Opinion: A Breatharian? Yep, That’s A Thing!

If you’ve read any of my opinion pieces, you’ll know that I’m not a big fan of fads (or beef eater haters). However, this last eating fad has knocked my damn socks off. We all know that are vegetarians, and nonvegetarians, but did you know that you could be a breatharian?

In layman’s terms, a breatharian is someone who goes on a no food diet. Basically, they think that they can survive without food? This bizarre trend came to light when a couple stated that they survived by eating just thrice a week with each meal just consisting of a piece of fruit and or vegetable broth.

More worrying was the fact that the wife claimed to have gone through a pregnancy while being a breatharian. The couple said that they were sustained by ‘cosmic nourishment’ (don’t ask). Honestly, why would one choose not to eat food? It’s like one of the best parts of being alive.

Experts are now saying that their claims, if true, are definitely the exception rather than the rule. Others are also saying that those who believe they are breatharian actually delusional and may be suffering from an eating disorder. Many doctors were very critical and upset as this practice would definitely put the mother and child in danger.

If I’m being perfectly honest, I find the whole idea ludicrous. How can one forget what it’s like to be hungry? Another problem that I have with breatharianism is that it could be a way of legitimising anorexia. If this trend picks up speed the way that so many of these fads have, young boys and girls struggling with body issues could choose this ‘diet’ in order to lose a few pounds through, essentially, starving themselves.

One can only hope that breatharianism doesn’t stick around, we have enough problems in the world today as it is!