Which Are The Most Popular Diets?
The desire to lose weight and the difficulty associated with doing it successfully and subsequently maintaining a level suitable for one's body type is universal. Unfortunately, there has been a huge amount of nonsense published around the subject. While much of this mis-information is just a plain waste of time, some of it is downright dangerous to your ongoing health. The "Fad" diets can usually be easily recognized by their concentration on a single food item or group to the exclusion of of a balanced array drawn from the food pyramid. Having said that many of the popular diets rely on excluding certain foods or classes of foods for periods of short duration. Often the marketing of the popular diets depends on wild claims that are neither substantiated nor believable. There are no quick ways to losing weight. There is no program that can promise a regimen free of exercise that will be successful. No diet exists that allows the eating of unlimited calories of one kind or another that will allow you to lose weight at the same time.
Lifestyle and calorie ingestion will have their effect on weight and body mass and to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight requires a diet that is drawn from the food groups in a balanced way and incorporates regular exercise. Other factors such as the proportions of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in your diet have a significant bearing on the ease or difficulty of reaching your ideal weight and fitness. Depending on the criteria used, the popular diets will rank differently. Frankly, it really doesn't make much difference but for our purpose ranking by search volume is as good a measure as any to take an overall view of the diet scene. A brief description and comment of the most popular diets by search volume follow in descending order. These diets are described in greater detail in the individual pages of the website. South Beach Diet No calorie counting but initial phase (2 weeks) severely restricts carbohydrates. The diet separates what it considers good fats and proteins from bad and relies on re-education of the palate and appetite. Relatively easy to follow and not as restrictive as Atkins and therefore not as cited by the medical profession for inadequate nutrition. Atkins Diet Basic premise is that since carbohydrates are metabolized by the body before fats and protein, reduction of them will cause the body to use stored fat and weight loss will result. This diet plan has been roundly criticized by the medical profession as not being adequately balanced with the recommendations of the food pyramid. Fat Smash Diet A low calorie diet that relies on portion control, exercise, frequent small meals and selection from a restricted list of foods at the onset. Later phases allow the re-introduction of certain of these. Cabbage Soup Diet A short term "crash" diet for speedy weight loss. Based on the elimination of carbohydrates and reliance on clear soup, vegetables and fruits. Not suitable for long term weight control or the basic life style change that is considered vital to achieve it. Mayo Clinic Diet Focussed on the adoption of a lifestyle change in diet based on the Clinic's food pyramid which promotes fruits and vegetables and physical activity. A healthy change that many find hard to follow without mentoring. Zone Diet A system built on a 40:30:30 carbs:fats:proteins balance. Moderation the key to a lifestyle change based on this relationship. 3 Day Diet A 3 day regimen that is followed by 4-5 days of "normal" eating. Basically a low fat, low carb diet with claims that are clinically impossible to justify. Another "fad" diet not supported by the medical profession generally. Grapefruit Diet Extreme low carb/fat diet with unsupported claims made for the properties of grapefruit to trigger fat burning and weight loss. This diet has been around since the 30's and is frowned on by the medical profession. Suddenly Slim Diet Herbal diet supplements and meal replacement shakes are said to increase the metabolism of the body to burn off fat and reduce weight. As all herbal additions to the diet need to be taken with extreme caution, the long term effects may be dangerous in some instances (ephedra for instance) and the cautionary statements made with the products should be critically reviewed before use. Raw Food Diet Numerous health benefits are claimed for this diet which requires 75% of the total diet be derived from raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, etc. Foods are not to be heated above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical authorities warn that a total raw food diet may lack required nutrients for a healthy lifestyle and cause physical difficulties. Jenny Craig Diet Primarily based on packaged meals and educating the participant. Weekly follow ups with staff. Follows FDHA guidelines and Government Food Pyramid theory. Carbs 50-60%;Protein 20-25%;fats 20-25%. Supported by centers, telephone and online, the program teaches clients to wean themselves from packaged meals and adopt healthy content, portion controlled meals and regular exercise. An expensive way to lose weight. Weight Watchers Diet Operating in 30 countries worldwide, the program establishes a point for each food dependant on age, height, weight, body mass index and participants monitor their progress on the points they consume. Unlike other programs no foods are forbidden but the points allotted require careful tracking and willingness to adhere to point totals allotted on a daily basis. Depends on education and follow up with WW personnel on a regular schedule. The best of the "mentored' diets. |