45 internet hacks that just don’t work

“This advice has been given for years and isn’t relevant anymore, if it ever was! It can make a person feel like they need to spend a fortune and only have fresh foods on hand in order to be healthy and/or lose weight,” says dietitian, Annessa Chumblet. “The truth is, there are many healthy products in those centre aisles – frozen vegetables, canned meats, beans, plain popcorn, beef jerky, frozen meats, mustards, natural oils, tree nuts, etc. Don’t feel guilty about the budget you are on or what you need to purchase in those centre aisles!”

Here are some mindful shopping tips that can save you money (and make you happier!).

Grapefruits, carrots, kale – the Internet has cycled through dozens of ingredients when touting a juice hack. The current winner? Celery. But while celery juice does have some health benefits, it’s certainly not the magic cure-all many people would have you believe, Chumbley says. Not to mention that juice cleanses, in general, are not a healthy or sustainable way to lose weight, she adds.

Big, round butts are having a big moment on the Internet (as you’ve probably noticed), but if you weren’t born blessed with a juicy peach, you can squat your way there, right? Actually, squats are not an effective way to build your butt, says personal trainer Gina DiNapoli. “Squats do not isolate the glutes; they actually involve many large muscle groups, including your quads, hamstrings, hip flexors and even back and core,” she says. “If you want to be sure you’re isolating that booty, body-weight glute bridges are actually a better move!” But that doesn’t mean squats aren’t a good exercise – just make sure you’re following proper squat form.

Dry shampoos can extend the time between washes significantly, but they can be pricey, especially if you use them frequently. So one common hair hack is to sprinkle baby powder into your roots. Bad idea, says hairsylist, Savannah Fincher. “Baby powder is talc-based and can clog the pores on your scalp,” she explains. “Extended or frequent use can lead to scalp dryness, acne, product build-up and even hair loss.”

Lifeless locks? Try these home remedies for dry and damaged hair.

Commercial sunscreens can be laden with chemicals, and there are a lot of Internet hacks for using natural ingredients as a DIY sunscreen, with two of the most popular being coconut and avocado oil. But while they may moisturise your skin, they’re not going to protect it from the sun, says dermatologist, Erum Ilyas. “Unfortunately, these DIY sunscreen recipes often have absolutely no sun-protective qualities and do little to shield skin from UVA rays, which can cause skin cancer,” she explains. If you want a chemical-free sunblock, your best bet is to cover up with sun-protective clothing, she adds.

We could do a whole article on internet weight loss hacks that don’t work, but one of the most common calls for people to do cardio while wearing plastic garbage bags or a sauna suit in an effort to burn more fat. Don’t do it, says personal trainer, Christopher Clarke. “The only thing wearing a plastic suit while you work out does is increase your water loss,” he says. “The scale may show a weight decrease afterward, but you’ve only lost water, not fat, and you’ll regain it when you rehydrate.” In addition, this can be dangerous, as it increases your body’s core temperature while dehydrating you.

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Source: RD.com