The hottest Diets Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics
Experimental Fat Loss • 212 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
  1. A very high-fat, protein‑restricted ketogenic pattern (think heavy cream plus limited ruminant meat) produced large, mostly effortless weight loss, better sleep, and no constant hunger, while a typical high‑protein, high‑PUFA “standard keto” failed to keep weight off.
  2. Cutting linoleic acid (seed oils and other high‑PUFA foods) was a major lever — removing those oils and favoring ruminant fats seemed more important than ketosis itself for improving sleep and body composition.
  3. Find what works for you by experimenting: run ~30‑day trials of fat‑, starch‑, and sugar‑based staples, then tweak protein; individual genetics matter, so personalize and iterate based on weight, sleep, and how you feel.
Experimental Fat Loss • 198 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
  1. Linoleic acid from seed oils is hypothesized to drive obesity and is stored in body fat, so tissue levels can take several years to fall after dietary change, which makes short-term studies a poor test.
  2. People on low-PUFA diets often see big early weight loss then long plateaus, and experimenting with different foods or additives (rice, sugar, vinegar, lowering salt/glutamate) sometimes produces new lows.
  3. If the linoleic-depletion model is true, further weight loss should be slow and tied to how fast adipose LA drops, but if the dietary additives are effective you should see steadier month-to-month losses; watching results over the next few months can help tell these apart.
Peter Boghossian • 432 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. The discussion explores the ethics of different diets like vegetarianism and veganism.
  2. They disagreed on aspects of hunting, with differing views on killing animals for certain reasons.
  3. The conversation also touches on whether an animal's intelligence should be considered in consuming it, and debates if there are circumstances where eating a human could be justified.
Weight and Healthcare • 678 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
  1. Beachbody's rebrand to 'BODi' does not truly represent a commitment to weight-neutral fitness, despite efforts to suggest otherwise.
  2. Their promotional materials and programs still heavily focus on weight loss and diet culture, with no substantial evidence provided for long-term weight loss efficacy.
  3. The rebranding claims to honor all shapes and sizes but seems to continue promoting weight loss and thin bodies as the ideal, lacking true fat-affirming or weight-neutral approaches.
Experimental Fat Loss • 155 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
  1. When comparing diets, remember that starting weight matters a lot. Losing weight is usually easier for those who weigh more at the start.
  2. Water weight can trick you; some diets may cause you to lose water instead of fat. It's important to understand what's really happening with your body.
  3. Everyone's body is different, so a diet that works for one person might not work for another. Don't feel discouraged if something doesn’t work for you just because it works for someone else.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Experimental Fat Loss • 198 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
  1. A rice-only diet was tested, but it didn’t lead to weight loss. Instead, there was an increase in body fat and lean mass, which was disappointing.
  2. The individual’s sleep cycle disorder, called Non-24, seemed to improve during the rice diet, suggesting a potential link between carb intake and circadian rhythms.
  3. The experiment highlighted that feeling full doesn't always mean being satisfied; the body knows when it has the energy it needs, regardless of how much food is consumed.
Spyderdoc Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
  1. Diets have a big impact on health and can help prevent or manage diseases like diabetes and heart problems. It's important to choose a diet that works for your needs.
  2. Popular diets like the Mediterranean and DASH diets are backed by research showing they can improve overall health. They focus on eating wholesome, natural foods.
  3. While many diets claim quick results, it's normal for weight loss to even out over time. It's essential to maintain a balanced approach rather than sticking to strict rules.
Spyderdoc Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
  1. Diets have changed a lot over time due to culture, technology, and health awareness. What we eat is shaped by where we live, our traditions, and what we believe.
  2. Eating habits today are heavily influenced by social media and convenience. We're surrounded by endless food options, which can lead to overeating and unhealthy choices.
  3. To maintain a healthy weight, it's important to understand your body, caloric needs, and to eat a balanced diet. Monitoring your calorie intake and focusing on whole foods can help manage weight effectively.