The Most Absurd Fad Diets In The World

Published May 19, 2013
Updated July 24, 2019

Absurd Fad Diets: The Sleeping Beauty Diet

Sleeping Beauty Fad Diets

Source: eZine Mark

When it comes to diets, this one takes the cake for being the easiest weight loss plan out there. Dieters are sedated and/or encouraged to sleep for incredibly long periods of time—even days—hoping that the body will burn stored up calories while the person sleeps. Of course, eating is impossible while sleeping, so no additional calories are ingested. According to records, Elvis Presley was a big fan of the Sleeping Beauty Diet.

Sleeping Beauty Diet

Source: Bascalie

Breatharianism Diet

Breatharianism Diet Fads

Source: Nora Leman

Followers of Breatharianism disagree with nearly every shred of available scientific evidence and assert that food and water are unnecessary, as humans can get all of their sustenance from prana (vital life force in Hinduism) or the sun. Sadly, multiple followers have died while practicing Breatharianism, usually from either severe dehydration or starvation.

Jasmuheen, the woman credited with starting the contemporary Breatharian movement, claims to have subsided for weeks on just sunlight and the occasional cup of tea. According to Jasmuheen, followers should convert to Breatharianism slowly, by weaning themselves off of regular foods over a period of time and eventually replacing physical food with metaphysical nourishment from air and light.

Absurd Fad Diets: The Cookie Diet

Cookie Diet

Source: Write Excess

In the 1970’s, Dr. Sanford Siegal created the Cookie Diet. Dieters are instructed to consume a number of specially crafted cookies, along with one filling meal, for a total of 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day. While consuming a deficit of calories on a daily basis does promote weight loss, the cookies lack nutrition and most dietitians agree that they are not suited for long-term use.

History Of Diets Cookie Diet Dr. Siegal

Source: PR Web

When Dr. Siegal first created the Cookie Diet, individuals were given fewer cookies per day along with their meal. Now, dieters eat a total of 9 cookies each day, in two hour increments. Here’s a news report about the Cookie Diet, along with an interview with Dr. Siegal:

author
Kiri Picone
author
Kiri Picone holds a B.A. in English and creative writing from Pepperdine University and has been writing for various digital publishers for more than 10 years.
editor
John Kuroski
editor
John Kuroski is the editorial director of All That's Interesting. He graduated from New York University with a degree in history, earning a place in the Phi Alpha Theta honor society for history students. An editor at All That's Interesting since 2015, his areas of interest include modern history and true crime.