Weight Loss Programs—Diets to Help Drop Pounds
A Quick Comparison of Popular Diet Plans for Losing Unwanted Pounds
Nov 8, 2009
As the weight of the average American man, woman and child increases, so does the popularity of the increasing number of diet programs. Some of the plans are safe and healthy, while others may deplete the body of essential vitamins and nutrients. Although the intention to lose weight is there, sometimes the discipline and commitment isn’t. According to MayoClinic.com, success of weight loss is determined by being ready to meet the challenge.
Atkins Diet Plan
The strategy for the Atkins diet plan is to significantly decrease the number of carbohydrate grams consumed each day, according to Atkins.com. There are four phases to the programs that starts out very strict and slowly allows more variety of foods:
- Induction Phase—severely limits the number of carbs
- Ongoing Weight Loss Phase—incorporates more variety but still limits carbs, until the dieter is within 10 pounds of the goal weight
- Pre-Maintenance Phase—involves adding more healthy carbs
- Lifetime Phase—requires a commitment to keeping the excess pounds off
South Beach Diet
The South Beach diet plan also involves cutting back on carbs, but it is more flexible than Atkins. There are three phases to the program. These are listed at SouthBeachDiet.com:
- Phase 1—eliminates processed sugars and starches and encourages eating high protein foods such as chicken, fish and lean meats
- Phase 2—includes the same food as in phase 1, with whole grains, sweet potatoes and more vegetables added.
- Phase 3—a maintenance program that includes modified versions of favorite foods.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is ideal for fish lovers. Dieters are encouraged to eat fish, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds and discouraged from consuming large amounts of red meat and processed foods. According to MayoClinic.com, this diet is good for the heart.
Sugar Busters Diet
The Sugar Busters diet plan teaches that sugar is poison. All refined sugar as well as some vegetables and fruits that are high in sugar are off limits. Most meats and low sugar fruits and vegetables are allowed, as stated on SugarBusters.com. Foods not allowed on the Sugar Busters diet include baked beans, corn, carrots, ripe bananas, raisins, white flour products, white potatoes, beer and most processed meats.
Bob Greene Diet
The Bob Greene diet is another program with phases, as listed on Oprah.com. It’s designed to change eating habits and incorporates exercise into the overall plan.
- Phase 1—drink more water, eat at least three times per day, no food before bedtime, take multivitamins and exercise three days per week.
- Phase 2—eliminate certain foods, soft drinks, white bread and full-fat dairy products, and add whole grains, skim milk, vegetables, fruit and olive oil.
- Phase 3—bring back the foods that were eliminated but incorporates healthy eating and exercise for a lifetime.
Weight Watchers Diet
No foods are off limits with Weight Watchers. Each food is assigned a specific number of points. Dieters are allowed up to a certain number of points per day based on gender, height and weight. Proper nutrition is emphasized. According to the Weight Watchers website, the basic principles of “eating smarter, moving more, getting support and developing better habits” are the keys to success in the program.
Prepackaged Diets
Other diets offer prepackaged foods that eliminate the need to measure portions or count points. These include Jenny Craig and NutriSystem.
Choosing a Diet
All of the diet programs claim to have success stories. Losing weight involves a life-long commitment of healthy eating and exercise. According to an article on the University of Maryland Medical Center website, losing weight can help reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol. Before starting on a weight loss diet, consult a physician.
 |
 |
