Also known as the “48-hour miracle diet,” it promises a loss of up to 14 pounds in two days. It entails buying and then drinking (over a period of two days) a single bottle with a special mix of juices, enzymes, and vitamins. No solid foods are allowed during this period.
The Hollywood diet is basically a juice fast. If you read the fine print on the bottle, you will notice they claim to act primarily as a detox and cleansing program. Most people carry an average five pounds of fecal matter in their intestines. Since the juice acts as a mild laxative, you are guaranteed some weight loss. The juice is also diuretic, which means you will lose water weight, which can account for an extra one to five pounds.
THE GOOD: Juice fasts are usually good at helping restore biochemical balance to your body. The cleansing process boosts energy and cleanses your bowels, which can later on account for a feeling of general well-being.
THE BAD: It is simply not possible to lose that much fat in two days, so weight loss will basically consist of water and waste. This weight will be immediately regained when you go back to a normal, solid diet. Lack of solid food can cause drops in blood sugar, headaches, nausea, and weakness. “Severe electrolyte disturbance [is a major risk],” says O’Donnell.” Cardiac, renal patients should not try this. Severe nausea and vomiting may occur; aspiration (vomit into the lungs) is always a risk.”
THE VERDICT: As a cleansing program, the Hollywood Diet works. As a weight loss program, however, is just one more quick-fix that falls short of its promised miracle.