The dates and yogurt diet is a diet that promotes eating nothing but dates and yogurt for fast weight loss. Before starting a diet you need to consult your doctor to determine the benefits and risks of participating in the diet. If you have a medical condition, you should avoid this diet and develop a regular diet plan with a registered dietician.

While dates and yogurt contain various vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, these two foods will not provide a well balanced diet. Dates are a high-fiber food, which can help you feel full longer, and yogurt is a good source of calcium, protein and probiotics. Consider the following when considering a fad diet: Does the diet promote safety, good nutrition, enjoyment and practicality? If you answer “no” to any of part of the question, you should avoid participating in the diet long-term. The most effective way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories and fat you consume and participate in regular exercise, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Dates are a high-fiber food, containing 3.3 g of fiber for every 5 dates, according to Colorado State University. Fiber is the indigestible carbohydrate found in plant-based foods that helps add bulk to stool and moves it more quickly through the colon. Some fiber, called soluble fiber, swells in the stomach making you feel full for a longer period of time. While fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, it may cause unwanted digestive side effects, such as gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea. The fruit is also high in sugars, salts, minerals, proteins and vitamins C, B-1, B-2 and A.

Although yogurt is generally good for weight loss and digestive health, some yogurts can actually make diarrhea worse or encourage weight gain. When dieting, use a yogurt that is made with low-fat milk and does not contain any added sugar. The yogurt should state by the ingredients on the label that the product contains live and active cultures. These cultures, also called probiotics, may help promote digestive health and reduce certain gastrointestinal infections.

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that healthy weight loss is 1 to 2 lbs weekly. Losing any more weight on a weekly basis can increase your chances of re-gaining the weight when you stop the date and yogurt diet.