Ridiculous diets- What crazy diet have you tried?

[dakcp2001]

Last summer I lose about 25lbs the old fashined way,loosely following SOuth Beach and the weight is creeping back on. I have been fighting it , working out and following WW but I am having a difficult time. I went to the Dr few weeks ago, and my TSH is up over 12 again, which helps explain the weight gain partly. My Dr referred me to a particular diet clinic that is new to my area, and I stopped in yesterday to see what they offer:
- 500 calories a day (seems way too low to me)
- amphetamines (they call them appetite suppresants)
- no carb. You eat nothing but protein and get vitamin & energy shots

It is 250 to join 75 a week. This seems a bit NUTSO to me, and my DR suggested them! This is the Endocrinologist that I really like. I mean it just doesnt seem all that healthy to me. I looked up the appetite suppresant in my Nursing book, and it said it was highly addictive. I just can't get on board with this. I called my Dr and she said her patients have had success on this program.

Have you guys tried any crazy diets in your life? I tried Atkins once, that was crazy.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

The "diet" the RN diabetic educator insisted I follow. It nearly killed me.

I only listen to my Doctor now, and educate myself.

 

[Janet Hill]

The "diet" the RN diabetic educator insisted I follow. It nearly killed me.

I only listen to my Doctor now, and educate myself.

Out of curiosity, was the presribed diet way too high in carbs. My husband is a diabetic and if he ate all the carbs recommended by his so called diabetic educator he'd be dead.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yes, in part. Way too high in the WRONG carbs. One thing I have learned is that what works for me mostly likely won't work the same way for you.

So, that whole "one size fits all" approach is not viable, nor in many cases is it safe.

I know what it takes now to control my BG, and therefore lose weight (and yes, I have thyriod issues thrown in). Following the direction of someone who really has no true understanding of the chemical processes of nutrition is foolhardy (and as I've said, in some cases dangerous).

So, whereas it's relatively easy to spot a ridiculous fad diet, it's not so easy to understand that the "medical professional" is wrong.

The OP alludes to that in the above post where amphetemines are used. NOT a smart idea. However, with extreme caution, I know one person (one out of many, mind) where limited use was the jump start that worked and then she was in control of her healthier approach to nutrition. (Which is really what it's all about. What is HEALTHY for you should lead to weight loss, BG control, and control of HTN).

 

[luvthatdisney]

OP, sounds like that diet clinic is similar to what I have been doing. I have lost 50 pounds since October and it has been the easiest diet I have ever done.

Here is what our clinic offers (BTW I have done every diet out there from WW to LA Weight Loss to starvation):

1. HCG shots (3 x a week) - some say these do not work it did for me

2. Phentermine - diet pill - I only take half a pill - I have taken these alone before without the results I had this time. 3 months on and then a month off.
This was my month off - no problems to report! Did not lose much weigh though.

3. No actual calorie limit - but I did eat mainly protein and fiber. Double fiber bread was my savior and it actually tastes good! Did not eat any potatoes, pasta or sweets. Ate nuts, fruit and lots of chicken!! Our diet follows the low glycemic chart of foods.

4. b12 shots weekly - I gave these to myself.

I can honestly say I could have gone all day without eating and would sometimes have to remind myself to eat. When I did the Phentermine alone a few years ago, I did not always feel that way.

Some can disagree with this diet, but I was able to follow it and have lost the weight. I would like to lose about 20 more pounds and know I can. Since this was my month off the pills and shots, I have been learning how to eat in a way I can manage this weight loss - actually lost 7 more pounds without really trying to. No big cravings, but I did eat a few things I had not in the months before. My biggest problem is I do not like most vegatables, never have. I am repulsed my many of them. Not sure why. I do take natual vitamins each day to supplement my diet.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[RitaE]

I bought the BodyMedia Fit armband system which allows me to balance my calories eaten against calories burned. It was kind of pricey, but not near as pricey as that clinic I guess. It is like the BodyBuggs that you see on The Biggest Loser - exact same company just marketed a little differently. If you Google you will find them. I think it used to be called GoWear Fit.

I track my food on Livestrong.com. I eat probably 90 to 95% organic, whole foods but I don't have any food that I can't eat. Basically I let Trader Joe's keep my food under control. My goal is pretty simple, everyday consume fewer calories than I burn.

Anyway I love my BodyMedia Fit. It has actually taught me how my body works compared to how the chart says an average person should work. I can see when my metabolism hits high and low points, when it is okay to eat and when I need to stop.

I tried Atkins several years ago and ended up curled up on my bed in a fetal position trembling and nauseous. It was not an eating plan I could follow over a lifetime.

 

[wenrob]

Last summer I lose about 25lbs the old fashined way,loosely following SOuth Beach and the weight is creeping back on. I have been fighting it , working out and following WW but I am having a difficult time. I went to the Dr few weeks ago, and my TSH is up over 12 again, which helps explain the weight gain partly. My Dr referred me to a particular diet clinic that is new to my area, and I stopped in yesterday to see what they offer:
- 500 calories a day (seems way too low to me)
- amphetamines (they call them appetite suppresants)
- no carb. You eat nothing but protein and get vitamin & energy shots

It is 250 to join 75 a week. This seems a bit NUTSO to me, and my DR suggested them! This is the Endocrinologist that I really like. I mean it just doesnt seem all that healthy to me. I looked up the appetite suppresant in my Nursing book, and it said it was highly addictive. I just can't get on board with this. I called my Dr and she said her patients have had success on this program.

Have you guys tried any crazy diets in your life? I tried Atkins once, that was crazy.

No offense to the poster who has had success with this but a doctor advocating speed (it may be prescribed but let's face it, it's speed) and 500 calories a day should have their license yanked. Let's put people at risk for addiction, heart problems and while we're at it make their calorie count so low they risk REALLY screwing up their entire system so that it may never recover. Not to mention total failure once the person goes back to their normal eating patterns because they now have a warped sense of nutrition.

Sorry for the rant but this kind of extreme dieting sends me over the top and that a doctor would advocate it makes me furious. If I were you OP I'd be finding me a new GP ASAP.

As far as crazy diets anyone remember the Hot Dog Diet? How about the Cabbage Soup Diet? The Pineapple Diet? All based on eeating awful, awful combos of food.

Been there done them all. There's no magic though it's all about how much goes in and how much energy goes out in the end.

 

[Mermaid02]

In 2007 I started exercising...... didn't lose much weight but people all over the place were asking me what I was doing.... guess I looked pretty good....

As far as what have I tried... what HAVEN'T I tried?? In the end, all that works for me is lowering my caloric intake and increasing my activity..... as much as it pains me..........

 

[Planogirl]

I tried that cabbage diet - does anyone remember that one? It made me so sick!

I just try to eat right now and for me that means few carbs. I feel good and it works for me.

 

[Jenvenza]

OP, sounds like that diet clinic is similar to what I have been doing. I have lost 50 pounds since October and it has been the easiest diet I have ever done.

Here is what our clinic offers (BTW I have done every diet out there from WW to LA Weight Loss to starvation):

1. HCG shots (3 x a week) - some say these do not work it did for me

2. Phentermine - diet pill - I only take half a pill - I have taken these alone before without the results I had this time. 3 months on and then a month off.
This was my month off - no problems to report! Did not lose much weigh though.

3. No actual calorie limit - but I did eat mainly protein and fiber. Double fiber bread was my savior and it actually tastes good! Did not eat any potatoes, pasta or sweets. Ate nuts, fruit and lots of chicken!! Our diet follows the low glycemic chart of foods.

4. b12 shots weekly - I gave these to myself.

I can honestly say I could have gone all day without eating and would sometimes have to remind myself to eat. When I did the Phentermine alone a few years ago, I did not always feel that way.

Some can disagree with this diet, but I was able to follow it and have lost the weight. I would like to lose about 20 more pounds and know I can. Since this was my month off the pills and shots, I have been learning how to eat in a way I can manage this weight loss - actually lost 7 more pounds without really trying to. No big cravings, but I did eat a few things I had not in the months before. My biggest problem is I do not like most vegatables, never have. I am repulsed my many of them. Not sure why. I do take natual vitamins each day to supplement my diet.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Phentermine was how I lost my baby weight. It didnt seem to be going anywhere - I had gained close to 50 pounds! And As soon as I started taking Phentermine, it started coming off. And stayed off. But I also had to remind myself to eat. I could go all day withut eating and have enough energy to work, clean the entire house and play and take care of my daughter! It is like legal cocaine!

 

[Darsa]

2. Phentermine - diet pill - I only take half a pill - I have taken these alone before without the results I had this time. 3 months on and then a month

This is what I'm currently taking, prescribed by my dr when we discussed the issue with my mom and my difficulty (and repeated attempts) to lose weight. With this and exercise and food management I have managed to lose 25 pounds so far, and I've been taking the meds since December 5th. I'm ecstatic that I've found something that will assist me in this way that also makes me feel SO good; I haven't felt this well in such a long time, it's amazing. Next month (assuming my followup comes out well) I'll be taking one every other day, and then stopping, to see if the weight loss continues.

I have tried practically everything; ever try drinking 2TBSP vinegar in a tall glass of water? OMG, I thought I was going to lose it, it was so disgusting. I couldn't even get past the one gulp, and I had to FIGHT to keep that down.

 

[paintnolish]

One of my coworkers tried that maple syrup/cayenne pepper/lemon juice diet...for a day and a half! He said he ended up just not eating because the concoction tasted so terrible!

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I tried that cabbage diet - does anyone remember that one? It made me so sick!

.

Me, too! I didn't mind eating the things on the diet, but on the third day (I think it was banana day) I lost every ounce of energy I every had. My office partner was doing it at the same time, and it made her sick the same way. We both just kept putting our heads on our desks all day, wishing we could sleep!

I lost some on Atkins, but gave that up, too. I know exactly what I need to do as far as eating and exercising, so I can't use ignorance as a reason why I can't lose weight.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I did the low iodine diet last year and I have to do it again this year. I wasnt even trying to loose weight, but in 2 weeks I lost 20 lbs. Its in prep for a nuclear test to detect thyroid cancer cells. Its pretty strict, but very healthy.

No dairy, no carbs, only fresh, fruit and vegetables and carbonated soda,tea or coffee. oatmeal,only 4 ounces of meat twice a day.And that can only be chicken or beef (fresh), no seafood, only unsalted matzoh. Only fresh herbs etc. Oh I can have nuts and jelly. Looks like I wil be loosing another 20 lbs. this year too.

 

[redlight]

The most crazy thing I've done is the Slim Fast shakes - I was so hungry that I think I actually gained on them.

 

[Jason@dvcstore]

1) Body for life --I think great program. I lost 10 pounds, gained muscle, etc.

2) P90X -- I think fantastic program and actually never finished the full 90 days but did lose 14 pounds and the weight stayed off. When I workout I try and do those workouts.

Jason

 

[pezheadmeg]

The uber hydration diet. It was on the cover of Women's World when I was in college. I dropped like 10 pounds in a little more than a week. It was drinking 130 ounces of water every day and eating normally. Except I was peeing so much, that I didn't have time to eat.

And I did LA Weight Loss. I dropped all of 10 pounds in 6 months, but I did go from a size 14 to a size 8. So obviously something was working.

 

[crz4mm2]

banana, hard boiled egg, hot dog diet. Horrible.

 

[Heidict]

I'm another one that tried the cabbage soup diet. Disgusting. I think I got to day 2 before giving up. I hate cabbage, always have, so I have no idea why I thought this would be a good idea.

Amazing the junk we will put into our bodies to lose a few pounds.

Now, I have finally realized that I just need to eat healthy overall and excercise, but if it were only that easy. I have an appointment today with a personal trainer. I'm scared. I think he is going to hurt me.

I do have to say that the legal speed sounds very enticing.

Last summer I lose about 25lbs the old fashined way,loosely following SOuth Beach and the weight is creeping back on. I have been fighting it , working out and following WW but I am having a difficult time. I went to the Dr few weeks ago, and my TSH is up over 12 again, which helps explain the weight gain partly. My Dr referred me to a particular diet clinic that is new to my area, and I stopped in yesterday to see what they offer:
- 500 calories a day (seems way too low to me)
- amphetamines (they call them appetite suppresants)
- no carb. You eat nothing but protein and get vitamin & energy shots

It is 250 to join 75 a week. This seems a bit NUTSO to me, and my DR suggested them! This is the Endocrinologist that I really like. I mean it just doesnt seem all that healthy to me. I looked up the appetite suppresant in my Nursing book, and it said it was highly addictive. I just can't get on board with this. I called my Dr and she said her patients have had success on this program.

Have you guys tried any crazy diets in your life? I tried Atkins once, that was crazy.

OMG, your doctor actually believes it's okay to live on 500 calories a day? Huh? I have never heard of an actual MD advocating something that extreme, quite the opposite. Did you question him on the soundness of that? I would have some serious concerns with my MD if they were endorsing something like that. Scary.

 

[dakcp2001]

I thought it was so bizarre I called the Dr to question her to see if she knew what this was all about or if she was blindly endorsing something she heard about, and she assured me she has had patients that have been successful. I asked her if she prescribes the appetite suppresants (since they charge 70 bucks a week) and she said "of course not" but she sends people to them, I wonder if she gets kick backs or something/.

lol mixed messages.