Just like anyone, even wealthy executives want to keep up their fabulous figures. Exercising regularly definitely helps, but some take a more rapid approach. Roni DeLuz, RN, ND, PhD is the founder and director of the Martha’s Vineyard Holistic Retreat at the Martha’s Vineyard Inn, and her “21 Pounds in 21 Days” diet has been getting notoriety lately thanks to the news that comedian Steve Harvey has decided to take part.

The diet works by participants sipping fruit and vegetable juices for every two hours for three weeks. The theory is that doing so will speed up a person’s metabolism and burn more fat.

Of course, nutritionists discourage the masses about crash diets like the 21 pounds in 21 days diet or any other crash diets. The obvious problem with this diet is the glaring and obvious lack of calories and protein that is necessary in any diet.

“Not only does protein make you feel full longer, but solid food makes you full longer,” Anne Fletcher, MS, RD told the New York Daily News.

If you’re one of those busy executives on the road all the time, than the 21 pounds in 21 days diet could make some sense. There are safer and just as effective methods to take away some of those pounds in those flabbier areas.

Of course, depending on who you are and what kind of lifestyle you have, adapting to the situation is key. If you have the time necessary to eat right and exercise on a regular basis, that method is widely more accepted than the “crash diet” alternative.

There’s also no telling what the diet will do to your body in the long run. Harvey is 53 years old, and could this rapid weight loss be detrimental to his overall health? You can imagine the 21 pounds in 21 days diet would be difficult for someone in their 20s or 30s, but if you’re higher up in age, the risk becomes that much more.
No matter how old you are, it’s usually better to diet by taking your time and consulting dieticians and nutritionists.

Am I saying that you shouldn’t do the 21 pounds in 21 days diet? Absolutely not. I am, however, saying that it’s important to consult with doctors and/or nutritionists before starting this diet – or any other diet for that matter.