The Basics: You basically start eating a lot less carbohydrates, including fruits and starchy vegetables, and replace them with high-protein foods. Your body breaks down carbohydrates to use as its main fuel source by producing glucose, which enters your body's cells with the help of insulin. The theory is that insulin prevents fat breakdown in the body by allowing sugar to be used for energy. Decreasing carbs results in lower insulin levels, burning stored fat for energy, and ultimately helping to shed excess weight.

Why It Won't Work: When the Atkins diet first arrived on the scene, some participants rationalized that a pound of bacon was better for you than bread, while others only ate 150 calories of carbs a day. “There are too many misconceptions and variables when it comes to this diet,” says Bock. “The American Dietetic Association recommends getting 55 to 60 percent of your calories from carbohydrates.” For most people, Bock admits that can be excessive. Carbohydrate intake needs to be tailored to fit a patient's needs — especially because it is recommended that pregnant women, teens, and those with diabetes beware of this diet. While watching carbohydrate levels is important because it is a main source of energy for the body, it really should be measured by a professional in the nutrition field to ensure real, healthy weight loss.

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