Throughout history, mankind has tried out different diets in order to achieve multiple fitness and body type goals. However, many have previously ignored and continue to ignore the fact that these diets are not at all healthy. More often than not, these diets can be extremely dangerous and in some cases, life threatening. Here is a list of the most dangerous diets ever.

Most Dangerous Diet # 1 – One Ingredient Diet

The concept of this diet is very simple; chose one healthy food for example whole-grain cereal and eat it 3 times a day. This means that you will be consuming the same food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seems a little extreme doesn’t it? We’ve been told countless times that too much of even a good thing can be bad; this quote specifically applies to this diet. But why is this diet bad? Our body needs many different nutrients such as Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber and Carbohydrates.
Consuming only one type of food will not be able to provide us with all those nutrients and it may also result in deficiencies. Also eating only one kind of food can increase the risk of developing allergies, since your immune system gets weaker.

Tip: Instead of depriving your body of essential nutrients, make a realistic attempt at portion control. Try to eat everything, but in small quantities. For example, instead of consuming 1 serving of pasta, go for half. That way, your not depriving yourself of food and also limiting calories from your diet.

Most Dangerous Diet # 2 – Junk Food Diet

We often validate eating junk food with justifications such as; “I don’t have time to eat healthy”. However, just because you have a busy schedule, this does not mean that you cannot eat healthy. Junk food is amongst the unhealthiest food that you can possibly consume, not only are they full of calories, which adds extra fat. These foods do not have any nutritional value; this means that you are not providing your body with the nutrients that it requires to function efficiently.

Tip:  Prepare meals in advance in order to minimize your junk food intake.

Most Dangerous Diet # 3 – Low Carb Diets

This is probably one of the most well publicized diets out there – the low-carb diet such as Aitkin’s! Eliminating carbohydrates from your diet is an extremely unhealthy and dangerous choice to make. What people fail to understand is that Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient. Carbohydrates break down and provide the body with energy that is required to carry out daily activities. Lack of carbohydrates in the body can make you feel weak and lethargic. You may even lose the ability to exercise properly due to lack of energy. 

Tip: What you can do is, opt for complex carbohydrates which offer fewer calories and keep you full longer.  Try consuming more whole grains.

Most Dangerous Diet # 4 – HCG Diet

Another extremely dangerous diet is the HCG diet which encourages an individual to only consume 500 calories per day. People on this diet are advised to avoid processed foods, sugar and fat. This can be very dangerous since the body does not get enough nutrients, which are required to function properly. You may feel too weak to exercise or even perform daily activities. Another important aspect of this diet is the HCG hormone shots, these shots are taken every now and then during the diet and believed to reduce weight. Even though this diet can result in weight loss; it is accompanied with an abundance of issues. 

Tip: If you’re goal is to lose weight, try to limit your calories but in a healthy, realistic way. Opt for low calorie foods which provide you with essential nutrients such as fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, whole grains and low-fat dairy.