The New Japanese Diet Fad

Going Bananas

bananas
(Image credit: Stockdisc)

When a Japanese celeb reportedly lost 24 pounds on the Banana Diet, books on the regimen — touting all-you-can-eat banana breakfasts — flew off shelves, resulting in a countrywide shortage of the fruit.

How the diet works: Bananas contain fiber and "resistant starch," making them hunger-killers. Tepid water, consumed with the bananas, also promotes fullness. Nix sweets and add a sensible lunch and dinner (eaten before 7 p.m.).

Why it'll fail: Forgoing sweets is a prelude to a binge — so are one-note meals. Sooner or later, you'll be speeding off to IHOP.