Shade Martin, a New York resident, decided to embark on a unique fruit-only diet after experiencing severe shoulder pain that didn’t respond to conventional treatments. She learned that alkaline fruits like mangoes, berries, and bananas possess beneficial anti-inflammatory properties.
For the first week, the 36-year-old feasted on watermelons, followed by grapes for the next six days, and then other fruits for the subsequent 17 days. Each morning, Shade started her day with a refreshing glass of lemon water, followed by a large smoothie blending bananas, blueberries, cherries, and dates.
According to Ladbible, Shade is a vegan and has previously done juice cleanses. Hence, the results she achieved from this fruit diet may differ from others following a similar regimen.
Shade’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. She experienced increased mucus production and a frequent need to urinate while eating only grapes. This was due to the high fiber content of the fruit, which is a natural consequence.
For the first week, watermelons were the staple of her diet, followed by grapes for the next six days, and then a variety of other fruits.
On a positive note, Shade’s menstrual cycle became “extremely light” with no cramps but lasted longer than usual. Her skin also cleared up, and the fruit diet helped detoxify her body, starting with acne breakouts on her forehead.
She ditched fixed mealtimes and instead snacked on fruits throughout the day. However, watching her husband and daughter enjoy regular meals was challenging, and she had to distract herself to avoid temptation.
Shade emphasizes that many people underestimate the power of fruits due to their sugar content. “We need to embrace fruits as a vital part of our diet, not restrict them,” she asserts.
She also recommends eliminating refined sugar and embracing fruits as brain boosters and energy providers for the body.
Healthline cautions that long-term adherence to a fruit-only diet is not advisable due to the risk of significant nutritional deficiencies and health issues.
Nutritional Deficiencies
While fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, they lack essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, calcium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Prolonged deficiency in these nutrients can lead to malnutrition, resulting in anemia, osteoporosis, and a weakened immune system. A fruit-only diet cannot ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Health Risks
The natural sugars in fruits can pose risks for insulin-resistant individuals, diabetics, or prediabetics, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Moreover, a lack of dietary diversity can result in energy deficits, fatigue, and muscle weakness due to insufficient protein and fat intake. Over time, this imbalance can negatively affect vital organs like the pancreas and kidneys.
