Many people attempt to lose weight by trying a new diet. Many unhealthy options such as the juice and cleanse diets severely restrict food choice. These diets eliminate entire food groups, which can cause nutrient deficiencies. In addition, you are more likely to quit a diet if you have limited food choices. An effective diet is one that you can stay with long-term.
Weight Watchers
This diet helps you lose weight through portion control and lifestyle change. Weight Watchers assigns a point value to foods based on calories, fat and fiber content. You have a specific point value to follow based on your current weight. You can eat anything, but unhealthy foods have higher point values. The website has a list of point values for 27,000 foods, and you can calculate the point value of your own recipes. Weight Watchers encourages an active lifestyle; you get extra points for exercise. You can attend a weekly in-person meeting for support or participate online. Online features include message boards, progress monitors, point counters and recipes. As of August 2010, it costs $17.95 a month for Weight Watchers online. The fee for in-person meetings varies.
Nutri-System
In this diet, you choose a menu and purchase food from an online program. The diet costs $333 for four weeks of food, plus $20 in shipping costs, as of August 2010. You also can buy a $148 14-day program at some retail stores. Each menu cycle contains four weeks' worth of food, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert foods. The food arrives at your home, and you add fresh vegetables and fruits. The Nutri-System foods have high amounts of fiber and protein to help you stay full longer. This diet is simple, because once you choose your food, you only have to cook it in the microwave and add your own fresh produce. A website helps you stay focused, providing diet advice and information..
South Beach
A cardiologist created this diet for heart patients. The diet costs $65 for three months, with a minimum of four-week commitment. A book explaining the diet costs $15 but is not required. You follow three phases of the diet. In the first phase, you stop eating sweets and refined starches, such as candy, white bread and pasta. You replace these foods with foods that are high in fiber and protein, such as fish and vegetables. In the second phase, you can increase your carbohydrate intake, adding whole grains. In the last phase, you eat a variety of food, but you continue to concentrate on healthy eating and exercise. You can buy some food items in grocery stores. The diet provides healthy recipes to encourage you to try different foods.
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