In a world where healthy lifestyles are championed, even the most unconventional methods raise eyebrows. Enter the so-called “Breatharians,” a couple who assert that they sustain themselves on nothing more than the energy of the universe. Meet Jacob and Mia, a duo who claim to have hardly eaten in the past nine years. While we all strive to make healthier choices—despite our own guilty pleasures like caffeine and cheesy snacks—it’s safe to say that relying solely on sunlight and air is a questionable approach to nutrition.
Jacob and Mia have recently become the center of attention following a feature highlighting their extreme lifestyle. Parents to a six-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter, they profess that humans can thrive without food or water, relying instead on universal energy. Mia has been quoted saying, “Humans can easily exist without food—provided they stay connected to the energy that flows through all things and breathe deeply.”
The couple, who crossed paths in 2005 and embraced Breatharianism in 2008, profess that they went three full years without solid food. Now, they claim to consume only a small piece of fruit or a bit of vegetable broth a few times a week. Their dietary evolution began with vegetarianism, transitioned to veganism, and then to a fruit-only diet before culminating in what they call the “21 Day Breatharian Process.” Here’s how it unfolds:
- First seven days: Nothing is consumed except for air—though let’s be clear, air isn’t exactly food.
- Next seven days: Some water and diluted juice are allowed.
- Final seven days: Again, diluted juice and water are consumed.
Now, let’s pause for a moment—doesn’t that sound a bit off? It seems like a math problem gone wrong; we’re left counting 14 days of liquid intake masquerading as a 21-day process.
But what about their children? Mia claims she consumed solid food only five times during her pregnancy, stating, “I didn’t feel the need for solid food during the nine months… hunger was unfamiliar to me. I lived on light.” While she may believe this, the notion raises eyebrows, especially since she implies that her child was nourished solely by her love.
Fortunately, this couple does allow their children to eat freely, saying, “We would never want to change them. They can enjoy juices, veggies, pizza, or ice cream! We want them to explore various flavors and develop a healthy relationship with food.” It’s a relief to know that their children can enjoy a diverse diet, although Mia hints that they may adopt Breatharian practices as they grow older.
To be blunt, this lifestyle is troubling and potentially dangerous. Firstly, it’s implausible that they maintain such average weights while eating so little. Secondly, Mia’s claims about her pregnancy seem highly questionable. Humans cannot survive without food or water for extended periods; generally, one can last about a month without food but only a week without water. While Jacob and Mia may claim a “food-free lifestyle,” it’s likely they consume more than they disclose, given their apparent health.
Fact-checking sites, like this one, reveal that the Breatharian movement has seen tragic consequences, as individuals have died trying to adhere to such practices. Experts suggest that many who identify as Breatharians may not be truthful about their dietary habits, sometimes underestimating their actual food intake.
While Jacob and Mia may not be purposefully misleading, they are certainly misguided. Promoting a lifestyle based solely on air or minimal fruit consumption is irresponsible. Luckily for them and their children, they seem to be healthy, but this shouldn’t be misconstrued as a success story—it’s a precarious path that can lead to dire consequences.
In summary, while the idea of living on the energy of the universe may sound appealing to some, the reality is that sustaining oneself in such a manner is risky at best. It’s essential to nurture our bodies with balanced diets. So, if you’re looking for a snack, consider reaching for something more substantial—like a caffeinated cheese doodle.