Severe Caloric Restriction

What It Is: Consuming far fewer calories than your body needs (e.g., 500–800 calories per day).
Why It Works: When you drastically reduce calorie intake, your body turns to stored energy (glycogen, fat, and muscle) for fuel.
Reality Check: Most of the initial weight loss comes from water and glycogen stores, not fat.

2. Extreme Diets (e.g., Juice Cleanses, Detox Plans)

What It Is: Replacing meals with liquids like juices, teas, or broths, often marketed as “detox” plans.
Why It Works: These diets severely limit calories and eliminate solid foods, leading to rapid water and glycogen loss.
Reality Check: The body doesn’t need “detoxing”—your liver and kidneys handle that naturally. These diets deprive you of essential nutrients.

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