The Most Effective Meal Replacement Diets

The Most Effective Meal Replacement Diets
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There are many meal-replacement diets on the market today, each claiming to help you lose weight and gain overall health. The most effective, however, are the plans that encourage you to eat balanced meals that have the right proportions of healthy nutrients as part of an overall fitness and diet regimen. Chose meal-replacement diets that allow you to have variety within your meals, making it easier to stay consistent on the plan.

Weight Watchers

One of the most well-known and basic meal-replacement diets, Weight Watchers relies on a point-based system that gives you some freedom to choose the kind of meal-replacement diet that works for your fitness goals. Weight Watchers' points system is based on scientific research examining the way your body processes food. Weight Watchers offers meals and snacks that you can purchase directly from the company or find in your local grocery stores. Foods that are not made by Weight Watchers can be eaten if you calculate the equivalent amount of Weight Watchers points. Weight Watchers also features group and individual support systems that allow you to interact with others in the program and professionals in the weight-loss industry.

Jenny Craig

Like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig is a meal-replacement diet that offers a wide variety of foods and drinks from which to choose. Jenny Craig features controlled portions designed by registered dietitians to meet USDA dietary guidelines. Jenny Craig meals balance healthy fats with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, eggs, fish and reduced-fat dairy products. Working with a personal consultant allows you to track your dietary progress and help you eat smaller, more frequent meals over the course of each day to keep you feeling fuller longer and prevent overeating.

Nutrisystem

Unlike Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem is a meal-replacement diet that relies on prepackaged meals that you order and eat based generally on a 28-day cycle. Nutrisystem meals are designed by experienced weight-loss experts who choose balanced portions of different food groups to ensure balanced nutrition. Nutrisystem meals features complex carbohydrates and fiber, both of which help you feel fuller longer and promote weight loss. Their meals also contain protein, low sodium, low fat and no trans fats and allow you to add fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals. Nutrisystem's team of weight-loss professionals is in contact with you on a regular basis, but there is little interaction with them face-to-face, unlike Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig.

References

Article reviewed by Eric Lochridge Last updated on: Aug 11, 2011

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