Man Lost 6.5 Pounds in 72 Hours on Military Diet and Here's What Really Happened

Ever scrolled through social media late at night, wondering if those extreme diet promises could actually work? Will Tennyson, a fitness enthusiast with over 3 million subscribers, had the same question. After searching "hardest diet in the world," he discovered the Military Diet – a three-day plan claiming to help you drop 10 pounds in a week. What happened next might save you from making the same mistake.

The Warning Signs

Before starting his journey, Will consulted a dietitian. Her response was immediate: "It is a hard pass for me. We're talking about an ultra-low calorie diet. I would absolutely expect any weight that comes off to come right back." Despite the red flags, Will decided to test the diet anyway. "Its affiliations with the military are as real as missionaries with the missionary position," he notes in his post. "There are none."

Day 1: The Brutal Reality

Starting at 192 pounds, Will began the 1,400-calorie challenge. "I tried to push breakfast as far into the day as I could, but I'm starving right now," he admits. The meager meals included a slice of toast, peanut butter, and half a grapefruit. Lunch wasn't any better: "I don't even get a full can of tuna. If this diet actually had anything to do with the military, this should be grounds for dishonorable discharge."

The Strange Ice Cream Rule

One bizarre aspect of the diet was the daily vanilla ice cream requirement. "The pro is that there's ice cream because, wow, what a treat. The con is that it has to be vanilla," Will explains. "That's like going to a fashion show, but then going home with the mannequin."

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When Workouts Turn to Survival Mode

By day two, operating on just 1,200 calories, Will's gym performance plummeted. "This is the worst I have ever felt ever filming a diet YouTube video," he shares. "I can't even really contract my muscles. I don't even think my own signature Tim Horton's donut could give me a pump right now."

The Mental Battle Intensifies

The hunger became overwhelming. "I am in a very bad mood right now. Very snappy, feel very agitated for no reason," Will reveals. His desperate attempts to control cravings led to some questionable decisions, including taking straight vinegar shots and lighting vanilla-scented candles.

Rock Bottom: Day Three

The final day's 1,100-calorie limit pushed Will to his limits. "I slept almost a full 12 hours and I still feel exhausted," he says. "This is the breakfast equivalent of celery. I'm pretty sure I've burnt more calories assembling and eating it than actually contained in the combined items."

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The Results: Truth Behind the Numbers

After three days of suffering, Will dropped to 185.5 pounds – losing 6.5 pounds total. However, he estimates only 1.5 pounds were actually fat: "There's a big difference between losing weight and losing fat." His verdict is clear: "You should never feel like that on a diet. That is just the wrong way to go. A diet should be sustainable, but you should also be able to enjoy it."

The Real Military Approach

Ironically, actual military nutrition couldn't be more different from this fad diet. Real military meals (MREs) provide about 1,250-1,300 calories each – more than this entire diet allows in a day. They're scientifically formulated with 13% protein, 36% fat, and 51% carbohydrates to sustain soldiers during intense training and combat operations.

Science vs. Starvation

While Will struggled with extreme hunger and decreased performance, actual military nutrition emphasizes sustainability and strength. The military offers 24 different meal varieties, considering dietary restrictions and nutritional needs. Each meal is designed to meet one-third of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of essential vitamins and minerals – a stark contrast to the nutritionally inadequate plan Will tested.

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The Bottom Line: Lessons Learned

Will's experience, combined with real military nutrition science, teaches us valuable lessons about sustainable weight loss. The true military understands that extreme restriction leads to decreased performance – exactly what Will experienced. If you're looking to improve your nutrition, take a page from the actual military playbook: focus on balanced, sustainable nutrition that fuels your goals rather than undermining them. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.