Pineapple Diet: Fad or Fabulous?

The Pineapple Diet is a diet created in the 1970s that promised quick weight loss. Created by a Danish psychologist named Sten Hegeler, this diet was originally called the Sexy Pineapple Diet. New years, weddings and special occasions usually trigger the need to lose weight, and we end up looking for shortcuts or crash diets to help us achieve this goal. This may explain why the diet is back in the news and gaining popularity again.

So, what exactly is the Pineapple Diet?

Pineapple diet involves eating pineapple for 2 days and normal diet for the other 5 days of the week. Over the years, various approaches have been added, including only pineapple for 3–7 days. The idea behind consuming only pineapple for a few days a week is to limit the calorie intake to 500 kcal on those days.

Why is it important to lose extra weight?

In addition to the obvious external manifestations of excess weight, it is also associated with a number of health problems. Overweight is a major risk factor for NCDs (non-communicable diseases) and increases the risk of infectious diseases. Maintaining a healthy BMI, waist/hip ratio and a good muscle mass are known to benefit overall health.

Read also: Looking for a healthy diet? Try the Mediterranean – Best Diets for Healthy Eating 2023

So, is the pineapple diet a fad or does it work?

There are many different types of diets that appeal to weight watchers, and their popularity fluctuates over time. I’ve tried to find a scientific study that might support the theory of the pineapple diet but I haven’t had much success. So here’s what I have to say.

Pineapple Diet: Why It Might Work

• Fasting two days a week, keeping intake to 500- 600 kcal is similar to a method of intermittent fasting and can help control insulin resistance
• Limiting food intake to two days a week and drinking plenty of sugar-free fluids is a good way to give the digestive system a rest, as our traditional fasting method suggests.
• Pineapple is a rich source of vitamins C and B6, important minerals like copper and manganese. Nutrients keep you nourished, and fiber helps keep you satiated, too. Manganese is linked to the metabolism of fats, carbs and proteins. It plays an important role in many enzyme functions and bone health and is necessary for the production of antioxidants.
• Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps digest proteins. It is suggested that this may aid in weight loss.

Pineapple Diet: Why It Might Not Work

• Fasting a few days a week for weight loss may not be the ideal route for everyone. Everyone has a different metabolic response and there is ample evidence to support the fact that a daily negative calorie balance works best for weight gain and overall health achievement in most populations.
• The weight lost with the help of crash dieting for a short period of time is usually regained. This weight cycling is harmful to health over a period of time.
• The diet may not be sustainable, nor does it guide how normal eating days should be planned.
• Pineapple has a good nutritional value but, like all other foods, it is limited. The repetition of one food or food type often limits the intake of other nutrients. Eating a variety of food is the only way to ensure that all micronutrients are being adequately consumed.
• Manganese is an important nutrient but most of its functions require the support of proteins or carbs, without which its usefulness is limited.
• Bromelain is present in the fibrous stem, core and skin of the fruit, which is not usually eaten. So unless you’re adding the whole fruit, you’re not really getting the enzymes. Also, there is no conclusive evidence regarding its ability to reduce fat.

my take:

It is completely natural for most of us to want to fit into a particular outfit that we have grown up with. Or set goals for our weight loss journey based on special events and occasions. This takes us to the path of shortcuts. Problems arise when we take drastic measures or follow a limited diet that stresses our metabolism.

In my opinion, the only way forward is to regularly check your weight, especially after your 20s. Develop healthy eating habits, which means eating nutrient-rich foods in moderation 85% of the time. Make exercise a daily must and watch for the warning signs. If the dress is getting tight, don’t go out and buy the next size up. Instead start your weight loss journey, take it slow and steady. The weight will last longer.

I want to leave you with a simple question. If (fad) diets were so effective, why is obesity one of the major public health problems worldwide?

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