Scan a magazine rack or walk into a bookstore and you will be bombarded with different diets that all claim to offer the secret to weight loss. But, the real secret of weight loss is choosing the best plan for your. Choose your plan by talking to your doctor, looking at how you did on past diets and analyzing your needs. Pick something that is flexible, provides balanced nutrition, is somewhat enjoyable and incorporates physical activity.
South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet involves three steps. The first step tries to eliminate your carbohydrate cravings by dropping almost all carbs from your diet. This phase claims to help you lose 8 to 13 pounds. The second phase involves adding some carbohydrates into your diet. In this phase 27 percent of your daily calories come from carbohydrates and you should lose one to two pounds a week. Once you reach your goal weight, you start the third step, which is a maintenance phase that you continue for a lifetime. This phase allows 28 percent of your calories to come from carbohydrates.
Even though this diet calls for a higher protein and healthy fat intake and a lower carbohydrate intake, it does not claim to be a low-carbohydrate diet. According to Mayo Clinic, most low-carbohydrate diets restrict carbohydrates to fewer than 20 percent of your daily calories, while this diet allows up to 28 percent of calories to come from carbohydrates.
This diet aims to balance the "right" carbohydrates and fats in a way that you can follow your whole life. The "right" carbohydrates are defined as those with a low glycemic index. The "right" fats are defined as monounsaturated fats. The diet also focuses on fiber and whole grains.
Atkins Diet
This diet doesn't involve counting calories or reducing portion sizes. Instead, it focuses on strictly limiting your carbohydrate intake. There are four phases. The first phase is the strictest and requires you to consume 20 grams of carbohydrates or fewer each day. You should replace your carbs with lean protein and healthy fats. This lasts for two weeks. Phase two focuses on ongoing weight loss and allows you to add some nutrient rich carbs back to your diet. This phase ends when you are within five to 10 pounds of your goal weight. Next you begin phase three, which involves eating 10 more grams of carbs every day. This phase is designed to slow your weight loss and teach you how to eat for the rest of your life.
Vegetarian Diet
Switching to a vegetarian diet is likely to help you lose weight. This is because a diet made mostly of fruits and vegetables usually has fewer calories. But, you still have to make smart choices. Do not eat foods high in fat and do not eat large portions. Be careful to avoid proteins that are high in fat such as peanut butter and full-fat cheese.
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