So, you are ready to make the commitment to eat a healthier diet and lose weight. Stick with one of the many programs available, and you will get weight loss results. Choose the program that suits your lifestyle and dietary needs. Also, stay within your budget by choosing a low-cost program.
The Lose Weight Diet
Cost is not an issue with this free on-line program. The author makes no claims to be an authority on nutrition or health issues, but offers solid weight loss advice. Calculate your calorie maintenance level to determine how many calories you need to maintain your current weight by using one of the two methods described in the diet. After calculating your caloric maintenance needs, reduce the calories by 500 per day to produce a 3,500 calorie per week deficit. You will lose 1 pound per week.
TOPS
If you are seeking a greater level of accountability through group meetings while still keeping cost in mind, consider TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Established in 1948, TOPS members meet weekly to discuss losing weight through eating sensibly and leading a healthier lifestyle while utilizing a "peer mentoring" system. A three-year study at the University of Colorado followed TOPS members, revealing an average weight loss of 5 to 7 percent of body weight without regaining it. Pay an annual fee of $26, as of 2011, plus a local monthly fee of around $5 to join this non-profit organization.
Weight Watchers
With a slightly higher cost for membership and weekly fees, Weight Watchers has earned the place overall in "The Consumer Search" review of weight loss programs. Your estimated cost of $20 for enrollment, as of 2011, plus $13 to $15 per week includes weekly meetings with peer coaching, online support and information on how to track your calories using their "points" system. Weight Watchers promotes eating more fruits and vegetables, being more active and having a positive attitude.
Best Life Diet
Purchase the book "The Best Life Diet" by Bob Greene for about $6, as of 2011, and you will have access to an easy-to-follow, nutritious diet. Diet books are a low-cost option, allowing you to avoid the weekly meetings, public weigh-ins and prepackaged food of some other programs. Your focus with this plan is to replace high-fat food with more nutritious, low-calorie options. The downside to this book is a large number of "plugs" to purchase "Best Life" products. Overall, this is a nutritious and healthy option for weight loss.
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