Most nutritionists, including those from the Harvard School of Public Health, agree that the best way to lose weight is to eat portion-controlled, healthy foods and to increase movement. People continue to search for a quick fix way to lose weight, but find that fad diets and deprivation usually fail in the long run. Instead, choose a sensible exercise and diet program to help you manage and maintain weight loss.
Body for Life
Fitness expert Bill Philips authored "Body for Life" and "Food for Life," which offer recommendations on how to create a healthy, fit body through targeted exercise and dietary choices. The program calls for at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three times per week and mandates 45 minutes of strength training three times per week. The book provides a comprehensive guide for exercises---offering description of proper execution and form. The diet's focus is on nutritionally dense mini-meals that help you gain muscle while losing fat.
The Five-Factor Diet and Fitness Plan
Trainer-to-the-stars Harley Pasternak created "The Five Factor Diet" and followed it with "Five Factor Fitness." The combined program simply asks that you exercise five times per week and eat five times per day to see results in five weeks. The exercise component consists of just 25 minute blocks---which may be broken up into short five-minute intervals---that incorporate strength training to build lean muscle and cardio exercise to burn fat. The plan focuses on low glycemic index foods to help you maintain stable blood-sugar levels and reduce cravings.
The Biggest Loser Club
This online program stems from the popularity of the reality show "The Biggest Loser." The Biggest Loser Club is a subscription-based program that provides you with a personalized strength and cardiovascular exercise program coupled with dietary recommendations. You will have access to an online community and experts to provide guidance as you progress. The diet consists of three primary meals, accented with two snacks daily, which all should be comprised of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, low-fat dairy and vegetables.
The Jillian Michaels Diet
Another off-shoot of television program "The Biggest Loser," trainer Jillian Michaels offers her own online weight loss program. Her system emphasizes diet, exercise and behavioral modification. She bases the diet on the simple, effective concept that you must burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. The diet customizes recommendations for you based on answers to an online quiz---taking into account your body shape, metabolic profile, fitness level, personality, goals and health concerns. Your final profile determines the ration of macronutrients you will be prescribed to consume. The exercise program is personalized to meet your needs and may be performed at home or at the gym. The plan requires a commitment of at least five weeks and offers motivation through Jillian's trademark "tough-love" approach.
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