I always found that a lot of these trending diets and other fads operate in a very religious-like manner. On social media, you can find “diet communities” that more or less operate like a religious groups, but with better marketing. Diets are almost like a religion for the non-religious (or those who identify with a religion but aren’t heavily invested in it). Even an activity like yoga. In non-Hindu majority societies, it’s marketed as a way to lose weight and be flexible, but many people don’t know the spiritual benefits or cultural roots of yoga other than saying “Namaste” at the end the class.

In regards to fasting, it’s something that commonly exists across many spiritual beliefs. In Islam, people will fast from sunrise to sunset for one month. In Judaism, people fast for 24 hours on Yom Kippur. In the Bible, it stated that Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, and Daniel went on a fruit and vegetable fast. While there’s no universal rule, Rastas may fast for long periods of times and eat a vegetarian (or pescatarian diet) since living off the land is their motto.

Those who “discover” these simplistic methods of eating and living, rebrand under a new name and sell books and plans to those who are unaware that these practices have existed for centuries.

Interesting how that works….