Skip to Content

5 Women Share the Worst Dieting Advice They’ve Ever Heard

Plus, a nutritionist explains what to do instead.

by
worst diet tipspinterest
Shutterstock/Amanda Becker

It’s a funny thing—most of us only take car advice from a mechanic, medical advice from a doctor, and tax advice from an accountant, but when it comes to dieting, all bets are off.

"Everybody eats, which leads everyone to assume they know more about nutrition than they really do," says Georgie Fear, R.D., author of Lean Habits for Lifelong Weight Loss. "But even if that info originated from a reputable source, the facts get twisted like a game of telephone."

Case in point: We spoke to five women about the most useless tips they’ve ever heard and asked Fear to break down why they’re time-wasters—and what will actually work.

count calories
Amanda Becker

"My workout pal told me to count every single calorie that goes in my mouth—even if it’s just a piece of gum" —Paige A., 29

Fear’s Take: This approach can make people really neurotic. They start panicking because they can’t go to a restaurant without knowing what’s on the menu. It can really impact the overall quality of your life. Plus, calories aren’t an exact science. Legally speaking, the calories listed on food labels can be off my up to 20 percent. A better idea is to keep a food diary or journal, since seeing certain foods written down repeatedly is enough to help you cut back. You should also try to become familiar with what being hungry really feels like so you know how much and when to eat.

RELATED: 6 Ways to Lose Weight That Don't Involve Counting Calories

apple cider vinegar
Amanda Becker

 "A trainer once told me to take a shot of apple cider vinegar every morning. She said it would help me lose my appetite for the rest of the day." —Mary C., 29

Fear’s Take: Apple cider vinegar is one of those foods naturopaths recommend for weight loss, stomach ailments, and detoxing (which we know doesn’t mean a thing), but it has no merits. That said, there’s nothing dangerous about taking apple cider vinegar shots, aside from the potential for heartburn. But what really works to suppress your appetite effectively is coffee. It’s not a long-term weight loss tool, but it can stave off hunger when your only other option is vending machine chips.

juice cleanse
Amanda Becker

 "A friend of mine told me that a week-long juice cleanse is the best way to jump-start a diet because it revs your metabolism." —Sara M,. 33

Fear’s Take: A low-calorie diet like this will actually lead to a rapid decline in your metabolism, thanks to a thing called starvation mode. Juice cleanses deprive your body of the calories you need for energy. So even if you see the scale drop, your energy levels, immune system, and sleep schedule will also take a hit. Once the cleanse is done, it's highly likely that the weight will come back. Plus, the lack of fiber can leave you constipated, which can make you feel heavier. Commit to a sustainable program from the start, it’s much less frustrating. 

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
skip breakfast
Amanda Becker

"My colleague suggested I skip breakfast and pop a piece of gum to tamp down my metabolism and prevent hunger for the rest of the day." —Tori S., 24

Fear’s Take: There’s no trick to make your body forget how many calories you’ve taken in. So even if gum temporarily suppresses your appetite, it’s not a good idea to skip a meal. Your body will just try to make up for it later, which can lead to overeating. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with using a piece of gum to stave off cravings or temptations to snack if you’re not actually hungry.

RELATED: The TRUTH About Breakfast and Weight Loss: Does It Really Help You Drop Pounds?

cut carbs
Amanda Becker

"I’ve had multiple friends suggest that the best way to lose weight fast is to completely cut carbs and dairy from your diet." —Mary H., 29

Fear’s Take: People who have allergies to these foods and eliminate them from their diet will benefit from reduced inflammation and puffiness. But cutting them out entirely isn’t a weight-loss prescription. Studies actually show that whole grains can be helpful for weight loss. That said, if dialing back the carbs helps you cut out comfort foods, like spaghetti bolognese and mac and cheese, and replace them with healthy carbohydrates, such as veggies, beans, and sweet potatoes, it’s a good thing. But there’s nothing evil about whole grains in your diet.

Headshot of Kristen Dold
Kristen Dold
Kristen Dold is a freelance writer based in Chicago. She was previously an editor at Women’s Health and Details magazines, and her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, GQ, Travel & Leisure, and Vice.
Watch Next
 
preview for Women's Health US Section - All Sections & Videos
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How To Lose Weight

the best 75 hard diet plan to help you stay full

What To Eat During 75 Hard, According To RDs

the 75 soft challenge is a more relaxed version of 75 hard encouraging hydration, daily workouts, and more

What Is The 75 Soft Challenge?

walking, strength training, intuitive eating, and working with a trainer can help you lose weight quickly

16 Ways To Lose Weight Safely And Build Strength

the bone broth diet involves intermittent fasting, anti inflammatory foods, and drinking bone broth

The Bone Broth Diet Trend, Explained By Dietitians

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below