The 3 day cardiac diet was developed at the Cleveland Clinic as a very low calorie diet and quick weight loss program intended to help cardiac patients lose weight rapidly. Hence the name 3 day cardiac diet. The primary use of the 3 day cardiac diet is to achieve rapid and short-term weight loss as well as reduce the risk of heart disease. The 3 day cardiac diet works to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

The 3 day cardiac diet should be adhered to strictly with no changes, additions or substitutions. The following shows in precise measurements how the 3 day cardiac diet should be followed.

Day One

Breakfast: Black coffee, water, or tea; half of a grapefruit or pink grapefruit juice; and one slice of toast with 1 or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter

Lunch: Black coffee, water, or tea; 1/2 cup of water-packed tuna; and one slice of dry toast

Dinner: Black coffee, water, or tea; 3 oz lean meat; 1 cup green beans; 1 cup beets; 1 cup vanilla ice cream; and one small apple

Day Two

Breakfast: Black coffee, water, or tea; one egg, any style; one banana (some versions say 1/2 banana); and one slice of dry toast

Lunch: Black coffee, water, or tea; 1 cup of cottage cheese; and five saltine crackers

Dinner: Black coffee, water, or tea; two hot dogs; 1/2 cup carrots; 1 cup broccoli (or cabbage); one banana (some versions say 1/2 banana); and 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

Day Three

Breakfast: Black coffee, water, or tea; five saltine crackers; one egg (or one slice cheddar cheese); and one 4-oz glass of apple juice

Lunch: Black coffee, water, or tea; one hard-boiled egg; one small apple; and one slice of dry toast

Dinner: Black coffee, water, or tea; 1 cup tuna, chicken, or turkey; 1 cup cauliflower or green beans; 1 cup beets; 1 cup cantaloupe or one small apple; and 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

After you have completed the 3 day cardiac diet, you should eat a low calorie diet so you do not regain the weight you just lost on the 3 day cardiac diet. If you have additional weight to lose, you may resume the 3 day cardiac diet after taking a four day break.