Meal Plans to Lower Body Fat

Meal Plans to Lower Body Fat
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Lowering body fat percentage means following a healthy meal plan. You should not starve yourself, as this defeats the goal and increases the likelihood of body fat gain. Instead, use a program that provides your body with nutrient-dense foods that help you feel satiated, and aid in weight loss at the same time.

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers has been around for more than 40 years and has a reputation of helping its members lose weight. The company uses a point system based on calorie, fat and fiber content. Foods with the lowest points have the least fat and calories and most fiber, while foods containing more fat and calories with less fiber have higher points. Weight Watchers dieters are allowed a certain number of points each day for successful fat loss.

MyPyramid

The USDA offers a free weight-loss program called the MyPyramid Plan, on the MyPyramid.gov website. This program incorporates a personalized diet with the recommended dietary guidelines. It offers information on calorie requirements and advice on food choices from the major food groups. The MyPyramid plan also suggests how to make food selections from each food group, preparation techniques and and a tracking program to log your daily food intake and physical activity.

Mayo Clinic Diet

MayoClinic.com offers a diet that helps you create a healthier lifestyle that results in a healthier body weight and lower body fat. The Mayo Clinic Diet uses the food guide pyramid and encourages you to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. The diet allows you to eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you want each day with a controlled amount of protein, dairy, and whole-grain products.

Calories Count

CaloriesCount is a free weight loss management program that helps you track your calorie intake. The program, sponsored by the Calorie Control Council, determines your individual calorie needs based on your age, sex, height, current weight and physical activity level. The website has a food calorie calculator and a diary so you can log and keep track of how many calories you consume. The site also offers meal programs and recipes.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Jan 17, 2011

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