4 Tricks to Steal From Crazy Diets
Last week, we told you to beware of the 3 Worst Fad Diets of 2011. We stand by our message that they aren't safe, effective way to lose weight. However there have been a few fad diets over that, though unrealistic and extreme, actually have a healthy takeaway you can apply to a well-balanced eating plan.
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We asked Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh, contributing editors at SELF and co-founders of C&J Nutrition what weight loss tricks you should steal from the craziest fad diets.
The Cabbage Soup Diet: For 7 days you're on strict diet of some fruits and veggies, but mostly.... cabbage soup. Yep, this makes us nauseous, too.
What to Steal: Eating broth-based soups with meals helps you feel fuller on fewer calories and eat less overall, according to Jarosh and Clarke. "Penn State did a study and found that when individuals consumed a meal with soup as a starter, they tended to eat 100 fewer calories overall during the meal compared to those who didn't eat a soup," says Marjorie Nolan, RD, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "The other good thing soup does is that it slows down the eating process, so you can register fullness before you overeat."
Click here for 4 of HealthySelf's favorite soup recipes, including a heavenly Cheesy White Bean Soup from Jarosh and Clarke. We highly recommend making it tonight!
The Grapefruit Diet: This diet has been around since the 1930s. The idea is that when you pair grapefruit with protein at every meal, fat magically disappears. In most versions you're eating no more that 1,000 calories a day--definitely not a realistic eating plan!
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What to Steal: Since fruit is sweet, it can help satisfy cravings for sweets, says Jarosh. And, like most fruit, grapefruit are loaded with water, so you'll feel a lot fuller for fewer calories when you include a fruit snack as part of a meal. Add it to your breakfast to stave off mid-morning hanger pangs!
The Master Cleanse: You drink a concoction of lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper throughout the day-a minimum of 6 to 12 glasses. Hmm... suddenly cabbage soup sounds delicious.
What to Steal: Cayenne pepper is a great way to add flavor to foods without adding loads of calories or fat. Plus, according to studies, cayenne may suppress your appetite. "So sprinkling it on an omelet or pasta dish not only adds flavor but might help stop you when you're satisfied rather than when you're stuffed," says Jarosh.
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The Baby Food Diet: Reportedly this diet--in which you eat about 14 servings (1,000 calories) of baby food a day--was promoted by Tracy Anderson's Hollywood Studio, and Reese Witherspoon has tried it. Who knows if that's true. Either way: Goo-goo Ga-ga... huh? It's hard to feel satisfied when you haven't actually chewed anything all day.
What to Steal: Fruit purees can be great ways to get flavor and fruit into your diet in really tasty, fun ways. "Just use fruit baby food, which is really just fruit puree, instead of jam on peanut butter and jelly, in a smoothie, or stirred into oatmeal or plain yogurt," says Clarke.
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Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio
