The following red flags should alert you to questionable weight-loss diets:

1. The diet is restrictive and does not include a variety of low-fat foods, including whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked dried beans and peas, extra-lean meat or chicken, fish and non-fat or low-fat milk products.

2. You are required to purchase special foods, devices or books.

3. The program or plan is not supervised by a dietician, physician, or qualified medical personnel, or the staff was not trained by one of these health professionals.

Whimsy ChiChi’s Health Gazette