ICYMI cover image

ICYMI

24 Hours of the Strangest Online Fad Diet

Oct 16, 2024
Daisy Rosario chats with Luke Winkie, a Slate staff writer known for his adventurous takes on quirky topics, about his daring foray into the Sardine Fast diet. They dive into the peculiar online culture surrounding this fad and its surprising rise in popularity. Luke shares his highs and lows with the sardine experience, touching on the diet's nutritional aspects while exploring the broader impact of social media on dining trends. The conversation also hints at the retro charm of tinned fish and modern relationships, making this discussion both amusing and insightful.
37:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The sardine fast, a viral fad diet, promotes rapid weight loss but poses risks of nutrient deficiencies and discomfort during its restrictive 72-hour duration.
  • Despite its challenges, the sardine fast may inspire a greater appreciation for canned sardines and their potential as a sustainable, nutritious food option.

Deep dives

The Sardine Fast Explained

The sardine fast is a short-term diet where participants eat only canned sardines and drink water, sometimes allowing black coffee, for a duration of 72 hours. This diet emerged from a viral trend that gained traction online, particularly among those interested in carnivore and raw food diets. While many fad diets promise various health benefits, the sardine fast is primarily touted for quick weight loss and the potential to induce ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Dr. Annette Bosworth, a controversial figure with a questionable background, popularized this diet through a viral YouTube video, leading to an increase in interest and content related to the sardine fast across social media platforms.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode