On the cover of every magazine is a celebrity with flawless skin, the perfect body, and very attractive. We wonder how they pull it off. How did they lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks or have glowing skin? We want it all too. So we try a celebrity diet and end up miserable. The problem is most celebrity diets are unhealthy because of the concentration on fast results, losing weight, and cutting out healthy carbohydrates. These diets can actually harm your health long term. So here is everything you need to know about three popular celebrity diets–– paleo, keto, and macrobiotics. And why macrobiotic celebrities are healthiest compared to those on keto and paleo diet.

The Paleo Diet

The paleo diet (also called the caveman diet) is based on eating habits of hunters and gatherers. The paleo diet philosophy is agriculture is the cause of chronic disease, therefore, paleo diet only includes basic foods accessible to our ancestors. Paleo diet food list includes meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts (all except peanuts). Paleo diet foods avoided are grains, beans, dairy, legumes, processed foods, and sugar.

Even though paleo diet pushes for less processed foods, it approves high consumption of animal protein. Animal protein causes the body to accumulate toxins and increase in acidity. Triggering the kidneys to work extra hard to detoxify the body. This places heavy stress on the kidneys, heart, colon and other major organs.

The paleo diet is harmful to the liver as well. Healthy carbohydrates produce glucose, which becomes energy for our body. But without carbohydrates then the liver is burdened to produce energy for your body. Creating stress on your liver. Also the lack of healthy carbohydrates in the paleo diet can lead to decrease in energy, fatigue, and feeling weak. Remember, ancestors relied more heavily on plant-based foods as animals were not always around to hunt.  

Keto Diet or Ketogenic Diet

The number one reason celebrities try the keto diet is for rapid weight loss. On a keto diet, the goal is to eat high consumption of fat. The idea is to replace fat as your energy source instead of glucose from carbohydrates. Keto diet foods include meat, fish, leafy veggies or low carb veggies, pure fats (avocado, cheese, and yogurt), butter, and oils. Keto diet foods eliminated are healthy carbohydrates (grains, legumes, potatoes, and beans), fruits, and sugars.

Keep in mind, Keto diet does result in weight loss but it comes at a cost health wise. Keto diet, similar to paleo diet, puts pressure on kidneys and liver from the high consumption of animal fat and cutting out healthy carbohydrates. On top of it, the body is not built to use fat as energy unless starving. The keto diet goes against the body’s normal functions. Again putting a lot of stress for the body to try to stay balanced and healthy.

In recent studies, keto diet has been linked to higher chronic disease and shorter lifespan.“Compared to those in the highest carbohydrate group, those who ate the lowest carbohydrates had a 32% higher risk of all-cause death over 6 years. In addition, risks of death from heart disease and cancer were increased by 51% and 35%, respectively.” (Blue Zones)–Learn more about the keto diet research.

Macrobiotic Lifestyle

Macrobiotics is based on habits and practices of long standing world civilizations that continue to live without chronic diseases. A macrobiotics lifestyle emphasizes not just plant-based diet but practices including scheduled eating, taking a walk everyday, and sitting down and enjoying your meals. To be completely healthy, you need to be feel vibrant and balanced mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Macrobiotic Celebrities

One of the biggest macrobiotic celebrities is Alicia Silverstone (from Clueless). She is still acting, has flawless skin and looks vibrant. So what is Alicia Silverstone’s diet include? Macrobiotic foods includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds and naturally pickled and fermented foods. Macrobiotic foods to try to stay away from are animal protein, dairy, processed foods, and refined sugar. Other macrobiotic celebrities include Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, and Sting (has a macrobiotic cook). These macrobiotic celebrities are always complimented on their glowing skin and healthy body.   

Why carbohydrates? People with greatest longevity are on a carbohydrate diet. Japan, the country with highest life span and lowest number of chronic disease, incorporates grains in every meal. The reason is healthy carbohydrates go through the entire digestive process which allows all nutrients and minerals to be absorbed in the large intestine. A strong large intestine leads to healthy lungs, strong immune system, and clear thinking.   

Altogether, the macrobiotic celebrities have the best health and longevity because it is a consistent and sustainable lifestyle.

Want to know more about macrobiotics and how to add healthy carbohydrates to your diet? Make a macrobiotic consultation with Denny Waxman, macrobiotic counselor, or sign up for SHI macrobiotics courses. Get started today!