Man Gains Energy and Burns Fat Eating Only Sardines—With an Unintended Odor
Nick Norwitz, a 30-year-old researcher trained at Harvard and Oxford, undertook an unusual experiment to explore the health benefits of sardines. Based in Boston and recognized as a metabolic health expert, Nick wanted to see if eating 1,000 sardines in a month could replicate some of the benefits of fasting, such as fat loss, without compromising muscle strength or energy.
Starting in October, Nick consumed one small can of sardines daily, each containing three to five fish. He tracked his weight, ketone levels, omega-3 readings, and workout performance while following what he described as an “all-sardine diet.” Later, he added olive oil and MCT oil to provide fast-burning fats and boost energy, along with a bit of salt to maintain hydration and replenish electrolytes. He documented the journey in a December YouTube video, calling sardines “nature’s protein bar and multivitamin in one” and a “metabolic Swiss Army knife.”
The results were striking. Nick reported feeling stronger and lighter, with little fatigue during workouts. His daily stair exercises helped maintain endurance, and by the final week, he had lost six pounds. Blood tests revealed high omega-3 levels, supporting heart health. Overall, Nick found that sardines provided high-quality protein, omega-3s, and nutrients such as creatine and CoQ10, which helped preserve muscle, burn fat, trigger ketosis, and boost metabolism. He also noted increased focus and energy.
However, the experiment came with a surprising drawback: Nick began to smell strongly of fish, despite bathing, brushing his teeth, and using cologne. Even his girlfriend refused to kiss him, and he eventually stopped tracking the data after noticing her complete avoidance.
Despite this social downside, Nick continues to follow a seafood-heavy, low-carb diet and occasionally enjoys non-sardine meals with friends. He emphasized that while the all-sardine diet may offer metabolic benefits and mimic fasting effects, it is not suitable for everyone, particularly those who are very thin or sensitive to carbohydrate restriction. He also cautioned that extremely high omega-3 levels have not been extensively studied, and anyone attempting a similar experiment should consult a doctor or nutritionist first.