Feeding Frenzy, or Not

Just when you think there could not be another diet gimmick to come on the market, you turn on the news and BAM – there’s another one. I turned on the TV, and there it was – a woman in the doctor’s office with a feeding tube. No, she was not sick. The feeding tube was completely voluntary. Yes, folks, people are actually opting to walk around with a feeding tube for the sole purpose of losing weight (to get into a wedding dress).

The basic idea is that you get ‘served’ a certain amount of protein and other nutrients at 500-800 calories a day for 10 days through a nasogastric tube. There are, of course, no carbohydrates in this diet – none. On average, one loses about 20 lbs. in the time-frame. Now don’t expect to get through something that extreme without any side effects. The list includes constipation, bad breath, and lightheadedness as well as dehydration and possible kidney stones. Not my idea of a good time.

Needless to say, I was completely flabbergasted at the thought of shoving a tube up my nose, down my esophagus, and into my stomach just to lose weight. But to some people, looking great must come at any cost. And what’s the cost you may ask? Around $1500.

Apparently, this trend began in Europe as the ketogenic enteral nutrition (KEN) diet. It’s also known as the Tube Diet. I have a few names for it but will refrain for risk of sounding judgmental. I will say this, however, the Tube Diet is not our idea of living healthy or looking healthy. We believe in the old-fashioned way – balanced, enjoyable meals and consistent exercise almost everyday of the week. A good dose of patience is also great to have.

~Live Healthy. Look Healthy.