Weight loss is a booming business. It seems every time you turn around, there is a new product on the market for a new diet plan. Knowing the right plan for you can be confusing, especially when each one claims to be the best. Do diet foods really promote weight loss, or are they simply fad diets?
Diet Food
Technically, any food can be diet food, depending on the diet you follow. However, diet foods are often marketed by different companies to promote their own weight-loss plans. Some plans include their own meals as an easier way to follow a particular diet, while still allowing you to integrate your own foods. Others require you to eat only the foods provided, so that you can control every calorie and nutrient you get. While diet food has come a long way --- many companies are offering tastier, healthier fare these days --- it may not provide the optimal resources you need for long-term weight loss.
Types of Diet Foods
Diet foods range from healthy snacks to meal replacements to full meals, depending on the plan you follow. Some are available for purchase at major retailers while others are delivered directly to your home. They are designed to take the guesswork out of choosing healthy foods. Prepackaged foods make it easier to control your calories and portion sizes. In general, they make healthy and nutrient-rich meal choices. However, they cost more than simply making your own healthy meals and snacks.
Diet Foods vs. Dieting
Following a prepackaged food plan has one disadvantage over a diet that involves more of a lifestyle change: Once you are done with the diet, you may not have the tools to continue making healthy food choices on your own. Rather than following a specific plan, MayoClinic.com recommends simply changing the way you eat. Eat more whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Switch to low-fat dairy and proteins. Limit the amount of saturated fats and trans fats you eat. And eat less calories than you use. That's it! While it sounds simple, it does take some planning and discipline. Talking to a nutritionist can help.
Expert Advice
Prepackaged foods are not necessarily a bad thing. However, before you jump into a prepackaged diet food plan, there are a few questions you should ask. The Federal Trade Commission advises first finding out whether the program participates in the Voluntary Guidelines for Providers of Weight Loss Products or Services from the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management. If they say no, that may be a red flag. In addition, you should ask about staff qualifications, participant success rates, related risks and anticipated cost of the entire program. If any answer makes you uncomfortable, that diet is not the right one for you. Of course, before starting any diet plan, you should first consult your doctor.
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