The cottage cheese diet is very similar to the tuna diet in that both last three days, in which you’re encouraged to eat large amounts of this food, along with a reduced percentage of carbohydrates and fats.

A diet that has been around for decades despite the lack of scientific backing, it mostly appeals to people looking for a quick fix.

The Plan

The cottage cheese diet consists of three meals a day, each containing a generous serving (about ½ cup) of cottage cheese.

Non-starchy green vegetables, coffee and tea and a fruit (only one a day) are also part of the meal plan. Lots of water and condiments are encouraged, mainly to provide flavor and satiety.

As part of the diet, you’re not allowed to eat any carbohydrates, including breads, cereals and rice or pasta. You’re also banned from eating sugars, even in the form of juices or whole fruits (except for the one fruit allowed each day). Aside from that, there are no other restrictions or indications in the plan.

Variations

The traditional cottage cheese diet called for barely anything other than cottage cheese, usually accompanied by a single fruit, such as peaches or apples. While this variation is still around, most modern adaptations call for other food items to be added to the basic meal plan.

Why Is It Good

Cottage cheese, especially the low-fat variety, can actually be good for you. It’s high in protein and calcium and filling enough to prevent you from overeating other foods during a meal.

It’s also a slow-absorbing protein, which means it takes longer to digest than others, providing you with a feeling of satiety and soothing cravings. The fact that the diet is only 3 days long is actually a good thing: it’s short enough that it help you jumpstart your weight loss, especially if you’ve been stuck in a plateau for a while.

Why It’s Bad

People who try the cottage cheese diet expecting miracle results will be disappointed. Following the 3-day plan does result in some weight loss, but this is due mainly to the reduced number of calories and the low-carb content of the diet, rather than to anything the cottage cheese itself provides.

The main problem with the diet, however, is that is basically a crash diet that does little to change the unhealthy eating habits that caused weight gain in the first place.