Several diet plans claim to help dieters fight the battle of the bulge. Some diets focus on carbohydrates. Other plans focus on portion control. They all provide a structured way to approach eating, which helps kick off any weight loss endeavor. The ultimate success, or failure, of any given plan is its ability to help dieters meet their weight loss goals and keep the weight off long after the diet is finished,
Perfect 10 Diet
This three-phase diet plan was designed by Dr. Michael Aziz to stabilize hormone levels and promote weight loss. During Stage One dieters follow the Paleolithic Diet, which restricts food choices to foods such as meats, fish, vegetables, nuts and fruits. Stage Two incorporates whole grains into the mix. No refined sugars or processed foods are permitted. Stage Three, or the maintenance phase, begins after reaching the goal weight. More whole grain foods are allowed, as is the occasional sweet treat.
Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet claims that the excess consumption of carbohydrates leads to weight gain and obesity. During the first two weeks, dieters must limit carbohydrate consumption to less than 20 g per day. High-protein foods such as meat and eggs replace carbohydrates in the diet. After the two-week induction phase, dieters may reintroduce natural carbohydrates from vegetables into their diet. However, sweet fruits and grains continue to be severely limited. According to Northwestern University, people on the Atkins Diet are at risk for vitamin deficiencies and increased levels of the bad LDL cholesterol and constipation.
South Beach Diet
The aim of the South Beach Diet is to remove overly processed carbohydrates from the diet. However, where the Atkins Diet allows unlimited portions of any carbohydrate-free protein source, the South Beach Diet allows only lean protein. After a two-week induction phase, dieters are allowed a more generous allotment of carbohydrates, 65 g to 90 g per day until weight loss goals are met.
Zone Diet
Balance is the key to the Zone Diet. According to it creator, Dr. Barry Sears, eating an ideal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to fats is the key to weight loss. On the Zone Diet, dieters consume 40 percent of their calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from protein and 30 percent from fats. Dieters eat five times a day, preferably before they get hungry, and low-fat protein sources are recommended. Meals should not exceed 500 calories and snacks should contain approximately 100 calories.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers helps dieters lose weight by providing guidance, education and group support. At the heart of the plan is a points system. Weight Watchers has compiled an extensive database of foods, even prepackaged and restaurant foods, and has assigned a point value to each one. Each dieter is allotted a specific number of points each day, based on weight loss goals and individual lifestyle. Weekly meetings, with weigh-ins, provide a sense of community and support.
Jenny Craig
The Jenny Craig Weight Loss Plan, founded in Australia in 1983, helps dieters lose weight by providing one-on-one nutritional guidance with a trained Jenny Craig consultant. Consultants assess each client's weight loss goal to devise an eating plan. Clients eat Jenny Craig prepackaged foods that are portion-controlled. With Jenny Craig there are no calories to count and no special trips to the grocery store.
Optifast
Optifast is a physician-supervised weight loss program for people who need to lose more than 50 pounds. At the core of the diet are meal replacement shakes and soups. Dieters do not consume traditional meals or foods during the active weight loss phase of this plan. Dietitians and psychologists round out this team approach to weight loss and management.
Medifast
The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan claims to help dieters lose up to 20 pounds per month. On this plan dieters consume five prepackaged shakes, bars or soups each day, and they also eat one small, lean meal each day. This diet regimen allows only 800 to 1,000 calories per day.
Sensa
The Sensa Weight Loss System, created by neurologist and psychiatrist Dr. Alan Hirsch,focuses on the simple concept that dieters lose weight when they can eat less. Dieters sprinkle Sensa crystals on their food. Once on the tongue, Hirsch claims, Sensa sends a signal to the brain. Receptors in the brain send out the "all-full" signal to the pituitary gland, which then shuts off the appetite, thus helping the dieter eat less but feel full.
The Biggest Loser Club
Inspired by the television show, The Biggest Loser Club is an online eating plan that focuses on total nutrition, correct portions and physical fitness. A membership fee is required, and members get personalized weight loss guidance based on their height and weight. Customizable meal plans and fitness routines are also available.
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