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MAIKEL WOOD asked:


There are many diet plans proposed and/or promoted by different people. There is the 5-Factor Diet, South Beach Diet, Bob Greene’s Best Life Diet, Atkins Diet, Cabbage Soup Diet, Detox Diet, Anne Collin’s diet, Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet, and now you have Size Zero Diet, DASH diet and Fat Smash Diet and …. it goes on! We shall try to explain the top five diets that are very much in news.

Cabbage soup diet

This diet caught the fancy of many when it was proposed due to its utter simplicity. Proponents of Cabbage soup diet claim that by consuming low-calorie cabbage soup for a period of seven days you can lose 10 lbs of weight. It is only a short term program for weight loss.

In the opinion of nutritional experts it is not possible for body to lose 10 lbs of fat in a week; what you will lose by following this plan is body water, and it will be highly detrimental to health. This diet is considered a fad diet. However, there are many who believe in it and there are many variants of this plan still in circulation.

Fat Smash Diet

The Fat Smash Diet of Dr. Smith is an approach to weight loss not as a quick fix solution but as a lifestyle approach. It gained prominence because of the Celebrity Fit Club TV program on which people could see it being put in practice. It focuses on healthful diet, filling foods, and lot of exercise as a necessary accompaniment. This plan focuses on low calorie content of the diet which is easy to follow. This plan does not make tempting claims of fast weight loss; it can be followed whether you are looking for a small or a heavy weight loss.

This is a 4 phase plan; first three phases extending to about 8 weeks and the fourth phase being a lifetime phase. This plan lays as much stress on regular exercises as on proper diet control.

Atkins Diet

Dr. Atkins diet is based on the premise that the main cause of obesity is eating refined carbohydrates, particularly sugar, flour, and high-fructose corn syrups; and secondly, that the fats from hydrogenated oils and not the saturated fats are a problem. Atkins diet plans were based on very low carbohydrates.

Medical opinion however has been vehemently critical of this approach condemning it as “the most dangerous to the public if followed for any length of time.” Atkins diet now is looked at more as a fad diet.

South Beach Diet

South Beach diet plan was initially evolved by Dr. Agatston for his heart patients and its launch for weight loss was only as a spin-off. This plan emphasizes the consumption of “good carbohydrates” and “good fats”. “Good carbohydrates” are high in fiber and they are digested and absorbed slowly. “Good fats” are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, especially those with omega-3 fatty acids. Saturated and trans fats are bad fats.

This diet has generally been perceived as a successful weight loss diet.

DASH Diet

This diet is primarily proposed for patients suffering from high blood pressure. It consists in following a diet which is low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, and is rich in low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables. The plan is rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, as well as protein and fiber. Since it uses the same concepts in choice of diet as are used in case of weight loss diets, it is successful for weight loss also. This diet is supported by many health organisations such as NHLBI, etc.



Benoit

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


More and more people are adapting their lifestyles to strict fitness regimes. While some do it to acquire a sexy new body, some do it as they are embarrassed with their present self, and some others do it just to remain healthy and fit. There are plenty of fitness routines available on the internet, in spas and gyms. Some of these programs are very expensive and heavy on the pocket. One may lose weight by simply trying to manipulate the necessary finance to adopt these fitness routines.

One need not visit the gym and the spa and spend hours working out and performing strenuous exercises in order to obtain that beautiful, sexy body. Several books available at bookstores offer effective and convenient weight reduction programs for free, although the books don’t come for free. These programs are gaining a lot of popularity through much hype, publicity and reviews which often confuse the person as to which one he must follow. Before you choose a weight loss program, go through these summaries about popular diet programs.

The first book is Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. This program endorses high protein and low carbohydrate foods. One may thrive on meat and vegetables but must completely avoid pasta and bread. There are no restrictions on fat, so you can indulge on the salad dressing, while spreading the butter freely. However, this diet lacks fibre and calcium content and limited composition of grain and fruits, while it is high in fat.

The next review is Dr. Heller’s Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet. This diet program incorporates low carbohydrate foods in the diet. It allows consumption of vegetables, fruits, meat, grains and dairy products. It advocates consumption of fewer carbohydrates. The “Reward” meal is very high in fats.

Dr. Goor’s Choose to Lose imposes restriction on consuming fatty foods. The person is provided with a “fat” budget and is allowed to spend it. There is no pressure on carbohydrate intake. It allows consumption of meat, poultry and low-fat dairy products. It advocates intake of fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta and grains. This program is reasonably healthy as it supplies sufficient amount of fruits, veggies and saturated fat. However, one must monitor triglyceride levels. If it is high, cut down on carbohydrate and indulge on unsaturated fats.

The next summary is the DASH Diet. It encourages intake of moderate quantities of unsaturated fat and protein and high carbohydrate foods. It is basically aimed at lowering blood pressure, and it follows the pyramid guide. Hence, it advocates high intake of grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods. However, some people feel that it involves excessive eating to produce a significant loss in weight.

The following summary is about Dr. Ornish’s Eat More, Weigh Less. It advocates vegetarian and low-fat foods. It restricts “glow” foods and recommends a watch over egg whites and non-fat dairy. But this diet is deficient in calcium and restrains intake of poultry and seafood.

Eat Right for your Type. This is interesting because it recommends the diet based on the dieter’s blood group. It encourages plenty of meat intakes for people with O type blood. But the diet plans for certain other blood types are not balanced and are very low in calories. Besides, there is no recorded proof that blood group varies the dietary requirements.

The Pritkin Principle.

It focuses on cutting down the calories by eating watery foods that tend to satisfy hunger. Intake of fruits, vegetables, pasta, oatmeal, salads, low-fat dairy and soups are allowed. It limits protein rich foods to seafood and poultry. Though it is healthy as it provides less saturated fat, it is low in calcium and lean protein content.

Volumetrics

Advises low calorie food intake. Its recommendations are similar to Pitkin but it asks the dieter to refrain from eating dry foods like crackers, pretzels and popcorn. It is reasonably healthy as it has high supplies in fruits, vegetables and also in low calorie, unsaturated fats.

The Zone

It has moderately low carbohydrate content and high protein content. This advocates low-fat and protein rich foods like fish, chicken, veggies, grains and fruits. Though it is healthy, it lacks in calcium.

Weight Watchers.

It is high in carbohydrate content, and moderate on proteins and fats. It is a very healthy plan and is extremely flexible. It gives the dieter the liberty to follow his own diet plan than restrict him to a pre-packaged routine.



William