The race to health and fitness is on and a lot of people are getting in on it. Some people do it in order to have a beautiful body, some people do it because they are ashamed of their body, while others do it simply to remain fit and healthy. As such, there are thousands of fitness programs on the Internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centres all over the world. Some are too expensive - so expensive that you will lose weight quickly, just because you have to work hard to earn the money to pursue these fitness programs.
One might not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend much just to slim down and obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many books available in the bookstores] offering weight loss programs that are convenient and cheap. However, the books are not though. These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity because of their publicity, testimonials and reviews and you might be confused as to exactly which one to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading the following summaries of the most popular diet programs out today.
The Atkins’ New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins: This diet plan promotes a high protein diet and fewer carbohydrates. You can feast on vegetables and meat but must not eat bread and pasta. You are not restricted on your fat consumption so it is OK to pour on the (correct) salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, during the diet, some people may find themselves short on fibre and high on fat and cholesterol. Grains and fruits are also strictly limited.
The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan also recommends a low carbohydrate diet. It suggests eating meat, vegetables and fruit, dairy and grain products. however, advises against taking in too many carbohydrates. So-called “Reward Meals” can be rather high in fats and saturated fats.
Choose to Lose: by Dr. Goor. Restricts fat intake. You are given a “fat” budget and you are given free reign on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to regulate his carbohydrate intake. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafood is fine. You may also eat vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan is fairly healthy, because it recommends correct amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch your triglyceride levels though. If they are high, trim down on the carbohydrates and eat more unsaturated fats.
The DASH Diet. Advocates eating a fairly moderate amount of fat and protein yet lots of carbohydrates. It was initially created to lower blood pressure. The diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages a high consumption of whole wheat grains as well as fruit and vegetables and low-fat dairy. However, some dieters consider it advocates too much consumption to create a significant weight loss.
Eat More, Weigh Less: by Dr. Ornish. Mostly a vegetarian food and low-fat program. Advises to look out for low-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet program is poor in calcium and limits the consumption of healthy foods like seafood and lean poultry.
Eat Right for Your Type: This scheme is quite unusual because it centres its advice on your blood group. For example, it recommends plenty of meat for people with the blood type O. However, diet programs for some blood types are nutritionally unbalanced and too low in calories. However, just for the record, there is no evidence that blood type can affect dietary requirements.
The Pritkin Principle: It focuses on cutting back on the number of calories by eating ‘wet’ foods that make you feel full. It recommends eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy, which it says is OK, although it also restricts protein sources to lean meat, seafood and poultry. It is healthy because it provides low amounts of saturated fats and high amounts of vegetables and fruits. However, it is low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.
Volumetrics: It recommends eating fewer calories. It advises roughly the same foods as Pritkin but limits fatty food and dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is fairly healthy given the high amounts of fruit and vegetables. It is also low in calories and saturated fats.
The Zone: It is fairly low on carbohydrates yet moderately high on proteins. It encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken plus vegetables, fruits and grains. It is also healthy but lacking in grains and calcium.
Weight Watchers: They recommend high carbohydrate meals, but are moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. It permits the dieter to devise his own meals rather than offering recipes, although there are Weight Watchers’ TV dinners in the shops.
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