Avoid being misled by fad diets, word of mouth diets (passed on by friends), and dietary pills as these products are not safe or scientifically tested...

Hoodia a plant that is grown in the Kalahari has been marketed as a natural weight-loss and appetite suppressant in South Africa. Sorry to burst your bubble but there has not been sufficient scientific clinical trials to prove that it is safe or aids in weight loss.

The blood type diet (Biotype diet) also has no sound scientific evidence. This particular diet determines the type of food you should consume according to your blood type (A, B, AB, and O). This diet even goes as far as telling you the type of medical treatments and medication you are allowed. It puts fear into the user saying that if you eat a food that is not compatible to your blood type you will get asthma, allergies or even cancer. This diet is dangerous as you eliminate important nutrients that your body requires.

Another popular mistake is you follow your friends diet plan which was calculated by a dietician and it is passed onto to everyone in your friendship circle. Remember the diet was individually calculated to that one particular person according to their lifestyle, BMI, medical conditions and won't necessarily work for you. You can follow the general healthy principles of the diet, but if you want a diet individually calculated for you, make an appointment with a registered dietician.

The rule for 2011 is do not be conned into fad diets – use your common sense!