Jane Crummett, a 62-year-old retired military therapist struggling with extreme foot pain, inflammation, and food addiction, claims to have lost 35 pounds by eating only sardines for more than three months. She weighed 240 pounds at her peak, suffering from plantar fasciitis, which made it difficult for her to walk. After adopting a carnivore diet in 2020 and losing 65 pounds, she hit a plateau and began to gain the weight back. In May, she decided to follow Dr. Boz’s 72-hour sardine fast to jump-start her metabolism and plunge her body into advanced ketosis to quickly burn fat for energy.
Continuing to eat only sardines, Crummett consumed around 1,500 daily calories by eating four cans of the oily fish a day and supplementing with MCT oil. She praised the diet for restoring her energy, reducing her blood sugar levels, and relieving her pain. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend adults consume at least 8 ounces of seafood a week, and sardines are a good source of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium while being relatively low in calories and mercury.
While Crummett experienced positive results from her sardine-only diet, UK Dr. Masarat Jilani pointed out potential downsides, such as the lack of fiber in sardines, which could lead to constipation, and the high sodium content in preserved sardines. Maintaining such a restrictive diet can be challenging, as reported by a writer who broke the rules toward the end of a 24-hour sardine fast due to feeling lightheaded, groggy, and unable to focus. The diet only allows sardines, water, black tea or coffee, hot sauce, mustard, lemon, and pepper with no carbs.
However, other individuals have had success with sardine fasts. A YouTuber who assessed health and fitness fads reported shedding 4 pounds during a three-day sardine fast, consuming 16 canned cans for a total of 3,700 calories. He found the fast relatively easy compared to other diets he had tried, although he did not like sardines. Overall, the sardine fast has generated mixed reviews, with some experiencing positive results like weight loss, increased energy, and reduced inflammation, while others have pointed out potential health risks such as the lack of fiber and high sodium content in sardines.
In conclusion, the sardine-only diet, although effective for some, may not be suitable for everyone due to the potential downsides such as the lack of fiber and high sodium content. It is important to consider individual health needs and dietary requirements before embarking on a restrictive eating plan like this. While sardines are a good source of nutrients, consuming them exclusively for an extended period may not be sustainable or beneficial in the long term. Further research and consultation with a healthcare professional are recommended before undertaking such a diet.
