The Willows Plan Diet

Willows Medical Weight Loss Clinics provides a doctor-supervised diet plan for clients who visit their offices in England but also supplies advice and products to anyone in the world who wants to participate in the company’s online program. The diet plan features low-calorie meals to make at home and products for purchase, such as meal replacement protein shakes, vitamin supplements and snacks. The diet aims for long-term rather than rapid weight loss, according to the company’s website.

Weight Loss

You could lose weight on the Willows diet plan just as you could shed pounds on any regimen that cuts calories and emphasizes exercise. If you reduce your calories by 500 a day, burn 500 calories a day through increased physical activity – or create a 500-calorie deficit through a combination of diet and exercise – you will lose 1 pound a week. You could achieve this deficit on your own, without paying for clinic visits or packaged meals, but you may find the Willows plan helpful if you’re unaccustomed to healthy meal planning.

Substitution

The Willows diet plan calls for substituting ordinary foods with healthier choices. Examples include these replacements: fat-free milk for whole milk, pasta with marinara instead of cream sauce, bran flakes instead of granola, brown rice instead of white, tuna packed in water rather than oil, angel food cake instead of pound cake, popcorn for nuts and jelly instead of butter on toast. While all of the proposed substitutions contain fewer calories than the foods they replace, not all are particularly healthy. Low-fat hot dogs, for example, are more weight conscious than regular hot dogs, but lean chicken or black beans would make a better choice of protein.

Protein

The protein shakes advocated by the Willows diet plan are likely unnecessary. Since the diet includes meat, cheese and eggs, you could easily obtain the protein you need daily – about 5 ounces to 6 1/2 ounces for most adults – without purchasing the supplements. The Willows diet plan also recommends you take vitamin supplements – and sells them on the company website. If you are eating a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy, you probably don’t need to take vitamin supplements. If you are considering taking supplements found on the Willows website – or anywhere else – talk to your doctor to make certain the supplements are safe and appropriate for your needs.

Considerations

The Willows diet plan provides plenty of sound advice, such as including more fiber in your diet, drinking eight glasses of water daily and exercising regularly. Fiber provides satiety, making it easier to resist empty-calorie foods between meals. It also helps lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Water keeps you hydrated, and physical activity burns calories, tones your muscles and strengthens your heart. You don’t need to visit the clinic or buy products from Willows to obtain such advice. You can get it for free on government sites, such as ChooseMyPlate.gov.

References

• Willows Medical Weight Loss Clinics: Food That Fits Your Life -- Tips for Healthy Substitutes
• ChooseMyPlate.gov: How Much is Needed From the Protein Group Daily?
• Willows Medical Weight Loss Centers: Frequently Asked Questions
• MayoClinic.com: Nutrition and Healthy Eating – Dietary Fiber: Essential For A Healthy Diet
• ChooseMyPlate.gov: Food Groups
• Willows Medical Weight Loss Centers: What is Slim For Life Program?
• MayoClinic.com: Exercise for Weight Loss: Calories Burned in 1 Hour