![](https://www.kim-pearson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ice-hack-diet.jpg)
06 Jul What Is The Ice Hack Diet? (And Does It Work?)
Ntritionists tend to be quite sceptical when it comes to viral weight loss ‘hacks’ or ‘tricks’. We know that nothing can replace long-lasting healthy diet and lifestyle choices when it comes to achieving and sustaining your desired weight. That being said, there can be some truth behind some weight loss or diet trends, so let’s explore the latest one, shall we? Here, we discuss the truth about the ice hack diet.
If you want to achieve and maintain your ideal weight, we can help. We are a team of qualified, experienced nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. Schedule your complimentary call today to find out how we can help you.
WHAT’S THE ALPINE ICE HACK FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
The Alpine Ice Hack, also known as the Ice Hack Diet, is a weight loss trend that has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. It involves exposing the body to cold temperatures, either by applying ice packs or consuming cold beverages and foods, with the claim that it can boost metabolism and promote fat burning.
The premise behind the diet is the concept of thermogenesis, which is the body’s process of generating heat to maintain its core temperature. Proponents of the Ice Hack Diet suggest that exposing the body to cold temperatures can stimulate brown adipose tissue (BAT), a type of fat that generates heat, thereby increasing metabolism and aiding in weight loss.
DOES THE ICE HACK WORK?
Some research suggests that mild cold exposure may increase energy expenditure and activate BAT, leading to a slight increase in calorie burning. However, the extent of this effect and its practical implications for weight loss remain unclear.
DOES DRINKING ICE WATER BURN CALORIES?
One of the claims associated with the Ice Hack Diet is that drinking ice water can help burn calories. While it is true that the body expends some energy to warm up cold beverages to body temperature, the calorie-burning effect is relatively small and unlikely to contribute significantly to weight loss. You could potentially expect to burn between four to seven calories by drinking a glass of ice water, roughly the same as walking up a flight of stairs.
DOES EATING ICE BURN CALORIES?
Another claim made by proponents of the Ice Hack Diet is that eating ice can help burn calories. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. While the body may expend a small amount of energy to melt the ice, the calorie-burning effect is negligible and again, unlikely to contribute to significant weight loss.
ARE THERE ANY CONS?
The Ice Hack Diet may seem harmless enough, but there are potential drawbacks and risks associated with it:
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and ice intake can be uncomfortable.
Applying ice packs directly to the skin or consuming excessive amounts of ice can potentially cause frostbite or other cold-related injuries.
It’s highly likely to be ineffective strategy for sustainable weight loss. The Ice Hack Diet does not address the underlying lifestyle factors that contribute to weight gain, making it an unsustainable approach for long term weight management.
HOW DOES THIS DIFFER TO WIM HOF?
The Ice Hack Diet should not be confused with the Wim Hof Method, which is a breathing and cold exposure technique developed by Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof. While both involve exposure to cold temperatures, the Wim Hof Method is a more comprehensive approach that combines breathing exercises, cold exposure, and mindset training.
The Wim Hof Method is not primarily focused on weight loss but rather on improving overall health and wellbeing through the activation of the body’s natural stress response mechanisms. It has been studied for its potential benefits in areas such as immune function, inflammation, and mental health.
In contrast, the Ice Hack Diet is solely focused on weight loss by increasing metabolism and fat burning due to cold exposure. However, as mentioned earlier, the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of this approach for weight loss is limited.
WORK WITH US
We are a team of qualified nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. For many of the clients we work with, a more sophisticated strategy than following social media trends is required for lasting weight loss.
If you’re ready to overcome your weight challenges, achieve your goal weight and maintain it long term, we can help. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call today. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a member of our team and decide together whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure and we will get back to you soon.
Sign up for Kim’s weekly weight loss and wellness newsletter to receive the latest news, expert tips and advice direct to your inbox.