Most people who want to shed pounds probably wouldn't use the words "cookie" and "diet" in the same sentence, much less contemplate a weight-loss program that relies on America's favorite sugary snack as a main source of nutrition. Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet purports that dieters can lose the weight they want--simply by eating Dr. Sanford Siegal's secret-recipe cookies in conjunction with conventional foods.
Dr. Siegal's History
Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet has joined the ranks of other fad diets that pander to those with a sweet tooth, such as the Hollywood Cookie Diet, according to Forbes Magazine article in November 2008. Miami-based osteopathic physician Sanford Siegal, nicknamed the "Cookie Doctor," has been making and selling his diet cookies since 1975. Forbes notes that Siegal's expansion into diet foods put hum under the purview of federal food guidelines, which required him to list the ingredients in the cookies, some of which include egg-white solids, wheat bran and microcrystalline cellulose, which is derived from high-quality wood pulp and adds fiber and moisture to low-fat bakery goods. But according to Forbes, the "subtleties" as to how the cookies are mixed and made aren't reflected in the list of ingredients. "No one's requiring me to tell all," Siegal told Forbes.
How the Cookie Diet Works
Dieters eat six of Dr. Siegal's cookies (a total of 500 calories) during the day and a conventional low-calorie meal at night. In a February 2009 Orange County Register interview, Siegal said he recommends a 300-calorie dinner comprised of high protein, scant carbohydrates and no fat, but added that the Cookie Diet would work with a dinner higher in calories as well. Siegal claims that the Cookie Diet works because of the treat's appetite-suppressing qualities. "To my knowledge, no other diet food does this," he told the Register.
What To Expect
Siegal advises all dieters to get the permission of their physician before embarking on the Siegal Cookie Diet, as other types of diets may be more appropriate for their needs. Siegal also recommends that dieters ask their doctors how many calories they should consume during the initial "28-day test phase" of the Cookie Diet, noting that prospective dieters should be in good physical condition before starting any type of low-calorie weight-loss plan. As with any diet, exercise and sensible eating is an important component to maintaining weight loss, Siegal told the Register.
Media Coverage
Like fad diets such as the Master Cleanse, Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet has been somewhat of a media darling. Siegal has made appearances on ABC's Good Morning America, the Fox News Channel, and E! Entertainment Network. People Magazine featured Phoenix-native and cookie dieter Josie Rapier as part of its expose on people who dropped to half their size in 2009. However, according to an April 2008 PR Newswire report, Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet has also stirred up controversy when pop singer Madonna claimed during a Phoenix radio station interview that the libido of her (then) husband, Guy Ritchie, was affected by "the cookie diet." Siegal was quick to respond by noting, "My cookies taste good enough, but I can't imagine someone preferring them to sex." Siegal notes that none of his other patients have complained of losing their sex drive during the Cookie Diet.
Product Variety and Cost
The cost of the Cookie Diet is around $59 a week. Cookies are available in oatmeal raisin, chocolate, blueberry, banana and coconut. As an alternative to Dr. Siegal's Cookies, dieters can opt to drink a shake from one of Siegal's shake mixes. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, crème brulee and pina colada. Dr. Siegal's food products are sold through the official website. The website states that products are also available from doctors, drugstores and other retailers in North and South America.
ADA Advice
The American Dietetic Association advises dieters to "forget the fads," noting that any diet that's extremely low in calories will result in quick weight loss. But keeping it off is a different story. The ADA cites several problems with "super food" diets, in which one food or food type is given magical weight loss properties. In addition, the diet may not provide the recommended daily amount of nutrients, and some dieters may even overeat the food in the diet plan. The ADA advises those seeking permanent weight loss to consult with a dietitian to develop a healthy diet plan.
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