An online diet offers you convenience, round-the-clock support and accountability. Some programs provide services for free; others ask you to subscribe and pay a monthly fee. Certain diets are available only with an online subscription. Like any diet program, online varieties have both positive and negative attributes, and ultimately your success on these plans depends on your commitment and willingness to put in the hard work.
Features
Paid and free online diets usually provide tools such as body mass index (BMI), basal metabolic rate and calorie calculators. Free weight loss sites tend to offer general advice rather than a specific plan, but most offer the ability to track calories and the support of an online community. Some programs even provide you with exercise recommendations. Paid programs have message boards and calorie trackers, but may also include shopping lists, full menu plans and access to fitness experts and dietitians as part of a monthly membership fee. Costs of online diet plans vary---from about $10 per month to as much as $560 for two weeks for the Zone jump-start program (which includes all your meals). Some paid online programs require you to pay a start-up fee along with your monthly subscription.
Types
Diets that are available only online include eDiets, which offers its own weight loss program as well as access to about 20 others, including Atkins and the Mayo Clinic Plan. The Biggest Loser Diet Club, Jillian Michaels, Anne Collins Weight Loss Program, and Nutrisystem are other popular programs available almost exclusively online. Other diets, such as South Beach and Weight Watchers, have developed an online option to assist those who want an alternative to a book or a center.
Benefits
Almost all online diets address the needs of men or women. They offer a degree of privacy, especially for people who are reluctant to attend public support meetings and weigh-ins popular at centers like Weight Watchers. You have access to your diet and the support group whenever you need it---this can be especially helpful if you need someone to help you when you fall off the wagon during a 3 a.m. trip to the fridge. An online diet may be more tailored to your likes, dislikes and lifestyle needs than a blanket prescription in a book. Tracking your progress, macronutrient intake and calorie deficit is enlightening and teaches you about making healthy choices.
Considerations
You should obviously have access to a computer and be willing to spend some time logging your food choices and chatting with strangers about your diet goals. When selecting your online program, consider whether you are able to cook or would do better with a plan that provides meals (like Zone or Nutrisystem). Be sure to research all fees and privacy policies before committing to a program---sometimes extras are tacked on, and the charges can pile up quickly. Free programs may offer less personalization and lack the familiar fad diet names, but many---such as fitday.com and sparkpeople.com---provide articles, research and recipes that may be sufficient for your needs.
Misconceptions
Simply signing up for a program will not create weight loss. Even with message boards and online professionals, you must complete the hard work. Dieting requires you to move more and eat less, and an online program does not change this. Your diet tracking will be only as successful as your willingness to be honest about your food intake and exercise---do not lie to a food diary, or you are only setting yourself up for failure in the long run.
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