10 of the Wackiest Diet

10 of the Wackiest Weight-Loss & Fad Diets of All Time

The pursuit of weight loss leads us down some seriously strange roads. People by all the means they can to achieve weigh goal.

 

* Tapeworms

An Iowa doctor recently contacted the state's Department of Public Health to ask for help -- a patient purposefully ate a tapeworm in an attempt to lose weight. (She bought it off the internet). Sounds ridiculous, right?
 

Ingesting a parasite isn't the only extreme attempt dieters have used to lose weight. Despite over 50 years of research that all tells us the same thing -- focusing on healthy habits, and not weight, works best -- someone is always proclaiming to have found the magic bullet to quick weight loss. These are just a few of the insane things that have been done in the name of weight loss.

                                                        

Basically the dieters swallow the eggs of a tapeworm which then grow in the digestive tract

where they eat part of the hosts food, thus reducing caloric intake. Genius! After the dieter

reaches their goal weight (it’s not clear how to take the weight of the tape worms into account) they take an antibiotic that kills the tapeworm. As if the blech factor wasn’t high enough, now they have to pass the tapeworm. Also, this "diet" can cause brain damage -- since tapeworms are not well trained they may wander around to other parts of the body, including  the brain. pic source : vhttp://1-media-cdn.foolz.us

* The Chewing Diet
 

This wasn’t so much about chewing as it was about, um, spitting. Art dealer Horace Fletcher “invented” the diet in 1903 when he was denied health insurance because he was fat. Rather than fighting for fair insurance practices, Horace started chewing his food and then spitting it out in an attempt to lose weight. The great thing about this diet? There are no food restrictions to remember, food groups to completely avoid, or calories to count. 
 You just chew each piece of food between 30 and 80 times, then spit it out (what to spit it into is left to the individual dieter to decide.) This diet is especially popular on first dates and at weddings. In good news, if your family decides to food police you at a holiday dinner, feel free to take up this diet immediately -- that’ll teach them a lesson.


* Mastication Diet
It's kind of like the chewing diet. Only, instead of spitting it out, you take a bite of food and chew it until it literally liquefies in your mouth. It started out as a way to encourage people to chew their food and eat more slowly -- which isn’t necessarily a horrible idea. It then morphed into chewing until food liquefied. 

Then, escalated to dieters being advised not to eat any food that would not liquefy completely in their mouths. Unfortunately, that included all foods with fiber. This was before modern treatments for constipation so between chewing food and praying for an end to gastrointestinal distress, they didn’t exactly have time to cheat on the diet. So, it kind of worked? We wouldn’t recommend it though.
 

* Medifast

On this diet, you eat one meal of low fat protein and green vegetables once a day and then take food substitutes that are comprised predominantly of reconstituted soy protein, five times a day. Dieters are warned that a single bite of bread can throw off weight loss for a week or more. Also, it’s a multi-level marketing company where people become "certified health coaches" by paying a fee (I know someone who was an unemployed social psychologist one day and a “certified health coach” the next) and then sign up other "certified health coaches" under them. Hmm, pyramid scheme? Like every other diet they have no proof of statistically significant long term success, but there are reports of hair loss and amenorrhea.

 * Alli
 
This is a diet pill that suggests that you “wear dark pants and bring an extra pair to work.” Why? Side effects include uncontrolled anal seepage (Uncontrolled. Anal. Seepage.), fatty or oily stool, spontaneous bowel movements, kidney stones and life-threatening liver damage (for which there are class action lawsuits). Their own research shows that people who use Alli lose an average of, wait for it, 4 pounds more a year than people who don’t use Alli. I don’t know about you, but I could exfoliate and lose 4 pounds in a year and it wouldn’t ruin any of my pants.


* Do-It-Yourself Stomach Pump

First, you get a tube inserted into your stomach. Then, each time you eat a meal, just excuse yourself to the restroom and literally pump the food out of your stomach into a bucket. I am not kidding -- this is a real thing and is already approved in Europe. Based on three US trials with a grand total of 24 participants (not exactly a statistically significant sample size), Aspire Bariatric is seeking FDA approval for the device, called the Aspire Assist. The device will “assist” you to never be asked to office lunches, carry around a bucket of partially digested food, and mimic the symptoms of bulimia. I can’t believe they don’t have a mailing list where I can sign up! 

* The Cookie Diet
If we put fat people on a diet, but it has “cookie” in the name, they’ll be happy to do it. Because fat people can’t resist cookies amirite?! On this diet, you eat six “super-secret blend, hunger suppressing cookies” and a sensible dinner -- how people can put “eat six cookies” and “one meal a day” and “sensible” in the same sentence is beyond me. This diet has so few calories that participants are advised not to exercise which is extra sad when you consider that there is no evidence that the cookie diet makes people more healthy, and tons of evidence that exercise does. Also, the cookies taste like they are made of hay, just sayin’.

* HCG Diet

Eat 500 calories a day and receive injections of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone derived from the urine of pregnant women. In some versions people following this diet are allowed only one vegetable per meal and the use of oil, body lotions and hygiene products, as well as exercise, are forbidden. It has not been approved by the FDA but some people have come around to the idea. Dr. Oz, for one, says “this is not some crazy wacky idea. It deserves to be studied.” Because there’s nothing too ridiculous to try on fat people.



* Cabbage Soup Diet

Start by making a huge batch of bland cabbage soup. Hope you like it, you’re going to be eating a LOT of it for the next seven days. Each day the diet is slightly different -- Day one is soup and fruit, but no bananas, but Day 4 is bananas and skim milk, no other fruit. Other days include beef and tomatoes, and brown rice and unsweetened fruit juice. 

 According to the website, people report light-headedness, weakness and decreased concentration. In fact, one of the questions posed on the site’s FAQ: “I have been getting headaches and feeling extremely dizzy and weak while also experiencing sleepless nights, is this normal?” Yes, it’s normal but don’t worry, the website assures us that “many people think the diet is worth the effort anyway, since they lose so much weight!” Cause, you know, priorities.

* The Feeding Tube Wedding Diet
In this diet a woman gets a tube inserted into her nose through which she receives 800 carb-free calories a day.  It’s become a thing-to-do for brides-to-be. Side effects include dizziness, constipation, dehydration and kidney stones. So, the bride can say her vows in her beautiful dress (while leaning on her maid of honor for support) to her beautiful new husband (who is wondering why in hell the woman he dated and asked to marry him at her weight -- sans nose tube -- would do this to herself).

 

Could Fasting Help You Lose Weight?

Most scientific evidence suggests that a calorie-controlled diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, beans, nuts, seeds, lean meat, fish, eggs, and poultry is the foundation for a diet that provides all the nutrients you need while helping to whittle your waistline. Weight loss experts recommend combining this diet with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week.


Most religions use periods of fasting as a means of demonstrating faith or penitence, and an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Fasting has also historically been a means to express political views and a form of protest.

Though it may not be the most practical -- or safest -- diet, some people use fasting as a way to lose weight or to cleanse the body of toxins, although some experts say our bodies are perfectly equipped with organs that already do the job. How fasting is used for weight loss varies by diet. Some fasting diets involve drinking nothing but water or eating only raw foods for a period of one or more days, while others restrict food on alternate days. Certain fasting diets only allow liquids like water, juice, or tea, while others dramatically cut calories but do not eliminate food altogether.


Does Fasting Help You Lose Weight?

When you fast, your body is forced to dip into energy stores to get the fuel it needs to keep going, so you will lose weight. The big question is how long you will keep that weight off. Because food was often scarce for our ancestors, our bodies have been genetically programmed to combat the effects of fasting. When you eat less food, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy. Then, when you go back to your usual diet, your lowered metabolism may cause you to store more energy, meaning that you will probably gain back the weight you lost and possibly even put on more weight when eating the same calories you did before the fast.

As you fast, your body will adjust by reducing your appetite, so you will initially feel less hungry. But once you have stopped fasting, your appetite hormones will kick back into gear and you may actually feel hungrier and be more likely to binge.

Research has shown that fasting on alternate days can help people lose weight, but not for long. In one study, people who followed an alternate-day fasting diet shed weight, even when they ate all they wanted on the nonfasting days. However, they could not maintain the weight loss over time.


Can Fasting Detoxify the Body?

Some fasting diets claim that they can cleanse the body of impurities. However, there is no evidence that fasting detoxifies your body, or that your body even needs to be detoxified. It is naturally designed to remove toxins through the skin (by sweating), liver, colon, and kidneys.


Could Fasting Help You Live Longer?

Studies of fasting in both rodents and humans appear to indicate a connection between calorie restriction and longevity. In one study of overweight men and women, a calorie-restricted diet improved markers of aging, such as insulin level and body temperature.

Fasting might also improve longevity by delaying the onset of age-related diseases including Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes. One study showed that skipping meals once a month, as members of the Mormon religious group do, reduces the risk of clogged arteries (the build-up of plaque that can lead to heart attacks and strokes). However, it is not clear from this research whether fasting alone or the Mormons' generally healthier lifestyle (they also abstain from coffee, alcohol, and smoking) is responsible for the improved heart health. 

Researchers do not yet know whether the effects of fasting translate into an actual increase in lifespan, because they have not followed people for long enough periods of time. However the concept of intermittent fasting, such as skipping a meal purposefully on an intermittent basis, is gaining attention. It appears to be a relatively safe way to reduce caloric intake that is easier for some people to do. The data however is not there yet nor is this an accepted practice

Is Fasting Safe?

Fasting for a day or two probably won't hurt people who are generally healthy, provided they maintain an adequate fluid intake. However, fasting entirely for long periods of time can be harmful. Your body needs a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from food to stay healthy. Not getting enough of these nutrients during fasting diets can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, constipation, dehydration, gallstones, and cold intolerance. It is possible to die if you fast too long.

Even short-term fasting is not recommended for people with type I diabetes, because it can lead to dangerous dips and spikes in blood sugar. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone with a chronic disease, should not fast.

Before you go on any type of new diet, particularly one that involves fasting, talk to your doctor to find out whether it is safe and appropriate for you. Also ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian, who can show you how to design a healthy eating plan.

Diet Mistakes and How to Avoid

Diet Mistakes Can Influence Weight

There's a chance you could be making one of these 12 weight loss blunders. 

 

 

• Relying on Crash Diets
  

Determined to lose 10 pounds fast, you turn to a crash diet. Perhaps your plan calls for nothing but grapefruit or cabbage soup each day. You slash your daily calories to fewer than 1,000 -- and sure enough, the pounds melt away. But when you eat so few calories, you train your metabolism to slow down. Once the diet is over, you have a body that burns calories more slowly -- and you usually regain the weight.

• Skipping Breakfast
  

Skipping breakfast seems like a simple way to cut calories, but the result can be insatiable hunger the rest of the day. This may lead to unplanned snacking at the office and eating a super-size portion at lunch, making calorie counts soars. But breakfasts that are high in protein and fiber can reduce hunger throughout the day. In fact, studies show people who eat breakfast every morning are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.

• Losing Track of Your Snacks
  

Maybe you count calories meticulously at every meal, but what about all those nibbles in between? There's the bag of pretzels at your desk, the little slice of cake at an office party, the taste of your son's ice cream cone. All of this mindless munching adds up and could sabotage an otherwise well-planned diet. If you're serious about counting calories, you may want to use a notebook to keep track of each bite.

• Not Snacking at All
  

While mindless snacking can pad your waistline, thoughtful snacking may do just the opposite. People who eat several small meals and snacks a day are more likely to control hunger and lose weight. Snacking helps keep your metabolism in high gear, especially if the snacks are protein-rich. Nuts are a good, high-protein choice, and research suggests people who snack on nuts tend to be slimmer than those who don't.

• Loading Up on Low-Fat
  

Low-fat products can play an important role in your diet. Just remember that low-fat isn't the same as low-calorie and it's not a license to take second and third helpings. If you pile your plate with low-fat cake, you may end up eating more calories than if you had a smaller slice of regular cake. The best way to know how much fat, sugar, and calories you're getting is to check the nutritional label.

• Sipping Too Many Calories
  

When counting calories, many of us tend to overlook what's in our drinks. This is a big mistake when you consider that some fancy coffees and alcoholic beverages have more than 500 calories. Even the calories in fruit juice and soda can add up quickly. What's worse is that liquid calories don't curb hunger. You're not going to eat any less after a high-calorie drink.

• Drinking Too Little Water
  

This is one of the simplest diet blunders to fix. Water is essential for burning calories. If you let yourself get dehydrated, your metabolism drags -- and that means slower weight loss. Research suggests adults who drink eight or more glasses of water per day burn more calories than those who drink less. So try adding a glass of water to every meal and snack.

• Ditching Dairy
  

Full-fat milk, cheese, and ice cream are taboo for many dieters, but ditching dairy foods may be counterproductive. Some research suggests the body burns more fat when it gets enough calcium and produces more fat when it's calcium-deprived. Calcium supplements do not appear to yield the same benefits, so dairy may have other compounds at work as well. Stick to nonfat or low-fat dairy options.

• Taking the Drive-Through Bait
  

The drive-through is convenient after a hectic day, and you can always order the salad or other healthier option. But once you're there, can you resist that milkshake or other treat? And if you allow yourself the ease of fast food once, it could become a habit. According to one long-term study, people who ate fast food more than twice a week gained 10 more pounds than those who had it less than once a week.

• Weighing Yourself Every Day
  

Weighing yourself daily is a recipe for frustration and doesn't yield useful information. It's more important to look for a long-term trend with weekly weigh-ins. If your goal is to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week, you'll be satisfied to see those full-pound drops when you step on the scale. The result is more motivating than the confusing swings that may accompany daily weigh-ins.

• Setting Unrealistic Goals
  

Telling yourself you'll lose 20 pounds your first week is probably setting yourself up for failure. If you know you won't be able to do it, you may never start your diet in the first place. If you diet and lose 5 pounds in a week, instead of celebrating, you may feel discouraged that you didn't reach your goal. A realistic goal is vital to successful dieting. If you're not sure what your goal should be, talk to a dietitian.

• Avoiding Exercise
  

When you don't exercise, you place the entire burden of weight loss on your diet. If you become more active, you can eat more of the things you like -- and still lose weight. The key is finding an exercise you enjoy. If the treadmill seems tedious, try swimming, ballet, biking, or table tennis, all of which burn more calories than walking. Spend time at different activities until you find one you want to do on most days.