You've overindulged over the holiday and you just have to get into that slinky black dress by New Year's...what do you do? According to this article, fasting has become a trendy way to shed pounds quickly. But is it safe?

The consensus seems to be that, for a a few days, fasting is harmless, as long as you drink plenty of fluids. After a week, the body -- which needs protein -- will start to break down muscle to get much needed amino acids. What about the most important muscle, your heart? Yep, your body will go after that too, and long term fasting can lead to heart damage.

Is it worth it? Does fasting really work? Obviously, going on an ultra low or no calorie diet for a few days will result in weight loss. However, most of it will be fluid and what comes off quickly, goes right back on just as fast. Better, in my opinion, to go the old fashioned route of cutting back on junk and exercising more.

As for the rumor that fasting "cleanses" the body of impurities, this article debunks that myth. Your liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin already have that job, and do it well.