6 Weirdest Fad Diets of 2016 (So Far)

By , Melissa Rudy, Health & Fitness Journalist
Each year seems to usher in a new wave of fad diets. In 2015, millions of dieters tried the Paleo, Mediterranean, Flexitarian, South Beach, Zone and Macrobiotic regimes. Although some can be beneficial, most trendy weight loss plans usually pick up steam quickly and fizzle out just as fast. Although we're only a couple of months into 2016, some new dietary crazes are already making headlines.
 
#1 - The Taco Cleanse
 
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Playing off the endless cycle of chic cleanses sweeping the nation, the Taco Cleanse is actually a satire of sorts. Created by four self-proclaimed "taco scientists," the book includes 75 vegan taco recipes. Although much of the content is tongue-in-cheek, the recipes are legit.
 
Fitness nutrition specialist Sarah Bright says that although this is not a diet to be taken too seriously, it can be used for nutritional good. "This is basically an interesting way to make one of our favorite foods healthier by including more plant protein and vegetable servings," Bright says. "If you love tacos like I do, read the book for fun and interesting taco recipes to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle."
 
Nutritionist Toby Amidor, author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day, points out that the Taco Cleanse eliminates all animal products, which could be problematic for those who don't know how to combine foods to get the amino acids they need for optimal health.
 
#2 - The Pizza Diet
 
This enticing diet went viral when Chef Pasquale Cozzolini announced that he'd dropped nearly 100 pounds after eating a 12-inch pie from his New York City restaurant every day for lunch. But they weren't your typical pizzas: Cozzolini's pies were made from high-quality ingredients with very little sugar and healthy carbohydrates.
 
"There are no magical foods when it comes to weight loss," says Lisa Andrews, dietary consultant for Sound Bites Nutrition. "Any food can fit in your diet as long as the portion size is reasonable and it's prepared in a nutritious way."
 
For a healthier pizza, Andrews recommends starting with a thin, whole wheat crust, which provides more filling fiber than white crust and has far fewer calories than thicker crust. Also consider skipping the sausage, bacon and pepperoni, which are high in fat and calories but offer little nutritional value. Instead, load up on vegetables such as peppers, onions and tomatoes. Go light on the cheese and olives, as these add more fat, calories and sodium to the pie.
 
So what is the key takeaway from the Pizza Diet, according to Bright? Even foods that we don't usually associate with health can be nutritionally improved and enjoyed.
 
#3 - Staring into the Sun Diet
 
In Hong Kong, people are following a fad diet that calls for them to gather on a beach twice a day and stare into the sun. They start out with 10-second stints, then gradually increase the gazes up to 40 minutes. Claims include weight loss and improved vision.
 
Andrews says that while extended sun exposure may prevent vitamin D deficiency, there is no research or data to suggest that staring into the sun will help with weight reduction. "It could even increase the risk of macular degeneration and glaucoma," she says.
 
Bright agrees that the "diet" is outlandish and potentially dangerous. "Just don't do it. It won't help you lose weight, and you could experience retinal burns, permanent eye damage and vision loss."
 
#4 - The Wild Game Diet
 
Shortly after New Year's, Jurassic World star Chris Pratt announced his plans to only eat the meat from wild animals that he or his friends had personally hunted. Dubbed "The Game Plan," his free-range organic diet would allow some leeway for cheat foods, such as bacon, sushi and pepperoni.
 
While it may be tempting to follow a celebrity-endorsed diet, Andrews advises against this one. "Pratt's diet suggests that eating only wild caught game and vegetables will help him lose weight, but the diet lacks fiber and other nutrients from carbohydrates, such as fruit and whole grains," she says. "Some people complain of fatigue and irritability with high-protein diets, because carbohydrates help secrete serotonin, the chemical responsible for helping you feel calm." She also points out that very high-protein diets tend to be low in calcium, vitamin C, potassium, beta-carotene and other plant chemicals, unless lots of vegetables are included.
 
For those who want to try a wild game diet without the hunting, Bright recommends purchasing the meats from specialty stores, farmers' markets and high-end grocery stores. "It can be a lower-fat, high-nutrient protein option, and many people love the flavor," she says. "But as with any food, you will gain weight if you eat in excess of the calories you need each day."
 
#5 - The Chick-fil-A Diet
 
This unlikely diet originated from Chick-fil-A's "Great Ideas for Healthy Living" campaign. On its takeout bags, the chain printed a list of healthy eating tips, one of which was "Eat smaller meals (like an eight-count pack of grilled chicken nuggets) every three to four hours." The advice quickly went viral, spawning the somewhat sarcastic Chick-fil-A Diet.
 
Alissa Rumsey, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says it would be okay to eat the chain's grilled chicken nuggets occasionally, but not on a daily basis. "While it is high protein and lower calorie, it's a highly processed product that falls short on many nutrients, including fiber, vitamins and minerals. Plus, each serving provides about 20% of the sodium most people need in a day." Rumsey stresses the importance of eating a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, lean protein and whole grains.
 
Although it's best to avoid fast food, Andrews points out that many restaurants are modifying their menus to include more nutritious options. "The key here is to make good choices. Go for grilled chicken. Opt for salads without bacon and excess cheese or dressing. Order smaller sandwiches with less extras like mayonnaise, bacon and cheese. Drink water in place of soda and shakes. Don't order larger servings just because it's cheaper."
 
#6 - The Bone Broth Diet
 
In the best-selling book Bone Broth Diet, Dr. Kellyann presents a weight loss plan that has reportedly helped thousands of people lose 15 pounds in just three weeks. The magic ingredient? You guessed it—bone broth. Made from the bones of beef, chicken or turkey, the broth is simmered to produce an excess of proteins, nutrients, minerals and amino acids.
 
Andrews is skeptical of the claim that the Bone Broth Diet helps keep gut bacteria healthy. "There is more research coming out that we should keep our gut bacteria diverse to improve our immune systems, blood sugar and nutrient absorption," she says. "That said, the more variety of fiber that you consume, the more diverse your gut bacteria. To improve gut bacteria, I would advise adding beans—pinto, navy, great northern, black or others—to your soup and keeping whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and fermented foods in your diet."
 
Bright agrees with the practice of starting a meal with a broth-based soup as a way of cutting down on overall calories. "Broth provides a sensation of fullness, encouraging people to eat less, resulting in possible weight loss," she says. However, she cautions against relying solely on bone broth, as this could deprive your body of the vitamins and minerals found in other foods, like leafy greens and fruits.
 
The Last Word
 
"Fad diets are fads for a reason," Bright says. "They're largely unsustainable, promise results they can't deliver and encourage us to think of nutrition as something we do for a few weeks until we reach a goal and then quit. The better choice is to make lifestyle changes that you can maintain while still enjoying yourself."
 
What are some crazy fad diets you've heard about (or tried)?