Weight Loss and Diet Plans An Overview

Weight loss is a concern for millions of people, a topic of discussion on television, in newspapers and magazines, at home and at work. It is more than likely that you or someone you know has at one time or another in their lives tried some sort of diet plan. Choosing an appropriate weight loss program requires careful evaluation.

One of the most popular diet plans is the South Beach Diet, based on a combination of carbohydrates and fats in three well-balanced meals a day. Animal fats and proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish are recommended as replacements for bread, snacks, and soft drinks. The Atkins Diet plan restricts carbohydrates, such as potatoes, pasta, and sweets, while encouraging consumption of red meat and bacon. Limited quantities of fruit and diary products such as eggs, cheese, and butter are included. Slim Fast is a well-known weight loss program that has been in existence for over ten years. The Slim Fast diet plan combines sensible, low calorie meals in its own brand of food, drinks, and snacks.

One of the most interesting and balanced diet plans is the Sonoma Diet, sometimes referred to as the “gourmet” diet. The Sonoma Diet is based upon the “plate and bowl” concept, with no severe restrictions on food or calories. Each meal is assigned a specific plate size, with suggestions for appropriate portions of food and wine. Nutri-System is a protein-controlled diet plan, based upon the glycemic index (GI). The GI measures the effects of food on blood sugar levels and is a recommended diet plan for individuals who are diabetic or obese. Pre-packaged meals can be ordered for up to four-weeks at a reasonable cost. Weight Watchers, in existence for some time, is one of the best-known weight loss programs today. The Flex Plan assigns points for the foods you eat and the Core Plan includes wholesome foods, with no calorie counting. The Mayo Clinic Plan may be one of the healthiest diet plans to consider. It's based upon a food pyramid, emphasizing unlimited quantities of fruits and vegetables and reasonable amounts of fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Jenny Craig offers a weight loss program where all meals are shipped, personal counselors are assigned, and once-a-week weigh-ins are required. The membership requirement and the cost of meals can be expensive, however. Dr. Tarnover introduced the 14-day Scarsdale Diet in the early 1970's, and it is still a popular diet plan to follow. People lose weight with this low calorie diet, but should consider the percentage of protein that is included. LA Weight Loss has over 650 centers for dieters, with personalized counseling and low-calorie diet plans. This program seems rather inconvenient and expensive in comparison to other weight loss programs.

Richard Simmons has a popular weight loss program that combines fitness with nutrition at a reasonable price. The diet plan is generous, with 20% for protein and fats and 60% carbohydrates. The Denise Austin Fit Forever Program is a weight loss program emphasizing fitness along with sensible eating. The diet plan allows large portions of fruit and vegetables, as well as limited fat, carbohydrate, and fiber. Customized diet plans and suggested shopping lists are included in the Denise Austin program. Bob Greene has a good all-over makeover diet plan for long-term success. His plan concentrates on changing eating habits and lifestyle, through a combination of a routine exercise program, nutritional foods, and attitude adjustment. SparkPeople, an online weight loss program at a reasonable cost, has exercise demonstrations, diet plans, and calorie trackers. A typical diet plan has 15% protein, 55% carbohydrate, and 30% fats. The Zone Diet, by Dr. Sears, is also recommended for weight loss. The recommended diet plan has 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fats.

Diet.com is an online weight loss program that offers a diet plan based on personality types. DietWatch and eDiets are excellent weight loss programs, with a large variety of online diet plans. The TrueStar Weight Loss Program site has two phases, from low to moderate carbohydrates, with emphasis on a holistic approach. Herbalife has two weight loss products, diet pills and diet shakes, sold under the brand Thermojetics. These products are fat burners used to boost the metabolism. The Hollywood Diet Plan, a type of fad diet, is not recommended as a good weight loss program due to its reputation as a 48-hour miracle diet, substituting a diet juice or food and nutrition. Other diet plans worth considering are Medifast, for the seriously overweight, the Low Sodium diet, and the Vegetarian diet.

Weight loss is not an impossible goal. With so many diet plans available today, there will be one that will work for you. It is important to remember that successful weight loss should combine exercise with a diet plan, but fad and quick loss diets are not the answer.

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