Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Does the Cookie Diet Actually Work?

By Ana Dupuis

The cookie diet may take the cake as the world's worst ever fad diet. In essence this diet claims that amino acids baked into cookies can control hunger.

It's been more than 30 years since the cookie diet arrived on the scene. Perhaps you've never heard of it. And even if you have, you might be wondering if such a strange weight loss plan can actually work.

Fad diets are intended to help people lose a great deal of weight in a short period of time - they're popular because the weight loss tips they propose appear to be miraculous. Most fad diets center on some super weight loss food, much like the cookie diet centers on the cookie. These diets rely on slick pitches that make it seem silly not to buy and try the diet.

Sanford Siegel created the cookie diet in 1975 while he was doing research for a nutrition book. To maintain the cookie diet people would eat six cookies a day, plus a regular dinner. All told the daily caloric intake was about 800 calories. The cookie diet exploded to 24 clinics around the world. By the 80's 200 doctors were pushing the cookie diet. The diet was quickly expanded to miracle soups and shakes that also contained the amino acids.

Later Hollywood grabbed the cookie diet. Stars and starlets made their use of the diet well known, which helped vault it to public attention.Like the original cookie diet this Hollywood version replaced breakfast and lunch with cookies, then allowed a reasonable dinner.These cookies each contain 150 calories and fiber, protein and minerals.

Don't waste time with the cookie diet. Remember that good health comes from a balanced diet and an exercise program.In general this is a much healthier way to lose or maintain weight than relying on some fly by night miracle food, even if it is endorsed by someone you recognize from a movie.

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