The Beverly Hills Diet is also known as the Hollywood Diet because of the number of movie stars who have followed it over the years. This diet lasts 4 to 6 weeks and may provide you with a whopping 400 calories a day. If such a drastically strict number doesn't set off danger signals, I don't know what will. The diet's first phase lasts three weeks. During the initial week you only eat fruit and must absolutely respect the selected foods for the given day. This is a detoxification week. During the next two weeks you will progressively reintegrate foods. The second phase lasts two weeks and leads to a balanced diet. The final phase lasts one week. You are even allowed pizza and popcorn but don't overdo it. Here are some of the principles.

Respect the given menus, to the letter. During Phase 1 each day comes with its own specified food or fruits. For example, on the very first day of the diet you are allowed pineapple and two bananas. On the third day of week three you eat zucchini in the morning, green beans and mushrooms at noon, and broccoli or cauliflower at supper. Phase 2 is also very well defined. For example, you start the day with two tablespoons of untreated bran and an unsweetened hot drink. Then wait 45 minutes for breakfast. You'll definitely need a book to get the full list of foods, day by day.

Despite its name the Hollywood Diet has no advantages, except for some people the fact that they are following the stars. This diet should not be undertaken by those suffering from diabetes, ulcers, or colon spasms. Others who should stay away include pregnant and breastfeeding women. There is a definite danger of fainting, muscular weakness, and nervousness.

Here are two sample menus:
Menu 1 (Week 2, Day 5)
Breakfast: Pineapple.
Lunch: Pineapple.
Supper: Special salad. Potatoes.

Menu 2 (Week 6, Day 6)
Breakfast: A mango.
The mid-morning snack is an apple.
Lunch: Two persimmons.
Supper: Tomato and basil salad. Grilled steak. Ratatouille. A piece of goat's milk cheese.

Some of the information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes more than 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French.