Dieting is a four-letter word for some people after years of failure when trying to lose weight. Diet programs and plans are very diverse; it's a matter of finding the one that is right for you. Get started on your regimen by consulting your family physician.
Weight Watchers
According to the Weight Watchers website, people have lost weight using the program for 45 years This plan advocates and teaches eating smarter, moving more and developing better habits. With Weight Watchers, you have the advantage of eating the foods you like. Foods are assigned points; you are allowed a given number of points per day depending on your current body weight and how much you want to lose. Weight Watchers also strongly encourages attending weekly group meetings and weigh-ins to increase your chances of success with the program.
South Beach Diet
Developed by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatson as a heart-healthy alternative, the South Beach Diet emerged as a popular diet plan in the United States around 2003. The plan specifically uses three phases, and it focuses on the importance of differentiating good carbohydrates and fats and by educating the public on glycemic index of foods, which distinguishes good carbohydrates from bad ones. The higher the index, the higher the sugar content.
Phase 1 of the plan is the most strict and least flexible, lasting for 15 days. This is the no-carbohydrate phase, and most people experience rapid weight loss. In Phase 2, you are allowed to reintroduce good carbohydrates like fruit, dairy and whole grains to regain balance in your diet. Weight loss should continue but at a slower rate of 1 to 2 lbs. pounds a week. Phase 3 is considered the maintenance phase.
The Mediterranean Diet
If you are of Mediterranean descent or just prefer the foods from that region, then this diet is no news to you. There is really not one "Mediterranean Diet" as there about 16 countries which border the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you eat Greek, Italian or Spanish cuisine, certain common dietary patterns are prevalent, including high consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source, dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, and little red meat is eaten. Additionally, eggs are consumed zero to four times a week and wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts.
The American Heart Association acknowledges the fact that there are good qualities about the diet, but says it has contributed to obesity in people from the region.
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