Healthy Living

Another year, another list of Most Googled Diets to analyze. Although a quick glance at the line-up for 2012 makes me wonder if maybe we should be analyzing a list of Most Googled Magic Weight Loss Bullets: Either we're a bunch of lazy schlumps or seriously cockeyed optimists, because guess what? The easiest-sounding diets got the most searches! (Color me shocked.)

Seriously, no wonder we're in the middle of an obesity epidemic. I was so taken aback by which regime got ranked 2012's #1 Most Googled Diet, I literally quadruple-checked my sources. (And then I checked again.)

I know, I know: Well, what is it?! When are you gonna tell us?? Relax, you'll find out which diets were in the Top 5 after the jump, plus whether or not they're worth your search engine's time. Just prepare to be surprised ...

Ready? Here they are, the Top 5 Most Googled Diets of 2012:

1. The Michael Phelps Diet

Number #1, really?! Okay, so while training for Beijing, Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps consumed 12,000 calories a day -- but he's an Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer!! I don't care how much time you spend at the gym, the average person can NOT burn that off.

Is it a diet try-it? NO.

2. Beyond Diet

Otherwise known as the gluten-free regime Miley Cyrus credits for her washboard abs, the concept is that by eating foods with a low glycemic index, one can avoid the foods that cause a spike in glucose levels (which releases insulin, which packs on the pounds). 

Is it a diet try-it? Maybe. Give it a shot, probably won't hurt.

3. The Raspberry Ketone Diet

I love Dr. Mehmet Oz, and I want to believe his claim about raspberry ketones being the “#1 miracle in a bottle for burning your fat." The ketones are supposed to boost levels of a fat-blasting hormone; so far, this seems to work for mice ... but no actual studies have been conducted on humans yet.

Is it a diet try-it? As with going gluten-free, this probably won't hurt. So sure, why not? Just don't expect miracles.

4. PINK Method Diet

P.I.N.K. stands for Power, Intensity, Nutrition and cardio (with a K, because, well, otherwise that would just look dumb). It's basically a traditional healthy eating/exercise plan mapped out in extreme detail and tons of promotional incentives; also, Dr. Phil is a fan.

Is it a diet try-it? Yes (but you can probably figure out the same strategies on your own).

5. The Adriana Lima Diet

Come on, seriously? Model Adriana Lima had to drop 40 pounds for a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show just 6 weeks after giving birth, so she restricts herself to protein shakes and water -- NO SOLIDS -- for nine days before the big show (12 hours before the show she stops drinking altogether). How is this a "diet," exactly?

Is it a diet try-it? Hell no.'

Did you Google any of these diets in 2012? Did you try any of them?

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