4 Popular Diets I Abandoned for Tasty Alternatives

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Written by Elaine Chaney
Updated: Dec. 2, 2016
Originally Published: Sep. 16, 2005

Food has always been a deep passion of mine, and I don’t claim to have an exquisite palate. I am the person who goes to fairs just to indulge in an outrageous Krispy Kreme chicken sandwich on a stick. My snacks of choice? Gas station delights like Slim Jims, FunYuns Flamin’ Hots, and those oddly textured orange circus peanuts. Admitting this is somewhat embarrassing, especially considering the various diets I’ve attempted in my quest to shed the weight gained from my juvenile eating habits.

After many failed attempts at dieting, I’ve reconciled the fact that traditional diets and I simply don’t mix. I’ve shifted my focus from short-term goals, such as squeezing into a bikini, to long-term health objectives, like maintaining my mobility well into my golden years without relying on a motorized scooter. Before I completely dismiss restrictive diets, however, I want to pay homage to the popular fad diets I’ve tried and the delectable foods that led to their demise.

1. Slim Fast

My first foray into dieting began during college when I met my husband. Intimidated by his fitness level, I decided to try Slim Fast—two shakes a day and a “sensible” dinner, which I interpreted as a Whopper Jr. instead of a regular Whopper. My roommate joined me, and we both quickly learned that Slim Fast shakes come with some serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Despite losing 10 pounds during the initial two weeks, the shakes were more like chocolate-flavored despair. The turning point came when we parked next to a pizza place and couldn’t resist the enticing aroma of fresh pizza. Our early “dinner” at 2 p.m. led to a regrettable evening of cappuccino-flavored Slim Fast, which was the final nail in the coffin for that diet.

2. Atkins

In the late ’90s, Atkins was all the rage. My boss, who had shed pounds while indulging in bacon and steak, piqued my interest. Having gained weight from a 4-pack of powdered donuts, I gave the Atkins diet a shot. I enjoyed the bacon, but temptation struck when I encountered a McDonald’s advertising a “bucket of fries.” Ignoring my diet, I succumbed to the deliciousness of those fries, effectively putting Atkins to rest.

3. Nutrisystem

After having my first child, my eating habits deteriorated due to my busy lifestyle. Juggling a colicky baby left me with little time for proper meals. I turned to Nutrisystem, which offered convenient pre-packaged meals. For a while, it fit my life perfectly. However, as my daughter grew and I could finally cook with both hands, I quickly realized I preferred a fresh hamburger off the grill over Nutrisystem’s tiny versions. The pre-packaged meals were soon out of the question.

4. Dukan Diet

At 34, I was still struggling with post-pregnancy weight from my second child. A friend’s success with the Dukan Diet caught my attention. The diet promised to reset my metabolism and had a long-term plan that seemed sustainable. I lost 20 pounds while my husband lost 40 (a common male weight loss advantage). However, while on vacation back in San Diego, I was tempted by authentic Mexican food, particularly carne asada fries, which ultimately led to the demise of my Dukan Diet.

A healthy lifestyle can be challenging to maintain amidst birthdays, holidays, and the lure of delicious food. However, I find it much more rewarding to enjoy real meals rather than endure sad shakes from a can. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, this article from Home Insemination Kit offers additional insights. For more information regarding pregnancy, refer to this excellent resource, Women’s Health. If you want to explore home insemination kits, check out Make a Mom.

In summary, the battle against fad diets is often lost to the allure of delicious food. Rather than imposing strict eating rules, focusing on a balanced lifestyle can yield better long-term results.