The key to losing weight is to consume low carbs and high protein, according to one diet guru, and he has testimonials to prove it.
He also has the back up of satisfied users, who also say that his diet is low fat, high in carbs, and filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Thirds tell you that sugar is your enemy, while others say white flour is your enemy - if you want to lose real weight and keep it off, who should you listen to?
Take a look at the brief summaries below for a quick overview of the pros and cons of each of the popular types of diet plans.
Low Carb-Hi Protein Diets
Diets such as the Zone Diet, Atkins Diet, and South Beach Diet recommend restricting carbohydrates and allowing liberal amounts of protein.
You learn to differentiate between "good" and "bad" carbohydrates, or they limit the total amount of carbohydrates. It is forbidden to eat white flour, white bread, and white sugar, because they are bad carbohydrates.
Pros: The diets all encourage learning healthy eating as part of losing weight. Deriving most of your daily calories from high fiber sources of carbs like, leafy green vegetables and grains is generally considered the best diet for nutrition by the established medical community. The popularity of the diets makes it easy to find low-carb foods.
Cons: The allowance of eating all the protein and fats you like flies in the face of conventional medical wisdom. A diet high in saturated fats could lead to heart disease, diabetes, gout and other chronic health conditions. Following the diets’ cautions and advice to keep portions reasonable should mitigate that concern, though.
Weight Loss “Programs”
Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, Weight Watchers, SlimFast and a number of other weight loss programs rely heavily on pre-packaged ‘diet’ foods. They incorporate professional coaching, social structure and reinforcement.
Pros: The professional coaching and nutritional benefits are a big plus, as are the reinforcement and support aspect of the diets. Meals and supplements are prepackaged in the right proportions, and if you stick to the diets and exercise as directed you will lose weight.
Cons: The weekly fees and cost of meals can be expensive. In addition, if you rely completely on the packaged foods, you miss out on the re-education of your eating habits, which is important to maintaining any weight lost.
The Real Mayo Clinic Diet
Diets allegedly originated at the Mayo Clinic have circulated for thirty or more years, but this isn't the case!
According to the nutrition and diet center at the Mayo Clinic, a healthy eating plan for weight loss should limit fat, protein, and carbohydrates, count calories, and consist mainly of fruit, vegetables, and grains.
Pros: There’s no ‘diet’. Instead, you’re encouraged to take control of your eating. Portion control and sensible balance of nutrients are the cornerstones of a weight loss plan that takes weight off gradually, and helps you keep it off permanently.
Cons: It may be difficult to stay on the diet. Counting calories and portions can be difficult if you’re eating out or on the run.
You can lose weight quickly and painlessly by following a diet that doesn't require exercise or diet changes.
For long-term weight loss, most doctors recommend losing 1-2 pounds per week through the three major variations of diets above.
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