Can’t seem to shed the LBs? Worried about the freshman 15 becoming the freshman 40? Apparently, you’re not the only one. And if you don’t believe in the health benefits of the beer you’re guzzling every weekend, maybe you’ll believe in this new fad:
It’s called the Banana Diet- and it’s sweeping across Japan in a weight loss frenzy, making the already popular fruit scarce and putting fear in the hearts of producers. Reasoning behind the popularity? Its an inexpensive, simple way to lose weight- and even boasts a stress-free nature.
In late September, markets in Japan saw a 70% increase in the sales of bananas in as little as a week. Apparently stores are banana-less after 3PM every day. Besides raising prices, well-known companies like Dole aren’t quite sure what to do. It takes 10-15 months to harvest bananas, and no one was prepared for this increase in demand. If it’s a fad that’s one thing, but what if there is no end in sight?!
Like America, Japan is notorious for clinging to the latest and greatest diet fad. Many believe that the craze began with the release of new diet books praising the fruit’s abilities to boost your health and take off those last 5 lbs that you can’t seem to accomplish with your own diet routine. In terms of the function within the body, bananas contain enzymes that help digest food at a faster rate and reduce the urge to snack. And a big plus for us slackers: exercise isn’t part of the regime. Despite over 700,000 books so thus far, scientists aren’t convinced.
The diet goes like this:
Breakfast = A banana. Or two, or three or 2,739. Go nuts! Or, uh, bananas!
Lunch & Dinner = Before 8PM, anything you damn well please!
**Deal Breakers:
-No dessert after meals
-Limit your water intake (which must be room temperature)
-Bed by midnight
Is it just another fad? Could be. But what if it’s something else? Maybe this diet is going global- taking us all back to our primal roots. GASP. All I know is the second I witness someone picking out bugs from a friend’s hair and dragging their hands along the pavement… I’m outta here!
Photo from: i3.photobucket.com/…/Dogbytes/Budha_Banana.jpg
October 29th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Very Interesting! I think I would get sick off of eating so many banana’s. I think that I am going to takeGerard Musante’s advice in his newest book “Structure House Weight Loss Program,” and not use my emotions when it comes to eating, just eat when I am hungry- I might implement a few bananas into my diet though!