The first humans on Earth used food as means of survival, none of it was deliciously sweet, salty, or convenient. They worked hard to find food, unlike today where we have grocery stores and restaurants for our convenience. Throughout the 2000’s, diet trends have become increasingly more popular amongst Americans.

During the holiday season, family and friends come together for dinner to celebrate. For picky eaters, your aunt’s weird vegan dish is a great option, but it can be dangerous for people completely changing their lifestyles. Still, fad diets have gained cult followings over the past 100 years. Here are some of the weird, and not so weird fad diets.

Gluten Free became a huge trend in 2016, stores and restaurants have whole sections of these special items. Many people cannot eat gluten at all, so this “trend” is great for them. However, people who don’t have Celiac Disease, a gluten allergy, can damage their digestive system. When they cut out gluten all together, the body forgets how to process certain types of grain, and can lead to serious problems.

The Paleo diet encourages people to eat more fruits and vegetables, things from the Earth like our ancestors from Paleolithic times. It’s incredibly hard to stick to long-term, and it isn’t exactly healthy, considering the recipes are full of unnecessary ingredients that probably aren’t that healthy.

Cleanses

Juice Cleanses have been popular on social media, dietary supplement teas became popular, promising pounds of weight loss in just one week. Juice cafes popped up in larger cities, selling meal replacement juices. They are generally made with all natural ingredients, but can cause severe digestive problems if done for longer than a week a month.

In the 1950’s the Apple Cider Vinegar diet was popular, consisting of water, and you guessed it, Apple Cider Vinegar. It was thought to curb cravings, but today it has resurfaced, but only taking a tablespoon of it before meals.

Celebrity Endorsements

Many celebrities have shared their secrets to staying red carpet ready, including Andy Warhol who would order food he didn’t like, then ask for a to-go box and give it away. Elvis Presley believed in sleeping to inhibit eating. For some, instead of putting off eating, they’ll just ruin their food by covering it in salt and condiments so they can’t eat any more of it.

The “Get Slim Quick” diets have been the most dangerous, from tapeworm pills to cotton balls. These diets don’t promise long term results, or even actual fat loss.

Diets and their endorsements have been around for hundreds of years, and there seems to be a new one every few years. Many of these aren’t worth the hassle or inconvenience, especially since there won’t be any long-term health benefits. At your next party of dinner, just remember that you don’t have to follow a diet every second, just relax and enjoy some comfort food!