Many people believe that semolina, familiar to everyone since childhood, is not the best ingredient for losing weight. This is not entirely true; a diet based on semolina porridge was developed by specialists and allows you to lose kilos in a relatively short period. At the same time, the body is cleansed of waste and toxins, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized, and the person receives a complex of useful microelements.
Is it possible to eat semolina porridge while losing weight?
Opinions about dietary nutrition on semolina are divided. Supporters of this cereal, among whom there are traditional healers and health workers, advise combining a dish from childhood with fruit and plenty of water. As with any diet, it is recommended to exclude sweets, flour, fatty, and fried foods from the diet. According to reviews, if you follow the regime correctly, you can lose 7-10 extra pounds in 2-3 weeks.
Opponents argue that semolina, even in water, porridge and an effective diet are incompatible things. In their statements, they draw attention to the fact that such a monoration causes a rapid gain of lost weight and contributes to the development of osteoporosis. It is strictly not recommended to eat semolina for dinner.
When choosing this method, you should remember that the cereal in question does not belong to balanced products; a preliminary consultation with a nutritionist will be required. It is advisable to take vitamins at the same time to prevent problems with skin, nails and hair.
The benefits of semolina for weight loss
A diet based on semolina porridge allows you to get rid of excess weight without prolonged fasting and stress on the body. In order for this method to really be aimed at losing weight and not have the opposite effect, it is necessary to follow the rules for preparing and consuming cereals.
Beneficial features:
- supply of nutritious protein without fat;
- the presence of vitamins (B, E), microelements (fluorine, copper, manganese, iron);
- reduction of harmful cholesterol in the blood;
- improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- source of proteins;
- energy value along with low calorie content.
The first results of weight loss are noticeable within a couple of days. There are a minimum of side effects if you follow all the recommendations.
Important Terms
In order for the semolina diet for weight loss to work, it is important to adhere to the serious recommendations of nutritionists. You should drink herbal tea in large quantities - it will help eliminate toxins.
An active lifestyle is recommended: sports, walking, swimming. If you eat semolina porridge while lying in front of the TV, the result will not be so high. Motivate yourself as follows: semolina porridge is a very nutritious dish, it gives a lot of energy. Therefore, it is important to spend this energy!
Is it possible to eat semolina porridge on a diet: essence and rules
The most popular option is calculated for seven days. The basis of the diet is semolina porridge; when losing weight, flour, sweets, fatty foods, alcohol, and soda are removed from the menu.
Basic rules (daily norm in brackets):
- combination with fresh and dried fruits, nuts (7-8, 4-5, 2-3 pcs.);
- exclude sugar from the diet; you can sweeten the dish with a small amount of honey (1 tbsp.);
- The porridge is divided into 5-6 servings, consumed with a break of 3-4 hours (300 g);
- homemade preserves and jams without sugar and sweeteners are added to the diet;
- semolina porridge for weight loss is prepared with water or diluted milk (1:1);
- To increase the effectiveness of the diet, you should drink at least two liters of liquid daily (pure water, still mineral water, herbal decoctions, tea, fruit juice, compote).
These rules must be followed unconditionally, otherwise the expected result will not occur. The duration of the procedure is minimal; if everything is done correctly, you will be able to lose 5-7 kg in 7 days.
Pros and cons of the semolina diet
This method of losing weight has its advantages and disadvantages, which should be carefully studied. Among the advantages:
- getting rid of excess fat without discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract;
- not contraindicated for people with chronic diseases of the digestive system;
- contains a significant amount of micro- and macroelements that are well absorbed by the body;
- in addition to burning excess calories, cleansing of waste and toxins occurs;
- no feeling of hunger, minimal duration.
Disadvantages of the semolina porridge diet:
- contains an allergen (gluten);
- the diet is not suitable for diabetics;
- phosphorus is present, which interferes with the absorption of calcium;
- The diet can be repeated no earlier than after 2-3 months, since metabolic processes slow down, which can provoke the opposite effect.
If you follow all the rules and recommendations, the negative aspects of the method can be circumvented, extracting maximum moral and physical satisfaction.
The benefits of semolina and its harm
First of all, let's note the nutritional value of semolina. This characteristic is very relative. 100 grams of dry semolina contain 330 kcal. The calorie content of semolina porridge cooked in water is estimated at 80 kcal/100 grams, and in milk - 98 kcal/100 grams. But who cooks semolina in water? Usually, in combination with it, milk, butter, and sweeteners (sugar, honey, jam, condensed milk) enter our intestines - hence the additional calories. The benefits of semolina prepared according to classic recipes will be appreciated by people trying to gain a few kilograms.
If semolina is actually boiled in water, the product can be assessed as dietary. And not without reason. It is included in some dietary tables, in particular for people who have undergone surgery on the digestive tract. Then semolina is an irreplaceable food product, the uniqueness of which lies in the ability to be digested by the lower intestines without straining the rest at all.
Semolina made with water without salt and sugar should also be called a good complementary food for a child. This is introduced closer to the age of one, but prudently and with a certain degree of caution. Just in a children's diet, semolina can reveal itself from a negative rather than a positive side. Starchy carbohydrates not only lead to excess weight in adults, but also to metabolic disorders in children:
- The mucopolysaccharide glyodine, contained in semolina, causes necrosis of the intestinal villi, and phytin changes the intestinal microflora so that it is not able to absorb vitamin D and iron, which are necessary for the growth of the child. Young parents should know this. At the same time, by early school age, the mentioned danger of semolina is reduced to a minimum, because the child’s digestive system is quite strong.
- If a person develops celiac disease from an early age, then gluten intolerance, being wheat grain, is contraindicated. Under the influence of gluten in patients with celiac disease, the intestinal mucosa becomes thinner and the absorption of all nutrients, especially fats, is impaired.
If there are nuances of including semolina in the diet of children and adults, then semolina is definitely useful for older people. Because it prevents the development of hypermineralization of blood cells, prevents the development of colon cancer, does not cause the slightest irritation of the intestines, but perfectly saturates and provides a surge of strength. Along with the fact that semolina contains no more than 0.2% fiber, it is rich in protein.
The benefits of semolina are its high iron content and virtually no fiber. This makes semolina useful during the postoperative recovery period. Liquid semolina porridges are included in diets prescribed for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and after operations on the stomach and intestines. This is the only grain that is digested and absorbed by the walls of the lower intestine.
In addition to iron, semolina (as part of a substance such as phytin) contains phosphorus. Its concentrations are sufficient to bind calcium salts, preventing them from entering the blood. Occasionally, phytin helps stabilize the level of calcium salts, but more often, too frequent consumption of semolina (especially in childhood) is dangerous due to leaching of calcium from the bones. Other cereals also bind calcium, but to a lesser extent than semolina. This is why doctors now recommend feeding babies vegetable puree first.
Semolina is a good remedy for treating all diseases of the stomach and intestines, cleanses the body of mucus and removes fat.
Diet options
Is it possible to eat semolina while losing weight, and how to do it correctly? Two methods are mainly used. In the first case, porridge is consumed three times a day, with each meal eating a full portion without sugar or any additives. Fruits and nuts are used for snacking between meals. Half an hour before meals, drink a glass of water or green tea.
The semolina porridge diet in the second option assumes a similar dosage with the addition of 2-3 teaspoons of jam or honey. For drinking, drink up to 2 liters of still mineral water and 3-4 cups of coffee or tea without sugar. Dried fruits and citrus fruits - instead of snacks.
Both methods are not very different from each other, they are effective, the choice depends on the person’s preferences.
Cooking features
Do you want to get rid of excess weight? Then write down the recipe and prepare semolina porridge according to it, which will become a faithful companion and assistant during diet therapy. The effect and stunning results can be observed within a week. The cooking method is extremely simple. To enhance the aroma and brightness of the taste, add a little lemon jam if desired; its sourness will add originality to the dietary dish. The citrus tint makes the semolina rich, tasty and incredibly aromatic.
Sample menu
The semolina diet for a week is presented as an approximate diet in the table (all main meals, except snacks, contain semolina porridge with water, diluted milk, with the addition of honey or jam, one serving - 150-200 g).
Counting day/week. | Breakfast | Snack | Dinner | Snack | Dinner |
1st (Mon) | Semolina + tea | 3-4 dried fruits | + glass of water | 6-8 walnuts | + green tea (200 ml) |
2nd (W) | + 2 tsp. honey | Green tea | + 3-4 dried fruits | Tea | + any nuts |
3rd (Wed) | See day 1 | See #1 | + 0.5 cups low-fat milk and 1 tbsp. l. jam without sugar | 2-3 dried fruits | + any tea |
4th (Thu) | Porridge with milk | Nuts | See #2 | See #1 | Semolina without additives |
5th (Fri) | + milk and nuts | See #1 | + zucchini | Dried apricots | See #3 |
6th (Sat) | Porridge on the water | See #4 | Tea + 2-3 dried fruits | A glass of mineral water without gas | + tea |
7th (Sun) | + dried fruits | 200-250 ml of clean water | + nuts | Semolina without additives | See #3 |
Some useful tips
- In order for the purchased semolina to remain unharmed for a long time, it is important to store it correctly. This can be glass, plastic dishes with a screw-on lid, or canvas bags.
- Dishes with cereals are kept in a room that is often ventilated.
- It is not advisable to stock up on large quantities of semolina at once - it is better to take as much as you need at the moment.
- Is it possible to get rid of bugs if they are in the cereal or if you brought them from the store? It is possible and necessary, otherwise the bugs will spoil not only the quality of the cereal, but also the taste of the porridge.
- Semolina porridge is prepared with both water and milk.
- If you cook porridge, then you should try to make it without lumps and the same consistency.
- You can cook the porridge differently: by diluting the cereal in half a portion of water, and then pouring in the mixture, stirring it.
Exit from the diet on semolina porridge
In order for this method to bring the most positive effect, in addition to following all recommendations and rules, you need to remember a healthy lifestyle. You need to prepare yourself mentally so as not to break down and reduce all efforts to zero. If you have any doubts about whether semolina porridge is suitable for your chosen diet, you should definitely consult a professional nutritionist.
Another important point is the completion of the process. You should exit the special mode gradually. You can’t pounce on buns or fast food the next day. With this approach, the lost pounds will come back very quickly. It is necessary to introduce other products into the diet gradually, 1-2 ingredients per day. It is advisable to start with other cereals, expand the types of vegetables and fruits, as well as lean meat. It is better to avoid fried foods, alcohol and sweet carbonated drinks completely.
Is it possible to cook with milk?
Weight loss will occur faster if semolina porridge is cooked only in water. In this case, the duration of the mono-diet should not exceed three days. The diet will be very meager, so there is a high risk of getting exhaustion and loss of consciousness instead of the desired slimness.
To make the weight loss process smoother and gentler, you need to stick to a special diet for about a week. In this case, semolina porridge will have to be cooked with the addition of low-fat milk or the menu will have to be expanded with other permitted products. For example, like this:
- fruits (except bananas and grapes);
- “dried fruits” (except for candied fruits);
- vegetables and herbs;
- honey (no more than one teaspoon per day).
About the semolina diet, watch this video:
Dietary recipes
Preparing cereals is not particularly difficult. The main thing is to add the main component gradually, stirring constantly, in order to avoid thickening and the appearance of lumps.
Delicious semolina porridge: the first recipe for the diet:
- For the dish, take 35-40 grams of cereal, 120-130 ml of water, 150-160 ml of low-fat milk (1.5%).
- The prepared liquids are mixed in equal parts and brought to a boil.
- The semolina is poured in a thin stream with the mixture thoroughly mixed.
- Cooking period: 5-7 minutes.
- After a hint of thickening appears, remove the dish from the heat and cover with a towel for 10-15 minutes.
- The dish is served to the table in portions, adding fruit, honey, and jam.
Semolina for weight loss with raisins:
- Porridge is prepared from two tablespoons of cereal, a handful of washed raisins, and two glasses of water.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, add semolina, stirring the mixture constantly.
- Raisins are added at the last stage of cooking.
The dish will turn out not only healthy, but also tasty.
How to cook
Cooking semolina porridge, despite its apparent simplicity, is an art. Every housewife knows her own proven method of cooking without lumps.
Basic recipe:
- Bring 500 ml of water or low-fat milk to a boil;
- slowly add 50 mg of cereal, stirring constantly;
- Stirring continuously, cook over low heat for 2 minutes.
During the cooking process, you can add a little salt, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Hard varieties produce a thicker, stickier porridge, while soft varieties produce a more liquid porridge. If lumps do form, many recommend immediately whisking the dish with a mixer.
In the slow cooker:
- add 2 tbsp. l. into the multicooker bowl;
- pour 2 glasses of skim milk or water;
- add a little salt and mix thoroughly;
- close the lid, select the “porridge” or “rice” menu;
- After 10 minutes without turning off, stir and cook for a few more minutes.
With this method, the absence of lumps is guaranteed, the porridge does not run away and does not burn.
Semolina diet: reviews and results
Users share their successes on social networks and forums. Most responses to diets based on semolina porridge are positive. More than 90 percent of statements are from representatives of the fair sex, which is not surprising. Having studied several reviews, the following conclusions arise:
- The semolina diet allows you to lose weight by 4-6 kg in 7-10 days. It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle and minimize bad habits.
- It is important not to forget to drink a lot of water, the calculation is 30 ml per day per 1 kg of body weight.
- Sometimes the weight after losing 3-4 kg stops there. Here you need the advice of a nutritionist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the person and the correctness of the diet.
- Not everyone is able to follow a healthy diet in the future after semolina for weight loss. Those who were able to do this note that the weight does not return.
Many people prefer this method because of the possibility of combining the consumption of porridge with nuts, fruits and honey. At the same time, there is no strong feeling of hunger. If you don’t like the product in question at all, you shouldn’t force yourself; it’s better to choose another method of losing excess weight.
Experts say that a semolina diet for weight loss is not the best way to get rid of excess body fat. Nevertheless, it has the right to life if combined with physical activity, supplemented with other useful ingredients and daily monitoring of the body's vital indicators, including weight loss.
IMPORTANT! Informational article! Before use, you should consult a specialist.
General recommendations and restrictions
To prevent weight loss from backfiring or causing health problems, follow these tips:
- Do not use this diet if you are allergic to dairy products or gluten;
- cook correctly, without adding sugar and butter;
- do not consume large quantities at night (this is a morning dish);
- be aware of the ability to reduce calcium absorption;
- do not use the diet more than once a month.
Consult your doctor first, as there are some diseases (other than allergies and intolerances) in which gluten is harmful in large quantities. Lose weight safely!