The General Motors (GM) diet is a restrictive 7-day plan with specific food groups for each day, emphasizing hydration. Following the diet requires adherence to strict beverage rules. The goal is to consume fluids with minimal or zero calories to assist the body in detoxification and eliminate metabolic byproducts.
Permitted Beverages on the GM Diet
Certain beverages are allowed and encouraged throughout the 7-day plan, forming the basis of hydration.
- Water: Water is the most important beverage, with 8 to 12 glasses recommended daily. Plain water or water flavored with lemon or lime is permitted. Hydration is crucial for detoxification and managing hunger.
- Club Soda: Unsweetened, unflavored club soda is a permitted alternative to water.
- Black Coffee: Unsweetened black coffee is allowed, with no milk, cream, or sugar. This rule applies to all coffee forms.
- Black Tea/Herbal Tea: Plain black tea and herbal tea are permitted, without added sweeteners, milk, or cream. Herbal teas such as peppermint or chamomile are caffeine-free options.
- GM Wonder Soup: This vegetable-based soup is encouraged for unlimited consumption. It contributes to fluid intake, nutrients, and satiety.
Day-Specific Beverage Rules
While some drinks are always allowed, others are day-specific. Adhering to this schedule is crucial.
- Day 1 (Fruits Only): Water, club soda, and unsweetened black or herbal tea are allowed. Some versions include coconut water.
- Day 4 (Bananas and Milk): This is the only day that allows dairy, up to three glasses of skim milk, often with bananas. Milk helps replenish potassium and calcium.
- Day 7 (Brown Rice, Fruits, and Vegetables): This day permits fruit juice. The juice must be fresh and unsweetened, such as sweet lime or other fresh-squeezed options.
Prohibited Beverages on the GM Diet
Several beverages are off-limits.
- Alcohol: All alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Alcohol contains calories and interferes with detoxification.
- Sugary Drinks: Soft drinks, sweetened juices, and energy drinks are forbidden due to high sugar. This includes both regular and diet sodas.
- Sweetened Tea and Coffee: Any tea or coffee with added sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, cream, or milk is not allowed, except skim milk on day four.
- Commercial Fruit Juices: Pre-packaged or canned fruit juices, high in sugar and preservatives, are not allowed. Fresh, unsweetened fruit juice on day seven is the exception.
GM Diet Beverage Comparison
| Beverage | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Club Soda | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Black Coffee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Herbal Tea | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GM Wonder Soup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skim Milk | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Fresh Fruit Juice | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Alcohol | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Sugary Drinks | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Conclusion
The GM diet has structured rules, and following the beverage guidelines is straightforward. Plain water, unsweetened tea, black coffee, and GM Wonder Soup are the core. Other drinks are usually off-limits, with exceptions of skim milk on day four and fresh fruit juice on day seven. Following these guidelines ensures hydration while maximizing diet benefits. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before starting any regimen.
Other Key Rules for the GM Diet
Other rules include avoiding processed foods, limiting salt, and restricting oil. The diet also advises against intense workouts due to potential fatigue from low caloric intake.
How to Stay Hydrated if Bored of Plain Water
Flavor water with lemon or lime, which are permitted. Club soda is an alternative for carbonation without added sugars or flavors.
Why is Milk Only Allowed on Day Four with Bananas?
Day four replenishes potassium and calcium, found in both bananas and milk. This combination is unique to that day.
Are Artificial Sweeteners Allowed in Coffee or Tea?
No, artificial sweeteners are prohibited to keep calorie intake low and avoid sugar cravings.
Variations on the GM Wonder Soup
Some variations allow vegetable substitutions, as long as they are low-calorie and low-carb.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
Drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water daily, with some suggesting more to flush out toxins.
