5 Celebrity Diets & Why You Should Avoid Them

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Jan 26, 2016 05:30 AM EST

Just before the turn of the year last December, the British Dietetic Association (BDA) released their 2016 version of the most anticipated list of the top five worst celeb diets to avoid.

The BDA is the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals and dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The 8,000 strong health group have spoken and here's its verdict.

No Sugar Diet

Celebrities associated with the no-sugar diet include Tom Hanks and Alec Baldwin. Sugar intake of what is more than allowed by the body is often linked to some serious health risks like obesity, diabetes and even memory loss. But, on the other hand, experts are also cautious about the no-sugar diet as it may promote the exclusion of sugar-containing healthy foods.

"Some versions of the No Sugar/Sugar-Free Diet promote cutting out all sugar from your diet, which is not only almost impossible, but would mean eliminating foods like vegetables, fruit, dairy products and nuts - leading to a less than healthy diet," warns the BDA via its spokesperson and consultant dietician Sian Porter.

All-Kale and Chewing Gum Diet

Back in 2014, reports came out that Jake Gyllenhaal lost about 30 pounds for his role in the film "Nightcrawler." Apart from running 15 miles from his house to the production set, the 35-year-old American actor also went on a kale salad and chewing gum diet.

But, according to the BDA verdict, this diet is extreme and can be potentially harmful. While kale is considered by some people as a superfood, it cannot provide balanced nutrition to meet the daily requirements of an individual.

Bulletproof Diet

Young celebrities like Harry Styles and Shailene Woodley were said to have been following the diet. The bulletproof diet involves the daily consumption of "bulletproof coffee" for breakfast. It is a combination of black coffee, butter and MCT oil added.

According to Authority Nutrition, the bulletproof diet is a bad idea because the coffee replaces what should be highly nutritious meals, the high amount of saturated fats in the bulletproof coffee could be harmful and cholesterol levels may increase.

The Super Elixir

This diet is co-created by Australian supermodel Elle MacPherson. It involves a food supplement in green powder form that is said to contain powdered fruits and veggies, Chinese herbs, digestive enzymes and other ingredients that could turn the body from an acidic to an alkaline state.

But, the BDA argued that eating fruits and vegetables together with a balanced diet is enough. The group also said that our bodies have the natural capacity to regulate acidity levels without having to pay more.

Trim Secrets

The celebrities involved with the diet include former "Big Brother" star Chanelle Hayes. With the Trim Secret pill and "5 Step Slimming Plan," the proponents claim that one can lose weight with a suppressed appetite and metabolism boost. The plan also involves a balanced diet of 1,500 calories per day.

The BDA, meanwhile, said that even without the pills, any 1,500-calorie diet could help individuals lose weight. "Beware of pills and potions and make sure you know exactly what you're buying and taking," says Porter.

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