The latest diet that’s threatening to hit the mainstream is - at least - one that shouldn’t cause us too much consternation in the kitchen when the lists of dietary requirements come through.

Ecuadorian couple Camilla Castello, 34 and Akahi Ricardo, 36, are what are known as ‘breatharians' and claim not to have eaten a proper meal since 2008, surviving instead on ‘cosmic nourishment’ and feeding from natural light. I hope this doesn’t catch on. I can open the windows at The Assembly House but I'm not sure our wholesalers provide cosmic nourishment. Three times a week - if they’re feeling extravagant - they may partake in a piece of fruit or a cup of vegetable broth for sustenance, but for them hunger pangs are non-existent. As, no doubt, they will be very shortly. They have made the transition from vegetarian to raw vegan to fruitarian to breatharian. At least their fridge must be tidy.

People like this couple attract ridicule and alarm in equal measure. While we may well jest, the message this nonsense sends out is plain dangerous. One of the symptoms of lack of food is to become delusional: this couple seem to be prime examples. In a society, that seems obsessed with clean eating, weight loss and the very latest fashionable diets this is, I suppose, the ultimate end game. Yet when vast swathes of the world's population can’t afford to eat, there’s something quite sickening about a couple who split their time between California (wouldn’t you know it ) and Ecuador, choosing not to eat. They have a choice and it seems they have not chosen wisely.

Allergies and food-related illnesses are at an all-time high. Close to home, my 18-month-old grandson has a severe lactose intolerance - a well-meaning chunk of chocolate has a debilitating effect on him. He, like thousands of others, has no choice but to follow a strict dietary regime.

At The Assembly House we produce afternoon teas on a daily basis for guests who are gluten-free, lactose intolerant, nut free, no butter, no yeast, vegetarian and vegan. We haven’t had, as yet, anyone who wants to pay to feed off the daylight and my aura. Perhaps we’ll add it to the menu. It’ll certainly help with my food costs.