Top 3 Diets For Weight Loss
There are many popular weight loss diets out there to choose from and as many different approaches.
You will probably lose weight with all of them, but choosing the one that fits with your lifestyle and personality is important.
None of them will give you the results you want if they're too difficult for you to stick with.
Here's an overview of the most popular diets today to help you choose the one that works for you.
South Beach Diet The emphasis of this enormously popular diet is to eat the "right" carbohydrates and fats while avoiding highly processed carbs like those found in breads and other baked products, soft drinks and snacks.
It is divided into 3 phases, the first being the most strict and lasting 14 days.
The diet promises a weight loss of 8-13 pounds during phase 1, if followed diligently.
It includes normal portions of lean meats, eggs, vegetables, cheese and nuts.
The second phase is less strict, allowing whole-grain breads and dairy, and lasts until your weight-loss goal is reached.
The third phase is about maintenance.
The South Beach Diet allows for eating out and snacks are a requirement.
There is an emphasis on flexibility recognizing busy lifestyles so important to maintaining a healthy weight.
The Mediterranean Diet This is a low fat, high energy diet.
It is based on Mediterranean cuisines consisting heavily of plant proteins.
Bread and olive oil are also a large parts of this diet.
Studies show that people living in the region experience low rates of illness and chronic disease The Mediterranean diet requires consumption of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, pasta, rice, nuts and seeds.
Dairy products are included in the form of yogurt and cheese in low to moderate quantities.
Meats are part of it but in lesser quantities than plant proteins.
There are very few food restrictions with the emphasis being on enjoying the foods you like in moderation.
It encourages you to reject the Western style of quickly consuming large portions of foods and instead spending time to prepare small, flavorful meals.
The plan instructs participants to choose low-fat, tasty foods leaving them feeling satisfied.
It encourages a slower, steady pace of weight loss which is healthier and easier to maintain for an overall lifestyle change.
The Zone Diet The Zone Diet is based upon the theory that our bodies are genetically programmed to function best when meals and snacks consist of 40% carbohydrate calories, 30% protein and 30% fats.
With this ratio, the body is in the "zone" for maximum energy and weight loss.
Though the diet emphasizes high protein and low carbohydrate consumption, it is not as restrictive as many other high protein diets and allows for a variety of foods.
Healthy fats replace unhealthy saturated and trans fats.
It promotes a balance without severe restriction of calories.
The protein gives you a feeling of being full to discourage between meal eating which results in consuming fewer calories.
This overview on different weight loss approaches and theories will hopefully give you a starting place to choose the right diet to help you change an unhealthy eating lifestyle to a healthy one you can maintain for life.
You will probably lose weight with all of them, but choosing the one that fits with your lifestyle and personality is important.
None of them will give you the results you want if they're too difficult for you to stick with.
Here's an overview of the most popular diets today to help you choose the one that works for you.
South Beach Diet The emphasis of this enormously popular diet is to eat the "right" carbohydrates and fats while avoiding highly processed carbs like those found in breads and other baked products, soft drinks and snacks.
It is divided into 3 phases, the first being the most strict and lasting 14 days.
The diet promises a weight loss of 8-13 pounds during phase 1, if followed diligently.
It includes normal portions of lean meats, eggs, vegetables, cheese and nuts.
The second phase is less strict, allowing whole-grain breads and dairy, and lasts until your weight-loss goal is reached.
The third phase is about maintenance.
The South Beach Diet allows for eating out and snacks are a requirement.
There is an emphasis on flexibility recognizing busy lifestyles so important to maintaining a healthy weight.
The Mediterranean Diet This is a low fat, high energy diet.
It is based on Mediterranean cuisines consisting heavily of plant proteins.
Bread and olive oil are also a large parts of this diet.
Studies show that people living in the region experience low rates of illness and chronic disease The Mediterranean diet requires consumption of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, pasta, rice, nuts and seeds.
Dairy products are included in the form of yogurt and cheese in low to moderate quantities.
Meats are part of it but in lesser quantities than plant proteins.
There are very few food restrictions with the emphasis being on enjoying the foods you like in moderation.
It encourages you to reject the Western style of quickly consuming large portions of foods and instead spending time to prepare small, flavorful meals.
The plan instructs participants to choose low-fat, tasty foods leaving them feeling satisfied.
It encourages a slower, steady pace of weight loss which is healthier and easier to maintain for an overall lifestyle change.
The Zone Diet The Zone Diet is based upon the theory that our bodies are genetically programmed to function best when meals and snacks consist of 40% carbohydrate calories, 30% protein and 30% fats.
With this ratio, the body is in the "zone" for maximum energy and weight loss.
Though the diet emphasizes high protein and low carbohydrate consumption, it is not as restrictive as many other high protein diets and allows for a variety of foods.
Healthy fats replace unhealthy saturated and trans fats.
It promotes a balance without severe restriction of calories.
The protein gives you a feeling of being full to discourage between meal eating which results in consuming fewer calories.
This overview on different weight loss approaches and theories will hopefully give you a starting place to choose the right diet to help you change an unhealthy eating lifestyle to a healthy one you can maintain for life.
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