Ice Cube Diet: Can Hoodia Ice Cubes Help You Slim Down?

Eating in moderation and exercising isn't always easy, which is why people turn to the endless of supposedly quick fixes that are on the market. The latest supplement vying for your money is the Ice Cube Diet, essentially ice cubes infused with Hoodia, a supplement that claims to suppress your appetite. Yes, ice cubes for weight loss (and yes, ice cubes are calorie-free to begin with).

Desert Labs, the maker of the frozen cubes, claims that just one Hoodia-filled ice cube a day will put an end to cravings, curb your hunger and help you eat less. The ice cubes should be eaten when you feel the urge to snack, and in case you're worried about a nasty aftertaste, don't fret -- they're mixed with stevia and lemon.

But wait a second ... haven't we heard this one before? Hoodia Gordonii supplements have been touted for years as the cure for love handles. The Ice Cube Diet, however, claims to have the upper hand over the pills. Ari Benami, president of Desert Labs, told the LA Times that there are two advantages to Hoodia ice cubes: not only do they contain more Hoodia, the fact that they're frozen means ingredients are fresher.

It can't be that easy, can it? It's not, according to Keri Gans, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "There's no scientific evidence to support the use of Hoodia for weight loss and there's also no information regarding the safety of it -- I wouldn't recommend it," she said. In fact, potential side effects from Hoodia can include diarrhea and other intestinal problems.

"This is just another example of a gimmick," Gans added. "Instead of sucking on ice cubes and wasting their money, people should be eating more of the fresh fruits and veggies that are available at this time of year." Speaking of money, 40 days worth of Hoodia ice cubes will cost you $64.95 plus shipping. If you live in the NYC area, you may be able to find them in a specialty market, but outside of the big city, you'll have to rely on online ordering.

If you're still determined to give these a try, a word of warning: hoodia ice cubes shouldn't replace healthy snacks in your diet. "Snacking is not something we should refrain from," Gans said. "It's fuel for the body and keeps people going strong for the rest of the day. Somehow I don't think an ice cube can do that."

Want to know that really works when it comes to weight loss? Here's the key to taking it off ... and keeping it off.