Usage Questions

Why are the first few days on a Cambridge weight loss program the most difficult?
Your body is suddenly experiencing a revolution in its eating and nutritional habits. It must shed the accumulation of your old dietary habits and become accustomed to a new way of eating, with fewer calories and a positive new balance of nutrients.

How much water should I drink while on a Cambridge weight loss program?
Recognizing that our body composition contains approximately 60% water, it is very important that we constantly replenish body fluids. Adequate fluid intake is necessary to maintain proper kidney function. Eight to ten eight ounce glasses of water is recommended daily, in addition to the three Cambridge Meals.

Is it normal to experience headaches when you first start on a Cambridge weight loss program?
Occasionally, during the first few days on a sole source program, a person may experience transient headaches as a result of the reduction of carbohydrate intake. A simple headache tablet taken for a day or two will alleviate the problem.

Is it normal to feel nausea when you first start on a Cambridge weight loss program?
Occasionally, an individual will have a mild nausea reaction to the minerals in the Cambridge products during the first few days of use. This is a transient effect and is usually very short lived. The benefits of the weight loss far outweigh any short-lived discomfort and should be tolerated. A full glass of water following your Cambridge Meal will usually eliminate this problem.

Is it normal to have bad breath while on a Cambridge weight loss program?
When Cambridge products are used as the sole source of nutrition, the body will be in a mild state of ketosis after a few days. Mild ketosis can be very beneficial because it tends to reduce feelings of hunger, but it also may produce bad breath. Frequent brushing and using mouthwash or breath fresheners are recommended.

Is it normal to feel light headed when you first start on a Cambridge weight loss program?
Feeling light headed is a possible transient side effect of any diet and should last only a few days. It is most often caused by the diuretic effect that accompanies a low calorie diet. Be sure to drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water to minimize this effect.

Is it all right to drink coffee or other caffeine containing drinks while using Cambridge as the sole source of nutrition?
Consumption of large quantities of coffee or other caffeine containing drinks is not recommended. If you feel you must drink coffee, decaffeinated form is preferred. Caffeine acts as a stimulant to body systems and sometimes provides an irritant effect. It also may destroy certain B vitamins and promote water retention. Herbal teas offer a pleasant hot beverage alternative.

Is it allowable to drink alcohol while using Cambridge as the sole source or nutrition?
People who take Cambridge as their sole source of nutrition should not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol contains seven calories per gram and provides no other significant nutritional value. Alcohol can impair the body's ability to utilize other nutrients. With a very low calorie diet, alcohol is absorbed much more rapidly. Therefore, alcohol intoxication may occur quickly and unexpectedly.

Can people have an unlimited amount of diet soft drinks while using Cambridge as their sole source of nutrition?
Diet soft drinks should be limited. Diet soft drinks contain sodium, which, if consumed in excess, may cause the body to retain water and slow the weight reduction process. Some diet soft drinks also contain caffeine, which may have a stimulant to irritant effect on the body or citrus which can make you feel hungrier.

Is there a reason for "plateauing" while on a weight loss program?
Some people experience a plateau effect with their weight reduction progress at various points during dieting. One reason this may occur is due to temporary periods of water retention by the body. The body's metabolic rate also varies periodically which may alter the rate of weight reduction. Some people have also noticed a period during which there was no noticeable weight reduction, however, there was a reduction in inches. Check you measurements!

What is recommended for people who experience some constipation while taking Cambridge?
Some changes in bowel habits may be expected as your body adjusts to different dietary patterns. Bowel movements may not necessarily be as often. Fiber is contained in Cambridge to aid in digestion and elimination. Adequate fluid consumption and exercise sometimes assists regularity. Mild laxatives, such as those containing psyllium, may be helpful.

What causes temporary diarrhea for some people beginning a Cambridge weight loss program?
Diarrhea may initially be caused from the combination of nutrients provided by Cambridge products. Most bodies regulate themselves within a few days. However, if diarrhea persists, it may an indication of lactose (carbohydrate in milk) intolerance. Taking six "mini-meals" instead of three full meals sometimes assists the body to adjust to the new nutrients more slowly.

What causes excess gas for some people beginning a Cambridge weight loss program?
This is a rare problem that occurs simply because of the reduced amount of bulk in the lower gastro-intestinal tract. While it is a possible annoyance, there is no problem and should not cause one to refrain from the diet. A simple solution is use an over the counter remedy such as "Beano" or Gas-X.

Do Cambridge weight loss programs have any effect on menstrual cycle?
Research has shown that rapid weight reduction with very low calorie diets may temporarily affect the menstrual cycle patterns. However, ovulation is not usually interrupted. It is usually corrected within a few months, as body metabolism adjusts. It should be noted those who use the diaphragm for birth control should be refitted after a 20-pound reduction in weight.

Do Cambridge products or programs cause hair loss?
Cambridge products do not cause hair loss per se. However, studies of rapid weight reduction with very low calorie diets show that slight temporary hair loss may occur in a small percentage of cases. As the target weight is achieved and maintenance-eating patterns begin, hair will grow back in. Many people who use Cambridge products report improved hair luster and better growth as a result of improved nutrition.

Why is it recommended that Cambridge products be used as a sole source of nutrition for no more than two consecutive weeks unless under a physicians care?
Many Cambridge users have used the products as the sole source of nutrition for many months with no ill effect. At the same time, there is a concern regarding unknown medical conditions. Physicians generally agree that no harm will result in a two-week sole source regimen so that has been adopted by Cambridge Direct Sales as a margin for safety. We strongly recommend that users who wish to sole source beyond this period consult with their physician before doing so.

If I'm completely satisfied with only two Cambridge Meals a day, do I need to take a third meal?
If you are on a sole source program the answer is an emphatic Yes! Three Cambridge meals provide all of the necessary nutrients for one day to keep your body in balance. The precise proportion of protein, carbohydrates, fat and micronutrients in the Cambridge formula achieves this critical balance.

If I am really hungry, can I take a fourth Cambridge meal without spoiling my plan?
Some people may require additional energy for their activities, such as those involved in heavy physical activity and strenuous athletics. An extra Cambridge meal may be necessary to provide extra energy in balanced form.

Does a customer stop using Cambridge products when s/he reaches her/his goal ideal weight?
The sad truth is that the majority of dieters on conventional weight loss plans regain all or most of the weight they lose within one year. To avoid this syndrome, we recommend making Cambridge products are part of your regular dietary regimen once you reach your goal. The Cambridge Maintenance Program is designed to blend the use of Cambridge products and conventional foods to maintain desired weight and balanced nutrition.

Is there a need for using behavior modification with the Cambridge weight loss programs?
Behavior modification is naturally built into each Cambridge program. By using Cambridge products three times daily, you are developing a positive nutritional base. New and positive eating and social habits are geared to mutual reinforcement to reach ultimate goals. As target weight is achieved, foods are added to this base to reach the maintenance level for weight control. In addition, we need to know what to substitute in place of inappropriate eating habits.

What is the role of exercise with my Cambridge program?
Weight reduction with Cambridge is not dependent upon exercise. The body will burn up more than 420 calories per day with even minimal activity. However, the effects of exercise are beneficial. The Cambridge Walking Program offers a mini-exercise program to help you firm and tone your body while you reduce weight. While using Cambridge products as the sole source of nutrition, it is recommended that an exercise program not be undertaken for the first week. After that, you may gradually incorporate exercise into your lifestyle.

Is a problem if I go off and back on the weight loss program from time to time?
It is if you want to reach your target weight. The biggest mistake people in a weight loss program is when the inevitable cheating occurs they feel they’ve blown it and stop using Cambridge products. No matter how hard you try, at some time in your weight loss regimen you will eat something that is not part of the program. This is not a serious problem as long as it does not occur too often and as long as you continue to eat three Cambridge meals per day.

Is it all right to snack when on a Cambridge Diet weight loss program?
Snacking should be avoided as much as possible. Snacking can actually make you feel hungrier because it wakes up the gastric system, which then begs for more food. If you must snack you may eat a carrot or stick of celery. If you feel really hungry, take an extra Cambridge meal.

Can I use "diet pills" when on a Cambridge weight loss program?
We strongly recommend against using so called "diet pills" or appetite suppressants at any time, especially while on a Cambridge weight loss program. They can cause unpleasant side effects such as headaches, anxiety and nausea. Appetite suppressants are totally unnecessary. After three or four days on the Diet any mild hunger pangs you have experienced will disappear.

Is it normal to feel bloated when starting on a Cambridge weight loss program?
Bloating is most often caused by water retention. It sounds silly but the solution is to drink more water. The bloating will disappear within a few days.

Is it all right to add artificial sweeteners and extracts to the Cambridge products to change the flavor?
While the flavor of Cambridge products is highly acceptable to most people, many users like to experiment with different recipes to add variety. As long as the additives are non-caloric, there is no danger in experimenting as much as you want.

Is it normal to feel tired when first starting on a Cambridge weight loss program?
Occasionally, a person may feel tired when they start on a weight loss program, but this is a transient side effect as the body switches from using carbohydrate for energy to burning excess body fat. The effect usually disappears within a few days.

Is it normal to need less sleep when on a Cambridge weight loss program?
Many people find that as they lose weight and put their bodies in nutritional balance, they require less sleep. Gaining an extra hour or two each day is a pleasant side effect of using the Cambridge products.

Is it normal to feel a sense of euphoria on the Cambridge Diet?
One of the pleasant side effects of using the Cambridge Diet as the sole source of nutrition is the very natural and normal release of endorphins that cause a mild feeling of euphoria.