Man Loses 9 Pounds Eating Only Sweetgreen for 25 Days

A New Jersey man documented a 25-day experiment eating exclusively from the fast-casual chain Sweetgreen, losing nine pounds but experiencing the practical and physical costs of such a restrictive diet.

Tim Donahue, a 27-year-old Hoboken resident, undertook the challenge as a modern take on Morgan Spurlock's 2004 documentary "Super Size Me," but focused on a restaurant at the opposite end of the fast-food spectrum.

Donahue chose Sweetgreen, describing it as the "furthest possible opposite of McDonald's." The idea was also sparked by observing his health-conscious co-workers regularly ordering Sweetgreen for lunch while he consumed fast food.

Initially intending the experiment to last 30 days, Donahue adjusted to 25 days due to scheduling conflicts such as weddings and work trips. His primary rule was to consume only items available on Sweetgreen's menu, with an exception made for black coffee. While Sweetgreen offers more than salads, Donahue focused on the bowls.

Weight Loss and a Favorite Dish

By the end of the 25-day period, Donahue reported a weight loss of approximately nine pounds. His go-to order became the hot honey chicken bowl. He found the variety of ingredients available on the menu made eating from the same restaurant for an extended period manageable.

However, Donahue noted that the most challenging aspect was not the food itself, but the logistics involved. Planning meals around the store's operating hours and adjusting social activities, such as skipping drinks with friends or bringing his own meal on dates, proved difficult.

Financial and Physical Repercussions

Donahue also highlighted the financial cost of the experiment, stating that it was not a sustainable practice compared to home cooking. While he offset some expenses by foregoing alcohol and other restaurant meals, he described the project as "very expensive."

Sweetgreen subsequently engaged with Donahue's experience. Nicolas Jammet, co-founder and chief concept officer of Sweetgreen, told Fox News Digital that the company launched its own 30-day challenge, inviting participants to document their experience eating only Sweetgreen.

Upon completing his 25-day challenge, Donahue celebrated with a slice of pizza from his favorite neighborhood pizzeria. However, the sudden reintroduction of heavier food had an immediate negative effect, making him feel "quite sick" due to the shock to his system.

Donahue emphasized that his experiment was primarily a personal filmmaking journey and not intended as nutritional advice. He stressed that he is not a doctor or nutritionist and would not recommend such a restrictive diet to others.