The top ten diets - let’s look at the most popular diets
Although it's not in our "top ten" list, the Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet has a huge number of followers online -- it's popular for a reason: it works fast to help you to lose weight.
Which diet for you? Here’s an overview of some popular diets. Note - these diets are in no particular order; it’s just a summary of some of the choices you have.
1. Nutri-System
The Nutri-System diet involves pre-packaged meals and snacks that total about 1200 to 1500 calories per day. According to topdietreview.com, there are no membership fees, but once you are off the program it can be very difficult to maintain the weight loss.
2. Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers has been around since the 1960s and it has helped many people lose weight. Currently, Weight Watchers assigns a point value to every kind of food. You will lose weight if you keep within a certain range of points. There are meetings, including weigh-ins and weight-loss tips. There are also many online tools you can use. Critics of the program say the program does not focus enough on exercise. Others have noted that the company's "Smart Ones" frozen food products are owned by Heinz and question the wisdom of a weight-loss company's ties to a food company.
3. Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet and the similar South Beach diet, restrict the amount of carbohydrates you eat, especially during the first two weeks. You can't eat potatoes, bread, pasta, carrots, corn or fruit. The idea is that these carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to rise and fall quickly, thus affecting how well your body burns fat. Especially during the first two weeks, you are eating a lot of protein. There is still controversy as to whether these diets types of diets are healthy, especially during the initial phases. However, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that low-carb diets can be effective.
4. Slim-Fast
Slim Fast is best known for its slogan, "Give Us a Week, We'll Take Off the Weight". While several plans and products are available, the main thrust involves drinking two shakes, available in powder or pre-made liquid form and a "sensible meal" each day. In general two snacks are also allowed. According to Wikipedia, a 2003 study showed that Slim Fast can be effective for long-term weight loss. Critics, however, have mentioned the monotony of drinking two shakes each day and the relative expense of the products.
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5. Alli
This is an over-the-counter version of Xenical and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is intended to absorb the fats from the food you eat. However, critics note that many users have complained about sudden severe diarrhea and some researchers say the product can block the absorption of Vitamin D and healthy omega fatty acids. Alli is also comparatively expensive when compared to other over-the-counter diet pills.
6. Juice fasts
While a juice fast is often touted as a means to "de-toxify" your body, it really is just another form of diet. Whether you use your own supplies of juice or a commercially prepared juice formula, you will lose weight quickly because you are taking in far fewer calories than usual. While juice fasts can be very effective quick weight loss, they are only intended for short-term use. If you fast for longer than one weekend, you will be depriving your body of important nutrients.
7. Slim-Shots
This is a new product, consisting of a proprietary blend of oils that you blend into juice or yogurt. The theory is that by consuming this blend of oils, you will reduce your appetite. While the company says you can cut your appetite by 30 percent, many of those who have tried consuming oils on their own experienced nausea.
8. Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is getting top reviews from dieters and health professionals alike. It involves mimicking the diet of people who live in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Such a diet allows you to consume large quantities of olive oil, fruit, vegetables, breads, fish, poultry and wine with little to no eggs or red meat. While people do lose weight on this diet, it is gaining popularity as a means to improve heart health. Some people may even gain weight because of the focus on pasta and bread.
9. Cabbage soup diet
The cabbage soup diet is popular because it is easy and quick. By preparing a large quantity of cabbage soup and eating only the soup, you will lose weight. However, as with any fad diet, eventually you may get bored by the monotony. In addition, you will be depriving your body of many important nutrients. Also, many people are bothered by "gassy" foods such as cabbage. Would your family and coworkers really want you eating nothing but cabbage?
10. The Biggest Loser diet
The Biggest Loser diet shows that reality television has even entered the weight-loss world. This is an online program that begins with a diet profile. For a small fee, you will be given a daily meal plan, fitness demonstrations and access to fitness experts online. There are plenty of other resources available. However, keep in mind you have to be disciplined and computer-literate enough to keep up your logs.
These are just the top 10 diets of the countless diet plans out there. How can you ever choose the best one? Unfortunately, there really is no hard and fast rule that fits everyone.
