Jillian Michaels is a reality TV personality known for training overweight and obese contestants on "The Biggest Loser." According to her official website, Jillian Michaels' weight reduction regimen is for people who are interested in a customizable, three-tiered weight loss plan that emphasizes eating for your body type, intense activity and learning new behaviors.
About the Plan
A key component of Michaels' weight loss plan is that you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. After registering on her official website and providing some details, such as your age, weight, body shape, activity level and goal weight, you will receive a customized diet recommendation. The program is adjusted based on whether you accumulate fat in your belly, in the bottom half of your body, or all over, along with a metabolic profile based on eating motivators and specific food cravings. You will also receive tips on how to avoid overeating. As of 2011, the cost of membership is $4 a week and you're billed every 13 weeks.
Pros
Unlike other fad diets that discourage entire food groups, Jillian Michaels' plan is a healthy, nutritionally balanced program. An ideal diet is composed of 20 percent carbs, 50 percent protein and 30 percent fat, and includes all food groups and permits snacks. While exercise is a huge component of the program -- there are about 150 printable exercises -- you do not need a gym membership. Like other web-based diets, you can keep track of your success online and interact with other members.
Cons
This is a five-week program with rigid dietary recommendations. While you have access to more than 100 sample menus, there's no accommodation for people with dietary restrictions or allergies, including vegetarians, those with Celiac disease or a food intolerance.
Support
One of the biggest draws about this plan is the online community and support resources. According to Adam Shafran, a Washington, D.C. based exercise physiologist and host of a radio program that focuses on weight loss, a supportive community can determine whether you will stick with a diet. According to a 2009 study from the University of Pennsylvania, people who get involved in a weight loss regimen and have social support from a friend or family member lost more weight than people who go it alone. The beneficial effects, according to co-author Shiriki Kumanyika, were linked to the emotional support provided by a partner. Having a diet buddy, even someone you've met and are connected with online, can keep you motivated and help hold you accountable.
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