Weight Loss Programs That Don't Require Exercise

If you are very overweight or have a physical disability it can be very difficult to exercise. You might not have the time to follow an exercise program, or you might be someone who simply does not enjoy exercise. While most nutritionists and weight-loss experts agree the best way to lose weight is by cutting calories and exercising, there are several well-known and reputable diet plans that claim you can achieve weight loss without physical activity.

The South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet was formulated by cardiologist Arthur Agatston. It was originally devised to help his patients prevent and recover from heart disease, but the diet quickly gained popularity as a weight loss plan.

It is a three-phase plan which is based on eating low-carbohydrate foods during the first two weeks. South Beach eliminates carb-rich foods, including pasta, potatoes and bread. Fruit and most dairy products are also forbidden during phase one.

In Phase two, a variety of carbohydrate-rich foods, including many fruits, some whole grains and dairy products, are re-introduced, but processed, refined carb sources such as regular pasta, corn flakes, bagels, and cookies are still to be avoided. Several other foods with a high-glycemic index reading are also off limits; corn, raisins, fruit juice, carrots and watermelons are examples. Phase two lasts until you have reached your desired weight.

During phase three, Dr. Agatston councils that you continue eating the permitted foods from phase two, but realizes that relapses are likely to occur at times, and recommends if you find you are regaining weight to return to phase one for one or two weeks.

Dr. Agatston claims weight loss can be achieved without exercise, and the original book contained just half a page containing physical activity information. (Reference 3,4).

The Flat Belly Diet

The Flat Belly Diet was developed by the editors of Prevention Magazine. The book of the same name was written by the publication's vice president and editor-in-chief, Liz Vaccariello, and nutrition director, Cynthia Sass. The diet consists of two stages. During stage one you are required to drink "Sassy Water" a combination of cucumber, mint, lemon juice, ginger and pure water, which the authors claim will soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Phase one also involves eating four low-calorie meals per day. This phase lasts four days.

During phase two you are to eat four meals of four hundred calories, at four-hour intervals. Phase two lasts 28 days. The main principle of the Flat Belly Diet is eating a food rich in MUFAs, or monounsaturated fatty acids with each meal. MUFA-rich food sources include avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, flax and dark chocolate. These foods will help disperse stubborn belly fat, according to the authors.

Although the diet creators do recommend you exercise, and brisk walking is suggested; they also emphasize it is not a requirement to lose weight if you follow the eating plan correctly. (Reference 5).

The Clean, Green, and Lean Diet

"The Clean, Green, and Lean Diet" was devised by Walter Crinnion, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in environmental medicine. Environmental medicine is the study of the relationship between toxins in the environment and ill health. The Clean, Green, and Lean Diet concentrates on removing toxins from the home and the body, as Crinnion claims losing weight is very difficult if you have high toxic levels.

The diet encourages the consumption of natural organic foods and the reduction of foods that have been treated with pesticides. The author also gives advice on supplements that may help to detoxify the body.

Dr. Crinnion does recommend walking to aid with the detoxification process, but states exercise is not necessary to achieve weight loss with his plan.