Celebrity diets: The good, the bad and the bizarre
Let's face it, the diet culture is a tough one to crack. No matter how much we try to fight it, it’s always lurking around the corner, ready to pounce on the latest trend or fad.
And in the age of social media, we’re bombarded with images of perfectly toned bodies and promises of quick fixes. Celebrities, in particular, seem to be the main culprits, sharing their “secret” diets that often border on the ridiculous.
The good: habits worth emulating
Some celebrities have managed to strike a balance and actually promote healthy eating habits. Take Jennifer Aniston, for instance. She swears by a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
Her go-to breakfast? A smoothie packed with protein powder, bananas, blueberries, frozen cherries, stevia, vegetable mix, maca powder and a bit of cacao.
It’s a nutrient-dense way to start the day, and unlike many other celeb-endorsed options, it’s actually practical and healthy.
Aniston told “Well+Good”: "There's a collagen peptide that I've been loving—I've been seeing a difference! My nails are stronger, and there's a healthier...glow. It's sort of that working from the inside-out thing."
Another example is Hugh Jackman, who follows the 16:8 intermittent fasting plan. He eats all his meals within an eight-hour window and fasts for the remaining 16 hours. This method has been praised by nutritionists for its potential health benefits, including improved metabolism and better blood sugar control.
Jackman pairs this with a diet high in protein and vegetables, ensuring he gets the nutrients he needs without overindulging, he said in an interview with Men's Fitness magazine.
Kate Hudson told “Today” that to transform her body she turned to strength training and tracking her nutrition using a food tracking app.
While some celebrity diets have their merits, others should be approached with caution. Gwyneth Paltrow, for example, is known for her Goop-approved diet plans, which often include pricey and obscure ingredients.
Her infamous “moon dust” smoothies can set you back a pretty penny and doesn’t offer much more than a regular, balanced diet.
Then there’s the keto craze, endorsed by stars like Halle Berry. The ketogenic diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. While some people have found success with this plan, it’s not for everyone.
Health experts have testified that cutting carbs out leads to nutrient deficiencies and that it is difficult to sustain long-term. Plus, it’s not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions.
In particular, it's not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women or those with certain health conditions, like IBS, osteoporosis or kidney problems.
The downright crazy: habits to avoid at all costs
And then there are the diets that are just plain wacky. Remember when Beyoncé popularised the Master Cleanse, a diet that involves consuming nothing but a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper for days on end?
She told Oprah it helped her lose 20 pounds (roughly 9 kgs) in two weeks. The cleanse, also referred to as the lemonade diet, is a juice fast that people do for 10 days, where they avoid eating any solid foods.
While she claimed it helped her lose weight for her role in “Dreamgirls,” health experts were quick to point out the dangers of such extreme fasting. Not only is it unsustainable but it can also lead to serious health issues.
Detox diets can be particularly harmful for people with conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. And as with any form of extreme calorie restriction, resuming a normal diet will often lead to rapid weight gain afterwards.
Equally questionable is the trend of “eating air,” which was bizarrely endorsed by Madonna. Known as breatharianism, this diet is based on the French idea that air alone can keep our bodies active.
The air diet involves sitting in front of food, placing a piece onto a fork, holding it up to your mouth … But not eating it. Instead, you are to subsist on water and salt soup only. Needless to say, this has been debunked by science and is downright dangerous.
Balanced approach
The key takeaway from all these celebrity diet habits is that moderation and balance are essential. While it’s tempting to follow in the footsteps of our favourite stars, it’s important to remember that what works for them might not work for us.
Our bodies are unique, and so are our nutritional needs.
Instead of jumping on the latest celebrity diet bandwagon, focus on incorporating healthy, sustainable habits into your routine. Eat a variety of foods, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.
And remember, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. It’s all about finding what works best for you and sticking with it.