You can't help but read the variety of magazine covers at the checkout lane covered in diet advice and weight loss promises. With so many options to choose from, you may find yourself overwhelmed and unsure of which weight loss program is best for you. If you've narrowed your choices down to Weight Watchers and the Cambridge diet, you may find it helpful to learn about both plans and evaluate which is best suited for you. Consult your physician prior to embarking on any weight loss program.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers dieters count points -- which are based on the calories and fat and fiber grams in each food -- instead of calories. Instead of limiting food choices, the diet encourages healthy portions. All foods are allowed in moderation. By reducing caloric consumption, the Weight Watchers diet produces a gradual weight loss of 1 lb. to 2 lbs. per week. Although not required, dieters are encouraged to partake in regular exercise.
Cambridge Diet
The Cambridge diet offers a variety of programs, with the Regular Program being touted as the most flexible and applicable to most dieters, according to CambridgeDietUSA.com. The diet consists of three meal replacements -- each offering 140 calories -- and one 400-calorie meal each day. The diet promises a weekly weight loss of 2 lbs. to 5 lbs. per week on the Regular Program.
Diet Dangers
Several aspects of the Cambridge diet are controversial and potentially dangerous. Although calorie consumption needs to be reduced to lose weight, reducing your caloric intake too much can result in a slowed metabolism and loss of muscle mass. According to "Contemporary Nutrition," dieters should never reduce their caloric consumption below 1,200 calories except under the recommendation and supervision of a physician. Losing weight too quickly can lead to rebound weight gain, often resulting in the regaining of more weight than was originally lost, according to "Handbook of Obesity Treatment." Dieters should lose no more than 2 lbs. per week, says "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies."
Considerations
Weight loss should be looked at as a lifestyle change instead of a temporary diet. Long term weight loss success is dependent upon learning the skills necessary to eat a balanced diet for life. As you evaluate Weight Watchers and the Cambridge diet, it is important that you consider which will help you to develop a healthy relationship with food, learn how to plan balanced meals and eat in moderation.
References
- Cambridge: Regular Program
- "Weight Watchers She Loses, He Loses: The Truth about Men, Women, and Weight Loss"; Karen Miller-Kovach, et al.; 2007
- "Handbook of Obesity Treatment"; Thomas A. Wadden PhD, et al.; 2004
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw, et al.; 2007
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