As many as two-thirds of Americans struggle with weight issues, according to MayoClinic.com. With so many weight loss plans out there, however, it's hard to know which approach works best. If you're interested in fast weight loss, the safest rate recommended is 1 to 2 lbs. weekly. Understanding popular ways to lose weight fast will assist in making the right choice for your situation.
Lifestyle Changes
Diets that use a lifestyle change approach encourage you to eat healthier foods and exercise. Expect to eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy and healthy fats. Fruits and vegetables are also consumed frequently, with lower-calorie, lower-fat foods stressed. This approach also focuses on healthy portion sizes.
Low-Carb Diets
Low-carbohydrate diets focus on limiting carb intake for weight loss. This diet approach limits carb intake to as little as 10 percent of standard recommendations for carbohydrates. Low-carb diets say eating fewer carbs reduces insulin spikes, resulting in weight loss.
These diets also encourage higher consumption of protein and fat. When choosing fat sources, avoid saturated fats, selecting foods rich in monounsaturated fats instead.
Meal Provider Diets
This is a popular diet approach that provides you with prepackaged meals. You eat the foods recommended by the meal provider and buy perishable items, such as fruits and vegetables. If you don't have a lot of time to plan meals, these diet plans are an attractive option. Cost, however, is usually high. Also, to maintain long-term weight loss, you need to stay on the plan indefinitely or learn how to make similar meals at home.
Fad Diets
Fad diets are a popular way to lose weight quickly. These diets focus on losing weight by taking diet pills, supplements or using special combinations of food. Fad diets might work in the short term to shed pounds, but aren't a long-term weight loss solutions, according to the American Heart Association. Once you stop using the diet, weight regain often occurs.
Diets that focus on eating a single food for long periods of time, such as the cabbage soup diet, might also compromise your health. Discuss any new diet approach with your doctor.
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