The Weirdest, Craziest Fad Diets Of All Time

Swimsuit season is right around the corner, which means the pressure to get the "perfect" bod is on — however you define it. Of course, the combo of a healthy diet and exercise is the best way to go, but that knowledge wasn't always common back in the day — which is why we have such a long and storied history of completely bonkers fad diets.

Looking back at these eating regimens through the ages, we were struck by one indelible fact: People have done some really crazy stuff in the name of weight loss. How crazy? Well, there was a diet consisting completely of cabbage soup (bet those participants smelled quite fragrant), and don't even get us started on the cigarette diet.

So, while we may know better now, let's take a walk down memory lane and sneak a peek at some of the most popular diet crazes from days of yore. We think it goes without saying that, barring a few notable exceptions, you probably shouldn't try these at home, mmkay?