Seven Decades of Wacky Dieting Trends

They may be called fad diets, but, man, these weight-loss ideas sure stick around longer than leggings and platform wedges.

Content provided by:

1 of 8

< Previous | Next >

Seven decades of wacky dieting trends // Women lighting cigarettes (© Nickolas Muray/George Eastman House/Getty Images)

1930s–'40s diet trends: smoking and the Master Cleanse

Models and celebrities must have gotten the idea that smoking keeps you thin from somewhere, right? It turns out a 1920s–'30s ad campaign is to blame. Cigarette brand Lucky Strike used the line, "Reach for a Lucky Instead of a Sweet." Ugh! Do we even need to remind you of all the reasons—infertility, heart disease, lung cancer—smoking is one of the unhealthiest habits for you? Women looking for a quicker fix opted for the lemonade diet, or Master Cleanse. Developed by Stanley Burroughs, the diet allowed only lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. Nearly 70 years later, Beyoncé reportedly used the same program to shed pounds for her role in 2006's "Dreamgirls." Talk about staying power!

< Previous | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Next >

More From Glamour

Print This

Print Entire Slide Show

Email This Digg

Join the discussion!

1-10 of 31

#1

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 1:16:48 PM

Actually, they were originally called "Aids" They changed their name after the disease came around.

a. nonie mouse

#2

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 1:07:48 PM

The worst was the Beverly Hills diet. Nothing but watermelon the first day, papaya the second day, and I can't remember the third day because I never made it that far.

kah454

#3

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 9:32:32 AM

You mention it on your list of whacky diets but it is still the best. Weight Watchers works. You might mention that the original WW diet was the New York State Department of Health obesity diet. Follow it it works. It has it all portion control and exercise. But like all wieght loss programs if you don't follow it, it won't work. Remember...NOTHING CHANGES IF NOTHING CHANGES.

Lose up to 10 Pounds in 10 Days

#4

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 6:10:38 AM

I've tried everything...from exercising to consuming supplements. I finally was referred by a friend to take these Fat Loss Slimming Capsules ZhenDeShou 350mg (not 250mg) sold at www.slimmingsolution.net. It has worked GREAT for me and my co-workers. Everyone is really achieving there weight loss goal. I lost 30 Pounds....visit website to see before and after pictures. The capsules really give you that "umph" like it states to get you on the road of slimming down. You will experience having a suppressed appetite almost instantly! You will lose up to 10 Pounds in 10 Days! These capsules are low-key and really popular in the Dallas, Texas area. These capsules are hard to find and only sold on there website! My only advice is to drink plenty of water. You will lose weight! You will get flabby if you DO NOT do some type of exercise (workout for minimum 15 minutes daily or every other day ). No caffeine allowed. Visit website for FAQs or contact their friendly customer service. Just thought I would be helpful to let you know of what REALLY WORKS out there. SlimmingSolution.Net

traben

#5

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:48:49 PM

I made a resolution to lose weight at the start of the New Year. I have lost 34 pounds by following the Richard Simmons Food Mover. It was so easy to follow, just close the windows as you eat, when all the windows are closed, you are finished eating for the day. It is a well balanced diet. I have tried many fad diets, the ablsolute worst was the Dr. Stillman's Water Diet which made me sick. For me, nothing beats counting fat and calories and the Food Mover did that for me. There are no quick fixes, I didn't put the weight on overnight, and I didn't lose it overnight either. Choose something sensible. Good luck!

sareyaclrg

#6

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:45:36 PM

My freinds recommended me a hot place ** RichRomances.com ** It's where wealthy singles looking for younger unattached people to enjoy their wealthy lifestyle with.

Bob27852

#7

Monday, April 13, 2009 10:48:03 AM

I think different things work for different people. I tried weight-watchers once, for a couple of months, and couldn't cope with it, lost about 10 pounds and put 25 back on afterward... Then I met the Atkins diet, lost 60 pounds in about 4 months, and have kept it off for almost 6 years so far. And my cholesterol went from 210 to 130 in the process... I have a large (or two small) salads a day - with Bleu Cheese dressing and REAL bacon bits!... I hit In-N-Out and get 2 double-doubles, protein style... maybe 1 or 2 atkins chocolate chip cookie dough bars, and a steady stream of Sam's Choice Key Lime flavored waters...

seek answers

#8

Monday, April 13, 2009 10:08:57 AM

Ok, is this pill safe? how did you purchase it, 'coz when I went and search the name it was a spanish language. Can you give more info. on this. I want to try it.

cmmell

#9

Monday, April 13, 2009 9:37:36 AM

I'm not sure where 7thgpsfwife is getting their info, but dead wrong! The only nutritional plans that have ever (and repeatedly) been scientfically demonstrated to be successful in weight reduction and long term maintenance, are the ones such as Weight Watchers which teach healthy eating habits, not extreme food group avoidance, such as Atkins. Just recently another prominent medical journal published the conclusion that calories in and calories out are the only factors in weight loss, despite the kooky "diets" out there. The actual data shows Atkins to be one of the least successful for people in keeping the weight off year over year.

mar_tay

#10

Monday, April 13, 2009 9:12:29 AM

My experience is that diets, pills, etc. do not work -- at least not for long term. I have personally tried most of them, and lost a little weight here and there. But once I got off the program or quit taking the pills the weight came back and then some. Sound familiar?

I finally decided the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to reduce the overall calories comsumed and increase the amount of physical exercise. It won't sell diet books, but it has worked for me!

1-10 of 31

PreviousNext

To add a comment, pleasesign in

Seven Decades of Wacky Dieting Trends

More From Glamour

MSN needs your opinion!

advertisement