Thousands of weight loss programs exist in book, store, magazine and online versions. Avoid falling for diets and supplements that promise quick results via drastic measures. These types of programs may endanger your health and are likely to fail in the long run. The best way to lose weight, according to nutrition experts at the American Heart Association, is through a gradual one or two pound per week drop resulting from moderate diet and lifestyle changes. If you believe a weight loss program will help you create these necessary changes, then seek out one that fits your needs and eating habits.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers has been in existence since 1963 and has helped thousands of people successfully lose weight. Weight Watchers updates its program regularly to meet the needs of its clients and to align with the latest research on weight loss success. In the 2000s, Weight Watchers embarked on a flexible, points-based system that attempts to teach dieters to make their own intelligent food and activity choices. While bricks-and-mortar meetings still occur, Weight Watchers offers online counseling and tracking to make following their diet easier than ever.
The Biggest Loser Club
The popular reality show spawned "The Biggest Loser Club," an online weight loss subscription program. When you join, you are given a personalized exercise and diet program that is designed according to answers you give to a questionnaire. "The Biggest Loser Club" book is available for separate purchase. An online community supports you and experts offer input as you follow your plan. The diet is generally healthy, emphasizing lean proteins, fresh produce, lowfat dairy and monounsaturated fats.
Jenny Craig
The Jenny Craig Diet provides support either online or through counseling centers. The program revolves around a set menu comprised of pre-packaged meals that you purchase for weekly consumption. All of the foods, as per the Jenny Craig official website, meet the 2005 United States Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Every day, you consume between 1,200 and 2,300 calories, depending on your metabolism and weight loss goals. In addition to the frozen or shelf-stable foods, Jenny Craig encourages eating fresh fruits and vegetables. The pre-portioned foods are helpful, but may become monotonous, and make eating away from home challenging.
Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem is an online program that delivers prepared food to your home. Prearranged weekly meal plans are individualized based on their estimations of your daily caloric needs for weight loss. Different meal plans are available depending on whether you are male or female and a vegetarian. All the meals emphasize foods that are low on the glycemic index. The program is relatively convenient and helps you understand proper portion sizes.
South Beach Diet
Dr. Arthur Agatson introduced his original South Beach Diet plan in 2003 and a new, supercharged version in 2008. The diet involves three phases, the first of which restricts carbohydrates and calories significantly. As you progress through the program, certain low-glycemic carbohydrates are reintroduced until you reach a maintenance phase. The "supercharged" plan includes specific recommendations for exercise. In addition to the book, an online program and food supplements, like drinks and meal replacement bars, are available. Although the first phase of the diet can be challenging to sustain, the diet generally focuses on healthful foods and helpful lifestyle changes to promote long-term results.
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