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Home » Diet » Diet crutches: What works and what doesn't

Let's face it: The rules of weight losseat less, move more, treats in moderation are a drag.

And they don't fit with most dieters' quick-fix, thinner-by-dinner expectations. Cue diet crutches: tricks, based on scant science, that may speed up results. So if a friend swears that munching on grapefruit gets her into skinny jeans, or a coworker credits ice water for his sleek physique, should you try it too?

Not so fast. Some diet crutches are helpful, some harmful, and some won't do much either way. We asked registered dietitians for the bottom line ("skip it," "try it," or "do it right") on the most common diet crutches:

1. "Cleansing" your system: Skip it It sounds simple: Drink "body-flushing" liquids and eat little or no solid food. But just because celebs do it doesn't mean you should.

"Will you see the weight loss? Absolutely. But it isn't safe, in terms of getting the nutrients you need," says Amy Shapiro, RD, founder of Real Nutrition NYC. Once you eat solid food, you'll gain back the pounds.

Because the liver and kidneys remove toxins, a "cleanse" is unnecessary and even harmful, says Sonthe Burge, RD, a nutritionist. It can cause diarrhea, "so you can't go far from a bathroom," she says. Other side effects: Headaches, lack of energy, and trouble focusing. _______________________________________________

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2. Filling up on fiber: Try it "Fiber is not absorbed well by the body, but is also very filling, which makes it a great choice for people trying to lose weight," says Dr. Natalie Digate Muth, an American Council on Exercise spokesperson.

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Diet crutches: What works and what doesn't

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Home » Diet » Diet crutches: What works and what doesn't