Below
you will find the top weight loss plans and programs available today. Here at
FatLossPlus.com we wanted choosing the best path to be as easy as possible. To
help, we have gathered the most important facts from each diet program for you
to review. Save time with our easy guide to weight loss plans.
Atkins
Diet
Overview:
The
Atkins Diet is a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diet that allows unrestricted amounts
of protein, including meats, eggs and cheese, and severely limits foods containing
carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and fruit.
Pros:
Steady (and
sometimes rapid) weight loss. Reduces intake of sugars and processed grains. Reduces
appetite.
Cons:
One of the more expensive plans; diet of low-carb
foods may quickly become dull to many people. High in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Is sometimes below the recommended daily values for several vitamins and minerals
such as calcium, potassium and magnesium and fiber.
Cost:
Weekly
menu cost approximately $100
Jenny
Craig
Overview:
Purchase special meals and menu plans
and gradually replace their food with your own as you reach your goal weight.
Pros:
Along with balanced food choices and portion control, the
program emphasises the importance of tuning into physical/emotional eating cues.
Exercise videos, cassettes and individual counselling sessions are available.
Cons:
They generally don't deliver meals to your home and the food
can be expensive.
Cost:
Memberships range from $150-$400. JC food
is extra at around $12 per day.
NutriSystem
Overview:
NutriSystem's prepackaged meals and daily fitness
routines attempt to provide dieters with the structure and convenience that many
say they crave. The emphasis is on choosing "good carbs" over bad ones, using
a ranking system called the glycemic index (G.I.) as a guide.
Pros:
The
convenience of prepackaged food are a plus for some and the low-calorie nature
of this program helps dieters shed pounds.
Cons:
Dieters may be
bored with eating the same foods meal after meal. The program is a bit low in
calories to be realistic for many dieters and once the diet is over, it's easy
for the weight to come back.
Cost:
The cost of the diet program
is around $70 for a full week of food. Membership includes 1 week of food, counseling,
online nutrition classes and even delivery of the food.
Slim
Fast
Overview:
Slim
Fast meal and snack replacements provide the nutrients that your body needs with
a controlled amount of calories. Dieters eat only one normal meal a day.
Pros:
No
need to count points, calories or portion sizes. Perfect if you hate cooking.
Cons:
Dieters may be bored with eating the same thing meal after
meal. Although the products are fortified with vitamins and minerals, they're
not going to provide you with everything that you need.
Costs:
Weekly
menu cost approximately $77
South
Beach Diet
Overview:
This diet severely restricts carbohydrates
in the first two weeks, before gradually re-introducing those with a low glycaemic
index and recommends swapping saturates for unsaturates.
Pros:
Encourage
you to 'de-junk' your diet and cut down on carb-rich foods that are packed with
few other nutrients such as white bread, sugary cereals and sweets which is great
for overall health. There are fewer dietary restrictions than some other diet
plans. No major food groups are eliminated, plenty of fruit and veg are recommended
and generally the diet follows the basic principles of healthy eating
Cons:
The
extreme carbohydrate restriction in the first two weeks requires serious willpower
and may leave you feeling weak and wobbly. This diet promotes an unhealthy large
weight loss in the first two weeks.
Costs:
$15 for book; increase
in grocery bill Memberships range from $150-$400.
Weight
Watchers
Overview:
Based on a nutritional points system
which allows you to eat a variety of foods, where each one has a number of points,
as long as your daily intake comes in under a certain amount.
Pros:
There
are no 'forbidden' foods and you're not left hungry or lethargic. It's flexible
enough to use every day and there are no special foods to buy.
Cons:
Having
to look up the 'value' of everything you put in your mouth can get annoying. Some
may find it hard to find the time for the group meetings which can foster competition
that is unwelcome.
Cost:
Registration fee around $33, plus $16 for
weekly meetings.
Zone Diet
Overview:
A food plan comprising a balanced ratio of carbohydrates
(40%), fat (30%) and proteins (30%) which control your body’s insulin production.
Dieters keep a close watch on calorie consumption while eating meals not exceeding
500 calories and snacks not exceeding 100 calories.
Pros:
Generally
has fewer dietary restrictions than many other low-carb plans and includes fruit
and vegetables.
Cons:
Plan is complicated and can be time-consuming
if you’re going to follow it properly. Many people would find it hard to stick
to with the constant measuring and working out of quantities.
Cost:
Weekly
menu cost approximately $92
