16 Old-Fashioned Diet Plans That Have Been Abandoned
Not all diet plans stand the test of time, and some old-school regimens now seem more harmful than helpful. Though they once dominated headlines and weight-loss books, many have been discarded in favor of safer, evidence-based approaches.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Diet culture has undergone major changes over the decades, leaving many once-popular weight loss methods in the past. While some of these plans were based on emerging science, others leaned heavily on marketing hype and unrealistic promises. As nutritional research progressed, people began to recognize the flaws and health risks involved. These outdated diet trends have since faded as more sustainable and balanced approaches gained popularity.
1. Grapefruit Diet
Engin Akyurt on Pexels
Popular in the 1930s and again in the ’80s, this diet claimed that eating grapefruit before each meal would boost fat burning. It emphasized protein and citrus fruit while severely restricting calories. The idea was that grapefruit contained enzymes that helped burn fat, though science never backed this claim. Many people lost weight initially due to the calorie deficit, not the fruit itself. Eventually, the lack of variety and nutrients made it unsustainable.
2. Cabbage Soup Diet
makafood on Pexels
This low-calorie diet centered around eating large amounts of cabbage soup for seven days. It promised rapid weight loss but lacked essential nutrients and a balanced approach. While participants dropped pounds quickly, most of it was water weight. The plan was often criticized for being boring, bland, and hard to follow. Nutritionists eventually advised against it due to its extreme restrictions.
3. Hollywood Diet
Pixabay on Pexels
Also known as the “juice fast,” the Hollywood Diet involved drinking only fruit juice mixtures for a few days. It promised dramatic weight loss in a very short time. The method offered very few calories and no solid food, leading to fatigue and nutrient deficiencies. While popular among celebrities for quick fixes, it was unsustainable and unhealthy in the long term. Eventually, it lost credibility in health and nutrition circles.
4. Atkins Diet (Original Version)
Chan Walrus on Pexels
Dr. Robert Atkins introduced a high-fat, low-carb diet that became wildly popular in the late 1990s. The original version restricted nearly all carbs, including fruits and whole grains. Although many lost weight quickly, the heavy focus on meat and fat raised concerns about heart health. Modern low-carb diets have evolved to include more balance and fiber. The strict original Atkins plan has since been abandoned by most.
5. Zone Diet
Helen Brudna on Pexels
Created by Dr. Barry Sears, the Zone Diet emphasized a 40-30-30 ratio of carbs, protein, and fat. It aimed to control insulin levels and reduce inflammation through balanced meals. While structured, it often became too complex for many people to follow. Food measuring and strict portion control made it difficult to maintain in daily life. Interest declined as simpler, more flexible diets emerged.
6. Scarsdale Diet
Max Bonda on Pexels
The Scarsdale Diet was a strict, 14-day high-protein, low-carb plan with very limited calories. Meals were pre-planned with little room for personal preference or flexibility. Though it led to rapid short-term weight loss, it was highly restrictive and low in fat. Critics noted that it lacked essential nutrients and encouraged unhealthy eating habits. Over time, it fell out of favor as better long-term solutions appeared.
7. SlimFast Plan (Original Version)
René Roa on Pexels
Originally, the SlimFast plan involved replacing two meals a day with sugary shakes and eating one low-calorie dinner. While convenient, it lacked real food and encouraged a reliance on processed products. Many users found it unsatisfying and hard to stick with. The lack of variety and whole food options drew criticism from health experts. SlimFast has since updated its offerings, but the original version is largely outdated.
8. Tapeworm Diet
Pixabay on Pexels
One of the most dangerous diets in history involved ingesting a tapeworm to lose weight. The parasite would absorb calories in the intestines, supposedly helping with weight loss. This method caused severe health risks, including malnutrition, organ damage, and infection. It was eventually banned in most countries due to safety concerns. The tapeworm diet is now viewed as a shocking example of extreme weight-loss desperation.
9. Beverly Hills Diet
Jane T D. on Pexels
Launched in the 1980s, this diet claimed that eating certain foods in specific sequences would help the body digest more efficiently. It focused heavily on fruit during the initial days, later allowing other food groups. The plan lacked scientific support and was very low in protein. Many experienced muscle loss, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. The Beverly Hills Diet quickly lost popularity due to health risks.
10. Master Cleanse
betül akyürek on Pexels
Also known as the Lemon Detox Diet, this cleanse involved drinking a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper for several days. It promised to detox the body and trigger rapid weight loss. In reality, it deprived the body of vital nutrients and calories. Long-term use led to muscle loss and slowed metabolism. Health professionals warned against it, and interest eventually faded.
11. Blood Type Diet
Charlie-Helen Robinson on pexels
This diet claimed that individuals should eat according to their blood type to improve digestion and energy. It grouped foods into categories that were supposedly more compatible with specific blood types. There was no scientific basis for the theory, and the results were inconsistent. Nutrition experts dismissed it as pseudoscience. As research progressed, it was largely abandoned by the mainstream.
12. Cotton Ball Diet
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
A highly dangerous fad, this diet involved eating cotton balls soaked in juice to create a feeling of fullness. It aimed to reduce calorie intake by tricking the stomach into feeling full. The cotton balls could cause digestive blockages, choking, and malnutrition. Medical professionals strongly warned against it. It has since been recognized as an extreme and hazardous eating disorder behavior.
13. Pritikin Diet (Original Version)
ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels
The original Pritikin Diet was very low in fat and focused on high-fiber, plant-based foods. It allowed minimal animal products and avoided all added fats. While it showed some cardiovascular benefits, it was difficult for many to maintain. Critics pointed to its overly restrictive nature and lack of flexibility. Later versions were revised, and the original is rarely followed today.
14. Chewing Diet (Fletcherism)
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
This odd diet promoted chewing each bite of food dozens of times before swallowing. It was believed that thorough chewing improved digestion and reduced calorie intake. While mindful eating has its benefits, this method became obsessive and impractical. People often reported discomfort and fatigue during meals. Fletcherism eventually faded due to its extreme and tedious nature.
15. Baby Food Diet
Foodie Factor on pexels
Endorsed briefly by some celebrities, the baby food diet involved replacing meals or snacks with jars of baby food. The idea was to control portions and reduce calories without thinking too much. While low in calories, it lacked variety and long-term sustainability. It also did not teach proper eating habits for adult nutritional needs. The trend was short-lived and quickly abandoned.
16. Subway Diet
Rhian Sousa on Pexels
Made famous by a long-running ad campaign, the Subway Diet involved eating low-fat subs as meal replacements. While it encouraged portion control and better fast food choices, it lacked variety and a balanced nutritional profile. Relying on sandwiches alone for weight loss ignores broader dietary needs. Over time, people looked for more complete and personalized eating plans. The Subway Diet is now considered outdated.