Fat is more easily deposited as body fat than carbohydrates or protein since it provides more calories per gram. A gram of fat contains 9 calories in comparison to the 4 g in carbs and protein. Decreasing the amount of fat in your diet by following a low-fat diet may help reduce total daily caloric intake because it is such a high source of calories. Low-fat diets are recommended for health benefits other than weight loss as well, such as lowering cholesterol levels. High cholesterol and increased weight, may lead to heart attacks or stroke.
The Pritikin Diet
The Pritikin Diet is low in fat and protein and high in carbohydrates. Only 10 percent of daily calories come from fat sources, with the focus being primarily on high-fiber, nutrient-rich foods. Sources of fat on this diet include lean meats and fatty-acid rich fish such as salmon. The diet encourages eating at frequent intervals to keep satiated and energy levels steady. Foods permitted on this diet include fruits and vegetables, egg whites, low-fat dairy and whole-grains.
The Jenny Craig Diet
The Jenny Craig Diet has a three-tiered approach to weight loss that focuses on the food, mind and body. The nutritional composition of the diet reflects the USDA Food Pyramid with 50 to 60 percent of calories from carbs, 20 to 25 percent from protein and the remaining 20 to 25 percent from fat. The key to the Jenny Craig approach is in its prepackaged frozen meals that control portion sizes and offer the correct nutritional balance. Meals are supplemented with low-fat foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and dairy.
The Ornish Diet
The Ornish Diet was developed by Dean Ornish, M.D., who is well-known for his success in reversing blockages to the heart. The diet centers around a low-fat, high-fiber, vegetarian approach to losing weight and burning fat. Less than 10 percent of the diet's calories come from fat. Instead of counting calories or fat grams, the diet avoids higher-fat foods such as oils, avocados, meats, dairy products, nuts, seeds and simple sugars found in many cookies and treats. Instead, the diet allows fruits, vegetables, beans, whole-grains, non-fat dairy products and low-fat desserts.
References
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Diets
- "The Diet Selector: From Atkins to The Zone, More Than 50 Ways To Help You Find the Best Diet For You"; Judith C. Rodriguez; 2007.
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