It seems like I can't turn around lately without hearing someone (be it a celebrity or the woman on the Stairmaster at the gym) talk about how they recently completed a "cleanse" diet, or a "detox" diet, or that they just read an article on fasts and are planning on a three-day one.

My immediate reaction? Annoyance and frustration. Because having spent the last decade reading, writing, and editing articles on health, fitness, and nutrition I just don't buy it. I don't believe, based on what I've read and the experts I've talked to, that the body needs to be cleansed, that a detox does all that much, and that fasts are good for you.

Yes, the diets often contain huge quantities of fruits and vegetables and little in the way of refined sugars. Which is great! But three days of such stark abstemiousness (either in the form of a liquid-only diet, or one that eschews anything besides raw fruits and vegetables) and of skipping regular, satisfying meals (particularly those that can be enjoyed with other people—a key aspect of nourishing yourself) just doesn't seem all that healthy to me in the long run. The claim that our bodies need special assistance in shuttling out toxins? Not true.

Yes, you may lose a few pounds after a few days of a radical shift in your diet. But go back to what you were doing before and you'll be right back where you started.

So, my bottom-line advice, if you're feeling tempted to try a gimmicky detox diet or start swilling special cleansing shakes: save your money and yourself from rebound weight gain!! Instead, make every day incorporate at least some of the principles, most of the time. Our bodies are the ultimate self-cleaning ovens—no colonics, fasts or other cleansing procedures necessary to remove "toxins." Simply give it good, natural food as often as possible, in a reasonable amount, and you're good to go.

Have you tried a "detox" diet? Are you tempted?

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