There are hundreds of diet plans available for those who are looking to lose weight, and many offer little to no guidance to help you choose which is the best diet plan for you. Comparing diet plans side by side to look at their philosophies, restrictions, convenience and claims can help you sort through the diets to choose one that will work best for your body type and lifestyle. You can use online services to help you compare diet plans, but you can also do some research yourself to find out which diet plans are healthy options, and which are hyped-up fads.
Step 1
Consider the diet philosophy. Some diets claim that you can drop pounds fast by restricting the types of food that you eat. Others will claim that you can lose weight by consuming only liquids. Other diets urge you to count calories and exercise for the healthiest weight loss. Choose a diet that offers a healthy philosophy, and doesn't give outlandish or unrealistic claims. The truth is that most commercial diets have no research to back up their weight loss claims, says the Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Step 2
Look at the costs of the diet plans. Some diet plans require you to eat expensive, special foods, while others simply use food you would find at the grocery store. Some diet plans will require a paid membership, multivitamins and cereal bars as well. Make sure to choose an affordable diet plan that you'll be able to stay with while you work towards your weight loss goals, notes Angie C. Marek of SmartMoney.com on the "Today" show website.
Step 3
Read more about the various foods that the diets require that you eat. Whether they are fruits and vegetables, or wheat germ and protein, the type of food will determine your success on any given diet program. A diet that makes you eat foods you aren't well acquainted with, are unavailable or that you don't enjoy can cause you to fall off the wagon quickly.
Step 4
Compare the time and effort that each diet will need for you to be successful. Some that require special foods could cause you spend more time in the kitchen than you'd like, while others use quick, microwavable meals. A sensible diet plan will also require exercise, meaning you'll be spending time in the gym. Ultimately, you should choose a diet plan that you can fit into your life.
Step 5
Research diet reviews and results online (see Resources). Reviews from real-life users of the plan can give you a better idea of the typical results, advantages and disadvantages of a number of different diet plans.
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