I Tried the Viral Gelatin Weight-Loss Recipe: It Was Better Than Expected—but Does It Really Work?
Fans on TikTok claim the two-ingredient drink curbs hunger naturally
Key Takeaways
- The viral gelatin weight-loss recipe is easy to make and surprisingly mild in flavor.
- A dietitian says gelatin's protein may help increase fullness as part of a balanced eating plan
- Gelatin may also support joints, skin and nails, though long-term research is limited.
When it comes to most things in life, it takes a village, and the habits that shape your health are often no exception. I start almost every morning with warm sencha green tea, even when my body is screaming at me for coffee, because that’s how my mom has always started her mornings. And although I rarely drink milk like my brother, who swears by getting calcium every day to support his workout regimen, I make sure to get mine through greek yogurt. As a Gen Z native, when I’m not remixing health habits from my family and friends, I turn to the internet.
One trend that I’ve seen popping up everywhere is the gelatin weight-loss recipe, which some users say helps curb hunger. And while my goal in trying it wasn’t weight loss, I took one for the team and gave what sounded to me like the blandest concoction imaginable a taste test. I also spoke to a dietitian about what it can and can’t do for your health.
What is the viral gelatin weight-loss recipe?
Per Today, the gelatin weight-loss recipe or “gelatin trick” involves mixing water with unflavored gelatin powder and drinking a glass before meals to help decrease hunger.
Woman's World Answers
“Many people have developed their own version of ‘the gelatin weight-loss trick’ by simply dissolving unflavored gelatin powder in boiling water to form an active solution (one that contains undissolved particles), at which time they allow it to cool for just a few minutes and then drink it while still warm, or chill it so that it forms a firm gel,” explains Kezia Joy, RDN, a medical advisor with Welzo.
Joy adds that different versions of the gelatin trick flavor the beverage or introduce flavorings like lemon, but one tablespoon of plain or unflavored gelatin powder is the best option to keep the drink healthy and weight-loss friendly.
“[Plain, unflavored gelatin powder] provides protein without added sugar, artificial sweetener or additional flavoring that can add to calorie count,” says Joy. “If you are a vegetarian or vegan, note that traditional gelatin is an animal by-product. Therefore, you could opt for one of the many plant-based options available, though they don’t have the same nutritional value as traditional gelatin.”
What does the gelatin drink taste like?
To stick to Joy’s advice and keep the gelatin weight-loss trick as healthy as possible, I picked up a four-count pack of Knox Original Unflavored Gelatine from my local Shaw’s for $3.99.
As someone who hasn’t had many gelatin products since childhood, I can’t say my expectations were high. And while I wish I could say the drink pleasantly surprised me at first glance, I immediately noticed it gave off what, to me, was an off-putting smell that was so earthy it was almost sour. And while most of the powder dissolved, there was still a small chunk with a Jell-O-like consistency floating around in the glass. I ultimately tossed the lingering piece out of the drink with a fork.
While I didn’t get off on the best foot with this drink, the tides turned when I happily discovered it tasted nothing like it smelled. The concoction was basically a slightly thick water with a light earthy flavor that reminded me a little of oatmeal. It wasn’t bad at all. Not particularly appetizing, but not bad either.
Does the gelatin weight-loss recipe work?
So will the drink hack with a weight-loss promise actually make a difference on your scale if you sip it pre-meal? It’s possible, but not a magic hack.
“Gelatin has a significant amount of protein in it,” explains Joy. “Protein can help slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach as well as stimulate hormones that make you feel fuller, which could lead to a reduction in calorie consumption from subsequent meals for some people. However, it would be unrealistic to expect gelatin will result in a considerable weight loss if you are consuming other calories and do not have regular exercise.”
Health benefits of the gelatin weight-loss recipe
While the gelatin hack is being discussed in a weight-loss context, Joy says there are other potential health benefits, including:
- Supporting joint comfort: “There is also some preliminary data suggesting that combining gelatin in a diet high in all nutrients could provide joint health benefits,” says Joy.
- Improving skin hydration
- Strengthening nails
Still, Joy clarifies that there is very little research on the long-term effects of consuming gelatin as part of a balanced diet.
The bottom line on the gelatin weight-loss recipe
While the gelatin hack wasn’t quite my speed, Joy says those looking for a protein-rich snack may find it to be a helpful addition to an overall healthy eating routine while working toward their weight-loss goals. And even if the hack turns out not to be the best fit for you, there’s something to be said about learning from the health knowledge of others and giving something new a try. With gelatin prices ranging from around $1 to $4, it’s a viral trend that won’t break the bank either.
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