3-1-2-1 Diet

The 3-1-2-1 Diet was created by Dolvett Quince, a celebrity trainer best known for his appearances on The Biggest Loser.

3-1-2-1-diet

In this book, Dolvett Quince reveals his unique approach to dieting called the 3-1-2-1 Diet. This program aims to trick your metabolism and to produce rapid weight loss.

Dolvett Quince claims the following:

  • Dieters can lose up to ten pounds in 21 days on his plan.
  • Dieters won’t feel deprived.
  • Dieters don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods.

3 1 2 1 Diet Basics

The basis of this diet plan is Dolvett’s clean and cheat method that avoids dieters eating the same amount of calories every day.

Clean and Cheat Method

On the 3-1-2-1 Diet dieters will alternate “clean” and “cheat” days:

  1. Eat clean for 3 days.
  2. Cheat for 1 day.
  3. Eat clean for 2 more days.
  4. Enjoy a reward meal of your choice on the 7th day.

This method confuses the body by manipulating its natural tendency to slow metabolism when calories are reduced.

The body responds in a positive way that helps people lose weight faster. Since dieters won’t feel deprived it also makes it easy to continue with the diet for long-term weight loss success.

What is Eating Clean?

Quince says one of the most important factors to success is to start your week by eating clean for three days.

He explains that eating clean means to base your meals around lean proteins, green vegetables and smart carbs. You should have three main meals and two or three snacks each day.

Quince reminds dieters to be mindful of portion sizes for optimal weight loss results.

Smart Carbs for Weight Loss

You will limit your carbohydrate intake to some degree on this plan. However when you do eat carbs it is important to choose them wisely.

For example:

  • Brown rice vs. white rice.
  • Sweet potato vs. mashed potato.

In general you want to favor more colorful carbohydrates and stay away from all white, starchy foods.

Cheat Days to Boost Metabolism

No foods are off-limit in The 3-1-2-1 Diet. Two days each week you have the opportunity to indulge in your favorite treats.

In fact, Quince says that cheating is the key to success. It satisfies cravings, makes it easier to stick with the plan, and boosts metabolism.

Clean Foods

Some of the clean foods dieters will eat on 3-1-2-1:
Chicken breast, turkey bacon, lean beef, salmon, egg whites, brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain bread, almonds, string cheese, spinach, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, sweet potato, avocado, berries, oranges, kale chips.

Clean Day Meal Plan

Breakfast

Scrambled egg whites with spinach and mushrooms
Turkey bacon
English muffin

Morning Snack

Cranberries and unsalted almonds

Lunch

Spinach salad with chicken and avocado

Afternoon Snack

Hummus with baby carrots

Dinner

Grilled salmon with steamed broccoli

Strength Training and Cardio Recommended

The 3-1-2-1 Diet advocates a combination of high-intensity cardio and strength training four to six days a week. Going back and forth between cardio and weights confuses the body and helps sculpt a lean, muscular physique.

Dieters should rest for at least one day each week to allow their body to heal and recover.

Costs and Expenses

The 3-1-2-1 Diet: Eat and Cheat Your Way to Weight Loss–up to 10 Pounds in 21 Days retails at $26.

Available from Amazon →

Pros

  • Produces rapid weight loss results.
  • Prevents plateaus and boosts metabolism.
  • Does not require giving up your favorite foods.
  • Cheat days make it easier to stick with the plan over the long term.
  • The 3-1-2-1 Diet includes meal plans and recipes.
  • Workouts are time-efficient and effective.

Cons

  • Some dieters may find it difficult to control their calorie intake on cheat days.
  • Requires monitoring portion sizes on “clean eating” days.
  • Not all dieters will achieve the promised level of weight loss.
  • Workouts may be too strenuous for dieters who are currently physically inactive.

Can Be Effective With Some Mindfulness

The 3-1-2-1 Diet claims to boost metabolism and produce rapid weight loss by alternating “clean” and “cheat” days.

This method confuses the body and avoids weight loss plateaus that commonly occur with low-calorie dieting. It also reduces cravings and makes it easier to stick with the diet over the long term.

To be successful on this plan it is necessary to monitor portion sizes on “clean” eating days. However, it just as important to be mindful of calorie consumption on “cheat days” to reap the most rewards.

 By Mizpah Matus B.Hlth.Sc(Hons)
    References:
  • Rolls, B. J. (2014). What is the role of portion control in weight management&quest. International Journal of Obesity, 38, S1-S8. link
  • Forman, J., Silverstein, J., Bhatia, J. J., Abrams, S. A., Corkins, M. R., de Ferranti, S. D., … & Wright, R. O. (2012). Organic foods: health and environmental advantages and disadvantages. Pediatrics, 130(5), e1406-e1415. link

1 Comment or Reviews

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  1. Sue

    Wish I could lose more weight…