The milk diet, as outlined in "The Miracle of Milk" by Bernarr Macfadden, can lead to several miraculous changes and benefits for individuals who follow it diligently:
- Healthy Weight Gain: The milk diet is effective in promoting healthy weight gain for individuals who are under their normal weight. It helps in building good, healthy tissue rather than soft, flabby fat, leading to a more symmetrical appearance and overall improvement in physical appearance [T1].
- Muscle Development: Under a milk diet, muscle cells can increase in size as they become filled with rich blood. This can result in plumper cheeks, firmer and shapelier breasts, and more symmetrical limbs, enhancing one's physical appearance [T1].
- Improved Energy and Vitality: Individuals following the milk diet often experience increased energy levels, buoyancy of spirits, clearness of eye, and a vivid interest in life. This enhanced vitality contributes to an overall sense of well-being and engagement with daily activities [T1].
- Diabetes Management: The milk diet has been utilized as a treatment for diabetes, with specific recommendations for diabetic patients to fast before starting the diet. By following the milk diet, individuals with diabetes may experience improvements in their condition and overall health [T4].
- Enhanced Digestive Health: The milk diet can help in correcting chemical imbalances in the body and improving digestion and assimilation processes. It provides easily assimilated nutrients that support overall digestive health and function [T4].
- General Health and Well-being: Individuals who adhere to the milk diet may find themselves in better health than ever before. The body cells become cleaner, elimination processes improve, digestion and assimilation function more naturally, and there is an increase in mental and physical energy levels [T6].
How to start
- Exclusive Milk Diet: During the milk diet, only milk should be consumed, except for specific exceptions mentioned in Chapter IV [T1]. Avoid mixing milk with other foods to experience the full benefits of the diet.
- Quality of Milk: Use the purest milk available, preferably unpasteurized. If unpasteurized milk is not accessible, you can mix pasteurized milk with orange, lemon, or grapefruit juice [T1].
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for milk consumption varies among individuals. Some prefer it at room temperature, while others find it more easily digestible when warmed to body temperature. Experiment to find what works best for you [T1].
- Method of Consumption: Drink milk slowly and in a manner similar to how a nursing baby sucks milk from a bottle. This process not only mixes saliva with the milk but also enhances the flavor [T5].
- Quantity: The recommended amount of milk to consume daily is approximately one quart for every 25-35 pounds of body weight. Adjust the quantity based on your weight and individual needs [T5].
- Handling Digestive Issues: Constipation or diarrhea may occur initially. If constipation arises, consider a small enema of warm or cool water. For diarrhea, address any underlying abnormal body conditions rather than discontinuing the milk diet [T5].
- Transitioning from the Milk Diet: When transitioning back to a regular diet, do so gradually and with care. Start by consuming milk until early afternoon, then progress to light meals before gradually reintroducing solid foods [T4].
More things to know
- Effective Weight Gain: Individuals below their normal weight often experience rapid weight gain when following a full milk diet. The easily assimilated nutrients in milk help undernourished tissues respond quickly, leading to weight gain [T6].
- Adjustable Quantity: The milk diet allows for easy adjustment of the quantity of milk consumed based on individual needs. This flexibility enables individuals to determine the amount required to achieve weight loss, typically ranging from two and a half to four quarts per day [T2].
- Controlled Weight Loss: The milk diet offers a method for controlled weight loss, allowing individuals to determine the amount of milk needed to lose weight gradually, typically ranging from one to three pounds per week. The average amount of milk consumed for weight loss purposes is around two and a half to four quarts per day [T2].
- Diabetes Management: The milk diet has been used as a treatment for diabetes, with patients consuming significant amounts of milk daily. However, it is essential for diabetics to fast before starting the milk diet to reduce sugar levels in the system and allow for better assimilation of milk [T2].
By following the guidelines of the milk diet, individuals can effectively manage their weight, whether aiming to gain or lose weight, while also potentially benefiting from improved overall health and well-being.
