I'm a nutritionist - here are the five 'miracle' diets you should avoid at all costs -

IF you're looking for a quick fix to feel your best this summer, you might be tempted to try a number of crash diets floating about the internet.

But there are ways to lose weight without going to extremes and experts have warned that these supposed 'miracle' diets can be pretty terrible for your health.

While you might see results pretty quick, it's quite likely you'll regain the weight you lost.

And you might experience unpleasant side effects to your energy levels, as well as your skin and hair health.

Nutritionists have weighed into the debate to flag the five crash diets you'd do best to avoid.

1. The very low calorie diet

These diets involve slashing your intake to 1,000 or even 800 calories a day.

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London-based Harley Street nutritionist Kim Pearson told Mail Online that the lost muscle mass might trick you into thinking you're losing more weight than you are.

"This will show up like you are losing weight on the scale, but you are reducing your metabolic rate, your body's ability to burn calories reduces and then as soon as you start eating normally again you are more likely to regain weight," she said.

An added consequence is that you might also opt for more processed and ready-made foods in a effort to make calorie counting easier.

2. Meal replacement shakes

Though they don't sound the most appealing, meal replacement shakes have been used by dieters for decades.

The NHS even plans to roll them out for type 2 diabetes patients in England by March next year.

Though they can trigger rapid weight loss for some people, Kim said not all shakes are created equal.

While those made by doctors and nutritionists that are protein based might be "alright", the nutritionist said that the nutrients in most are synthetic - so lower quality than what you would find in food you'd eat.

Many shakes will also contain thickeners, emulsifiers and preservatives, known not to be great for you.

3. Detox diets

Detox diets claim to 'clean out' your body and eliminate harmful toxins.

But experts say that most of the weight you lose from them is down to dehydration, which can cause weakness, headaches and even fainting.

A typical one involves a period of fasting, followed by a strict diet of fruit, vegetables, juices, and water.

Other popular approaches includes herbs, teas, supplements, and colon cleanses or enemas, according to Healthline.

But as with other crash diets that involve intense restriction, it's pretty impossible to get all the nutrients your body needs - especially things like fibre and protein.

According to Lee, a diet like this will leave you with low energy and could cause some stomach issues.

Meanwhile, Kim noted that detox juices contain surprising amounts of sugar, which can spike your blood sugar even if its comes from fruit.

4. Atkins diet

The Atkins diet - reportedly loved by Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston - involves eating lots of fat and protein but severely restricting carbohydrates, encouraging your body to burn fat instead of carbs for energy.

Although it may result in weight loss, Lee told MailOnline that it could have some less desirable long-term effects, including an increased risk of heart disease.

"Carbohydrates are a vital energy source for the body and severely restricting them may lead to initial weight loss," the nutritionist said.

'"But the long-term health effects of consuming high amounts of saturated fats and animal proteins are a concern, as it may increase the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and nutrient deficiencies."

5. Keto diet

This keto diet is another low-carb high-fat eating plan, but it has again prompted nutritionists to express concern about demonising a whole food group.

Lee emphasised that carbs aren't the enemy. All foods should be eaten and enjoyed in moderation, she said.

Her warnings were echoed by dietitian Vanessa Rissetto CEO and co-founder of Culina Health, who noted that carbs have gotten a bad rep in recent years, in an appearance on the Today Show.

Our mind immediately goes to things like bread and biscuits, Vanessa said.

But the dietitian pointed out there are carbs in everything, like lentils or avocados.

"Carbs are not bad. They are our major energy source. We need them for fuel," she said.

"We are scared of carbs because no one taught us how to eat them."

Lee added that many of her clients who have adopted the diet are now suffering from gut issues as they ditched prebiotic rich vegetables because of their carbohydrate content - not the best thing for a healthy and diverse gut.

There are more sustainable ways to help you to lose body fat instead of ‘dieting’, nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert previously told The Sun.

She advised you eat a healthy, balanced diet which includes a variety of starchy carbohydrates, wholegrains, healthy fats, protein, fruits and vegetables, fibre, nuts, seeds, pulses, and legumes, as well as maintaining good hydration levels too.

Instead of restriction, the nutritionist suggested practising portion control.

You can still enjoy less-healthy foods, Rhiannon stressed.

"But be mindful of how often you consume them and keep intakes to a minimum," she said.

"Full restriction can lead to binge eating tendencies, which can have a negative impact on our relationship with food and may also lead to weight gain."

I'm a nutritionist - here are the five 'miracle' diets you should avoid at all costs