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COLUMBIA (WACH)-- They sound too good to be true. Detox diets promise if you drink some weird concoction, you’ll lose ten pounds in a week.

However, experts like Kristen Tice say these radical diets do more harm than good.

“Most people actually end up gaining more weight because their metabolism is slowed while they’re on the detox diet,” said Tice.

Tice is a registered dietician and teaches healthy eating habits. She says while people lose weight fast on these diets, it always comes back when they stop the diet.  

Columbia resident Sable Burgess agrees. She admits she’s tried these fad diets in the past.

“I’ve done crazy diets. Everything from low carb, to a juice cleanse, to a 14 day cleanse,” said Burgess. “They are too good to be true because you’re miserable while you’re doing it, and any results you see are temporary.”

Burgess now uses a combination of watching what she eats and exercising to stay on top of her weight. “Once you get into the lifestyle of working out and eating well, it’s great and it makes you feel good.”

If you are looking to lose weight for a wedding or reunion, experts recommend you get started months ahead of time. Don’t make radical changes to your lifestyle. Instead, cut back a little and go from there.

Tice recommends leaving a quarter of your plate behind, rather than eating everything on it. She also says don’t overdo it when you exercise. If you’re new to working out, start walking 30 minutes a day, then increase your workouts from that.