We’ve heard phrases like “eat what you want and lose weight” a million times. Although fad diets promise weight loss, you may not be getting the results you want, and there may be a reason: They don’t work for long-term weight loss and health! Steer clear of these four weight-loss techniques:
Detox diets. Diets like juice cleanses, liver flushes or other bodily cleanses are unhealthy, experts say. If you participate in this type of diet, you are robbing your body of essential nutrients. Additionally, organs like the liver and kidneys do a great job of cleansing the body of toxins and do not need any extra help.
Gluten-free. There is no scientific evidence that cutting out gluten will lead to weight loss. If you are in the small percentage of the population that has celiac disease, however, it is essential to cut gluten out of your diet. Ditching high calorie processed foods that include gluten, such as muffins and snack cakes, can help you shed unwanted pounds — but it’s note because you stopped eating gluten.
Diets that only include a few food groups. Examples of this diet are the cabbage soup diet, grapefruit diet or strict vegan diets. Studies show people need to eat from a variety of food groups in order to get the right nutrients. Although these type of diets may seem like they are working at first, the biggest problem is that you miss out on other nutrients if you try to keep up this diet long-term.
Meal replacement shakes. Although shakes may include vitamins and nutrients, they should only be used as a short-term weight-loss solution. They can’t help you form lifelong healthy eating habits.