The diet was created by Hitoshi Watanabe who has studied preventative medicine and his wife Sumiko who is a pharmacist.
The Morning Banana Diet Basics
The creators of the Morning Banana Diet claim that eating only bananas and drinking room temperature water for breakfast leads to weight loss regardless of what is consumed for the rest of the day.
The diet is extremely simple and easy to follow however many Japanese have reported rapid weight loss when experimenting with this diet.
One of the reasons why the diet may work is that bananas are said to improve digestion and boost metabolism. Another possibility is that bananas are high in resistant starch, which is a type of fiber that can promote the feeling of fullness and may block the absorption of some carbohydrates.
The reason why the water has to be room temperature is not certain but many theories have been speculated on the Internet such as that it improves digestion or reduces hunger.
Dieters are also advised to eat their evening meal before 8pm and to avoid desserts after dinner. If feeling very hungry it is acceptable to have a piece of fruit.
Aside from eating bananas for breakfast and avoiding late night eating another rule of the diet is that you must go to sleep before midnight every night. The rationale behind this advice is sound as scientific studies show a relationship between sleep deprivation and obesity
At all times dieters should follow the Japanese principle of eating until only 80% full.
Dairy products and alcohol are also not allowed on this diet. In addition the only beverage that may be consumed with meals is room temperature water.
Recommended Foods
Bananas – must be raw, not cooked and not frozen.
Sample Diet Plan
Breakfast One or more bananas (as many as desired until full) |
Lunch Meal of choice |
Afternoon Snack A small sweet snack is allowed around 3pm if hungry |
Dinner Meal of choice but must be eaten before 8pm |