I really enjoy reading the headlines in the health and nutrition sections of news Web sites. Of course, there are always the ever-increasing warnings about foods that are detrimental to my health, along with the frequent rebukes directed toward a less-than-health-conscious public. However, there are also some real treasures tucked into this mishmash of health news. These treasures are sometimes absurd but often delightful. Some of my favorite articles have addressed topics such as the health benefits of chocolate, ice cream and chocolate milk. I often quote the information to any person who tries to tell me how unhealthy my eating habits are.
The absurd articles have to be the best. These usually relate to new discoveries, studies or fads. They are often completely ridiculous, and I don’t know how they are deemed newsworthy. However, I have to admit I do draw a certain pleasure from their ludicrousness.
I stumbled across one such gem the other day. This article relates to a fad diet that I had never heard of before, but I simply had to find out more. It’s called the Cookie Diet.
As soon as I saw that, I automatically knew that it could not possibly be nutritionally sound. I think that’s what made it appealing. In at least one respect I find myself similar to Elizabeth Bennett – I delight in absurdities.
And so, I began to read about the Cookie Diet. Dr. Sanford Siegal came up with it about 30 years ago and claims it has been effective for thousands of people. Actually, I’m pretty surprised that I’ve never heard of it before. One would think that this dessert-lover would have found out about any and all eating plans that actually tout cookie-eating.
Dieters are allowed to eat one meal per day, which is dinner. For this meal, they can eat six ounces turkey, chicken, fish or seafood, along with a cup of vegetables. They are also told to drink eight glasses of liquid per day, which may include coffee and tea. The only other food that they are allowed to eat is cookies.
But these aren’t just any cookies. Siegal created a special recipe designed to quash hunger for these sweet treats, which are available in chocolate, raisin and coconut. Dieters are allotted six cookies per day, and they must eat all of them.
In all, the daily regimen adds up to about 800 calories per day, which is astonishingly low. This accounts for the rapid weight loss experienced by many patients. Weight loss is the main goal of this diet, rather than decreasing body fat or improving bodily health.
Critics of the Cookie Diet say that it does not have enough nutrients and is not a healthy choice. The diet is too low in calories, carbs, vitamins, fiber and many other important nutritional elements. They say that noticeable weight loss does not always equate with improved health.
However, Siegal says the Cookie Diet is not a permanent plan. After dieters have achieved their desired weight loss, they are transitioned to a different diet plan with more calories and more exercise. He also tells dieters to use supplemental vitamins in order to make up for the lack of vitamins in cookies.
So, if you’re looking to drop some pounds, but don’t really care about the nutritional value of what you’re eating, the Cookie Diet could be for you. And even if you don’t really want to diet, you’re still getting to eat cookies all day long. It’s not really a lose-lose situation, now is it?
This is just one example of the many charming news stories that can be found online. If you ever want to read something interesting or just laugh, check out some news Web sites, especially the health headlines. The advice of different physicians, dieticians and nutritionists changes every day, which makes for interesting reading.