minimal losses so excited to see what the Cambridge plan can do for me.
    Any tips ?

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  10. Hi everyone,

    I started reading this blog before I started the diet itself and it’s lovely to hear from lots of people about their personal experiences.
    For anyone who is feeling uncertain about starting the diet but who also feels out of control and full of anxiety/depression about themselves then I would recommend this diet.
    I felt like nothing worked for me: I was getting frustrated with myself because I knew what healthy choices I should be making and I knew that I should be exercising regularly but I could not seem to manage it. My confidence was at rock bottom too.
    I had heard of the Cambridge diet from my cousin who lost almost 2 stone in 6 weeks on SS. I then researched it and came across this blog and finally decided to go for it! I am now 15 days in and have lost 10lbs. This is the most weight I’ve lost in such a short amount of time.
    At first SS was hard- I was starving at times and even had to go for an early night just to stop myself from giving in. But combined with lots of water and hot drinks and, actually, a fairly decent selection of meals and bars to choose from I now don’t feel hungry in the slightest. My craving for sweet things after a meal have gone and my skin is better!
    Don’t get me wrong, the cravings for food are hard. I love going out for meals, having cosy nights in and cooking and this has all stopped. I have even been dreaming about food! Then I realised that you’re essentially breaking your bad habits that have developed over years; these won’t just go away in a matter of weeks. And the thought of that insatiable hunger when my body was going into ketosis is enough to keep me strong and dismiss any thoughts of giving in!
    I’ve given myself a target of 6 weeks on SS to then assess where I’m at and go from there. I may possibly go to 8 weeks. My goal weight loss is 2 1/2 – 3 stone and it feels in sight and achievable for the first time in at least 4 years. I am a size 14 at 5’3 and would love to just be a happy 12. That feels possible now!
    As a busy teacher and admittedly lazy person (walking the dog is my exercise- gyms are a no no!) I find the structure of this diet so easy to follow and the meals are basically there for you. I have never been so focused!
    At the end of the day, SS is not forever so why not stick to it for a month or two? It shows great results quickly and gives you a boost to carry on and make life changes.
    I hope everyone else reading this and doing the diet is feeling super proud of themselves- taking control of your weight when you’ve been unhappy for so long is empowering! We can do this!
    Sophie x

    P.S for anyone dealing with headaches, DRINK! I made the mistake of not drinking as much when I went back to work after the half term and my headaches were awful. The key really is water! 🙂

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  11. Hello laura,

    I am on the same journey as you, I have PCOS and loosing weight so we can conceive, I don’t ovulate at the moment and my doctor said I could start if I loose weight, is this your experience too? I’d also like to be more healthy and feel good about myself, dieting is never easy especially having no food, I have not given into my cravings luckily!

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    • Hi just started the today, they have advised that I have 200 calories of high protein food and 3 products, will keep you updates

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  12. I am on day 4 ..feel not to bad.. very tured today.. im going on a Caribbean cruise on 26th may then straight on ti benidorm for a girls holiday.. therefore ill have no chance o being good.. tryin to shift at least 2 stones in 9 weeks! Then after hols ill get straight bk on it.. wush me luck !

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    • Good luck. I am starting the CP on 18th April. I have 3.5 stone to lose but want to lose 2 before holiday in June.

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  14. Seeing a consultant today for the first time. Wish me luck ladies. Your stories have made me even more determined to do it.

    Reply

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