Atkins, Mediterranean, South Beach and The Zone are just a few of the popular diets promising fast results. Each popular diet has its pros and cons, and the dieter should beware of temporary results. Diets that promise fast results without any maintenance solution can lead to rapid weight gain, and some dieters may wind up weighing more than their original weight. Evaluating each diet before starting a program is the best way to pick a diet that you can stick to and won't deprive you of healthy nutrients.
Step 1
Evaluate the rate of weight loss the product promises. Be cautious with diet plans that promise several pounds a day or week. These diets may include shakes, juices and other plans that reduce nutrients and leave the dieter hungry. A healthy weight loss of 2-to-3 pounds per week is reasonable.
Step 2
Evaluate the type of eating plan offered. The plan should promote balanced eating with vegetables, lean meats, fruits and some fats. Plans like Atkins and Mediterranean diets ask for very limited carbohydrates to burn fat. Dieters who return to eating carbs have a high risk of gaining weight rapidly.
Step 3
Evaluate whether the diet offers some kind of maintenance plan after your goals are met. Once you have lost the weight, eating healthy, exercising and continuing a caloric intake that keeps your weight steady will allow you to stay fit. Fad diets with no maintenance plan lead to yo-yo dieting.
Step 4
Decide what your budget is for diet costs. Some diets like Jenny Craig have food plans and fees to participate. These fees may be too expensive for a dieter on a budget. The food can be expensive for some of these diets, so ask about total fees per week.
Step 5
Know the health risks of any diets. Some diets like Atkins that promote low carbs but high fats can lead to health risks like heart disease and increased cholesterol levels. Any diet that promotes healthy, balanced eating is more likely to reduce health risks.
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