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Diet Programs – The Basics

Which diet program is best for you ? Please read the diet program reviews below to help you decide.
Atkins Diet Program
The Atkins diet program is based on the principle of switching your body to burn fat instead of
carbohydrates to obtain energy. It is a [...]

Which diet program is best for you ? Please read the diet program reviews below to help you decide.

Atkins Diet Program
The Atkins diet program is based on the principle of switching your body to burn fat instead of

carbohydrates to obtain energy. It is a life change rather than a diet program, as in order to keep the pounds off you need to stick to the recommended way of eating.

The main difference to other diet programs is in what you are allowed to eat ie eggs, meat including beef, pork, turkey, chicken, duck, wild game, veal & lamb also fish such as shellfish. Fats are also permitted ie butter, olive

oil & mayonnaise, certain cheeses are also permitted.

You must drink lots of water, only de-caffinated coffee & will need to take vitamin supplements including minerals.

You must also exercise every day, no need to do a marathon however, a brisk walk will suffice. You are encouraged to eat enough to satisfy your appetite but you must not overeat.

You must not drink alcohol. You must not cheat; it takes 2-3 days for the body to switch from burning carbohydrates (in the form of glucose) to burning fat, so if you cheat you are back to day 1.

You cannot eat the following:

Sugar in any form, corn syrup, honey or maple syrup.
Milk or Yogurt – a limited amount of cream is allowed.
Fruit & fruit juice.
Flour products (bread, pasta, crackers etc)
Grains or cereals.
Beans and legumes.
Starchy or high sugar vegetables such as potatoes, yams, corn, peas, parsnips, beets & carrots.
Sweet condiments such as most ketchups, bbq sauce & balsamic vinegar.
French dressing & thousand island dressing.
Cottage cheese, farmers cheese & other fresh cheeses.
Nuts & seeds.

Diet Program Pro’s
Lots of popular foods are permitted & you can have snacks between meals. No need to starve and are
encouraged to eat when hungry.

Diet Program Con’s
Must stick to diet for good to keep off unwanted pounds. No breaks or cheat days allowed. May not be suitable if you can’t go without coffee or alcohol.

South Beach Diet Program
Similar to the Atkins diet prgram in that it changes the way you eat whilst still allowing plenty of popular foods such as meat, fish & eggs but you can also eat cheese & vegetables.

You can have 3 meals a day & even 2 snacks a day. You can also have dessert & diet soda. You are not allowed any alcohol for an initial 2 week period but after that you are allowed to drink wine. After an initial 2 week start

where what you can eat is limited you can start to phase some of your favourite foods back into your diet. Its all about eating “good carbs” instead of “bad carbs”.

Diet Program Pro’s

Based on a healthy way of eating rather than a diet. Many of your favourite foods are probably still
allowed. Some alcohol ie wine is allowed.

Diet Program Con’s
You may find the first couple of weeks particularly hard due to what you can eat being limited.

Zone Diet Program
Developed by Barry Sears a biochemist, the Zone Diet is about controlling your insulin level through a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins & fat, also known as the 40-30-30 diet (40% carbohydrates,

30% Proteins 30% fat). Once again it is a way of living rather than just a diet with 3 stages geared to make you lose weight, control hunger & have more energy. It is based on consistent insulin levels with the supplementation of high dose fish oil.

The Zone diet encourages eating regularly throughout the day & eliminates many jink foods such as sweets & chips.

The “Zone” refers to being in a physiological state in which hormones, governed by the food you eat, are in a zone which is neither too high nor too low.

Diet Program Pro’s
Balanced diet rather than cutting out foods you may enjoy.

Diet Program Con’s
The reasoning behind the diet can be quite technical & therefore many people may disagree about its merits.

Mediterranean Diet Program
Not a diet as such but simply a way of eating for hundreds if not thousands of years followed by people of countries bordering the Mediterranean such as Greece, Southern Italy, parts of North Africa & the Middle East.

It is well known that people from these areas have a lower incidence of heart disease; this is believed to be due to over half of their fat intake being from monounsaturated fat (mainly from olive oil) as opposed to saturated fat, prominent elsewhere. Saturated fat is known to raise cholesterol levels.

The basic diet followed is one that has a low consumption of red meat, low to moderate consumption of sweets, fish, eggs & dairy products except cheese & natural yogurt, a high consumption of fresh fruits & vegetables & a higher consumption of breads, pasta, rice, potatoes & couscous. Water & red wine (in moderation) are taken with meals.

Diet Program Pro’s
Not a “fad diet” but a traditional way of eating with known health benefits.

Diet Program Con’s
None as such apart from if you are unable to obtain fresh fruit & veg.

Weight Watchers Diet Program
There are 2 main diet programs for you to follow; one a points system where all foods are allocated points according to their calorie, fat & fibre content. You are allowed to use up (or consume) a set number of points per day. The other diet program is a no points system which allows you to eat from a range of wholesome foods without having to count the calories.

The weight watchers diet program can be followed online as well as offline through regular local meetings where you will get not just tips & guidance but the support & encouragement of fellow weight watchers.

Diet Program Pro’s
On the points system you can eat what you like as long as you stick to the number of points.

The meetings can help to keep you motivated.

Diet Program Con’s
Offline meetings may not be practical for you. The points system may leave you feeling hungry.

Sound Advice On How To Choose A Diet Plan

Considering that about 65% of our population is either overweight or obese, it should come as no surprise that most Americans are actively seeking sound advice on how to choose a diet plan that’s right for them. Unfortunately, the sheer number of weight loss tips and diet tips available have made finding the right weight [...]

Considering that about 65% of our population is either overweight or obese, it should come as no surprise that most Americans are actively seeking sound advice on how to choose a diet plan that’s right for them. Unfortunately, the sheer number of weight loss tips and diet tips available have made finding the right weight loss program confusing at best.

The Problem Is Too Many Choices:

There is a staggering number of diet products on the market today, from the Atkins Diet to the Zone Diet. Compounding the confusion is the vast array of weight loss pills, patches and creams available.

With so many diet and nutrition weight loss products on the market, consumers looking for health advice find themselves overwhelmed by too much information.

Sometimes, Expert Advice Poses An Even Bigger Problem:

In February 2006 a news story muddied the waters even more. The Women’s Health Initiative reported that low fat diets may not offer the health benefits we had previously thought. They researched the connection between a low-fat diet and a woman’s risk of heart disease and cancer.

Limited in the space and time they have to report on health tips and news, the media failed to report the full story. Unfortunately, the result was that most major media outlets reported the ‘Death Of The Low Fat Diet’. The average person, perhaps thinking they were getting a tip on losing weight or maintaining a healthy diet, was misled.

Reading the full study, however, revealed that the researchers did not intend to steer the public away from low fat foods or low fat recipes. Indeed, entire volumes have been written about the benefits of a low fat diet, and one narrowly focused study will not change that fact. “Despite the virtues of this study — particularly its size and its design — it is a single study, and leaves some unanswered questions. Therefore, it does not constitute the final word on the subject of nutrition in older women” (Source: Harvard Health Publications; Harvard Medical School).

Sometimes even the free medical advice from our government only serves to confuse the public. For example, consider the recent news about trans fat and saturated fat regarding food labeling requirements. For the first time in our nation’s history, food labels will now have to disclose how much trans fat is contained in the product. Added to the aforementioned research on low fat diets, these two facts bewilder and baffle the average consumer who may not understand the different types of fat in foods.

Another fine example of expert advice perplexing the public can be seen by the fact that our government has periodically changed the ideal weight chart and the recommended body fat percentage for both men and women.

So How Do Choose The Best Diet Product For You?

The first step in selecting the best diet plan for you is to find free diet information and free advice about weight control. Many reputable and reliable resources are available, one of the best being health clubs. Gyms that are focused on truly helping people achieve weight loss success will feature informative and free articles on their website. The federal government also sponsors and hosts some excellent sites that are packed with free diet information.

When seeking the best diet product for you, keep in mind that every person is unique, with separate and distinct tastes and preferences. In other words, the weight loss plan that works for you may not work for me. Some people claim that the Maker’s Diet is the best weight loss diet on the market today. Others favor the diet foods offered by the South Beach Diet. Even the best weight loss program in the world is worthless if it’s not a good match for you personally. For easy weight loss to be realized, then, it’s critical to examine many different diet products to find one that fits your individual personality.

Personalize Your Diet Plan For Optimum Results:

If you absolutely love bread, then the Atkins diet recipes will not work for you. In the same way, Weight Watcher recipes won’t help you much if you’re not an active participant in the Weight Watcher Point program. Attempting to force yourself into diet program that doesn’t fit your personality or tastes will inevitably lead to failure.

A much better approach is to find a diet system that parallels your individual preferences. Whichever diet program you select, it is important that it be a diet you can stick with for life. Forcing yourself into a diet plan that’s not right for you will only make you disappointed and discouraged.

To Lose Weight Fast, Don’t Forget Weight Loss Exercise!

As we’ve seen, the experts argue about which diet is best. It seems that every weight control system has doctors and research to back up their claims. However, it cannot be disputed that the path to healthy weight loss will always include a combination of diet and exercise. It is only when you exercise to lose weight, combined with a healthy diet and sound nutritional practices, that you can achieve true fat loss and solve your weight issue once and for all. It’s not an exaggeration to say that attempting weight management without exercise is like trying to build a house without a hammer – when you’re trying to lose fat, why leave out the most effective tool?

That being said, our sound advice on how to choose a quick weight loss diet is to remember these diet tips from Pick Up The Pace:
1) If a diet has gained national exposure, it has probably worked for someone.
2) Just because a diet has worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you.
3) Any given diet program can probably help somebody, but no diet program will help everybody.
4) Any fast weight loss diet must include regular exercise to be effective.

How To Lose Weight From A Low Carbohydrate Diet Plan

With the sudden boom of dieting in the country, different diet programs have been introduced in the country. Although many experts believe that proper exercise and not only diet can lose those pounds in a healthy way, many people still believe in the power of diet programs and diet plans. One of the most [...]

With the sudden boom of dieting in the country, different diet programs have been introduced in the country. Although many experts believe that proper exercise and not only diet can lose those pounds in a healthy way, many people still believe in the power of diet programs and diet plans. One of the most controversial kinds of diet plans is the low-carbohydrate diet program, which focuses on the reduction of carbohydrate consumption in the body.
According to the theory, when carbohydrates are no longer being taken in, the body will be forced to use fats and water as alternative sources of energy; thereby helping to shed off those unwanted pounds.
Fats, unbeknownst to many, can actually be converted to energy. The body just doesn’t use it as the first priority because it is more complex in structure and therefore, harder to break down and convert into energy. Among the popular low carbohydrate diets in the country is the Atkins diet.
Despite arguments from its critics, low carbohydrate diet has proven its effectiveness in terms of losing that extra weight. To date, it counts millions of followers not only in the country but also outside America.
Actually, cutting down on carbohydrates in the diet is a practice that people have been doing for years. When people cut down on their rice or bread or do not eat rice at all, they are reducing their carbohydrate intake. Of course, because it is not an official diet plan they are not really restricting themselves completely. When you are under a diet plan, you are not allowed to eat any kind of carbohydrates.
One of the advantages of low carbohydrate diet is the fact that it can actually increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body. This is really good news to people who have a heart problem. This is perhaps the reason why Atkins diet was used for cardio patients. This diet plan can also reduce the amount of triglycerides in the body. Triglycerides can be dangerous when combined with a high level of LDL or bad cholesterol. Both can increase the risk for heart attack and heart disease.
Low carb diet plans are also found to be good in balancing mood swings. They will not be prone to extreme lows such as depression or extreme high. People who are under the program are found to have fairly stable energy levels unlike those with high carbo levels.
LOW CARB DIET 101
Indeed, a lot has been said about various diets and how these work for some people. There’ s the Atkins Diet, the South Beach, the After-Six Diet plan and so on goes on the list of diet crazes that swept the western world and even Asian regions. Among all these, one type of diet has become popular than the others it’s called the Low Carb Diet.
Basically, low carb diet actually emphasizes cutting down on from a person’s daily food intake. This diet allows the dieter to take in all foods except those that have carbohydrates. Although there are many testimonies that prove that low carb diet really works, you must be very knowledgeable first about its pros and cons before deciding to go with the hype.
People who have tried low carb diets say that its advantages include:
1. Faster and quicker weight loss compared to fasting.
2. The diet may result to higher protein intake and absorption.
3. It stabilizes blood sugar levels and is extremely beneficial to those who suffer from diabetics.
Experts say that the disadvantages of low carb diets may include:
- High cholesterol levels due to the lack of protein-rich and fatty foods that has saturated fats.
- Increased blood pressure due to elimination of whole grains products that help lower blood pressure.
- It can lead to osteoporosis because there will be no enough supply of calcium.
- In some cases, this diet can lead to diarrhea, constipation, and severe headaches.
- Low carb diets increase the possibility of lower mental acuity.
- Instead of losing weight, this diet can lead to weight gain.
If you are planning on taking low carb diet, here are some helpful tips to keep you in track:
1. Make sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and constipation.
2. Consider taking in more fiber and vitamin supplements.
3. Cease from consuming products that has sugar.
4. Cut down on taking in products that contain caffeine.
5. Monitor your daily carbohydrate intake.
6. Don’t mind calories, they are allowed in this diet.
7. Acquire a carbohydrate counter to keep you updated.
8. Do regular physical activities and exercise to reach ketosis easily.
9. Brace yourself for diarrhea that may last for a couple of days.
10. If possible, avoid eating foods that have saturated fats.

How Can Atkins Diet Menu Plan Help Me Reduce Blood Sugar

High protein diet devised by Dr. Atkins remains to be most likely one of the most accepted high protein-low carbohydrate diets used in the last 30 years. Low carbohydrate Atkins diet status has helped start scores of look-a-like diets who use the matching principles of low carb, high protein diet. These days people who want [...]

High protein diet devised by Dr. Atkins remains to be most likely one of the most accepted high protein-low carbohydrate diets used in the last 30 years. Low carbohydrate Atkins diet status has helped start scores of look-a-like diets who use the matching principles of low carb, high protein diet. These days people who want to lose weight have lots of high protein diets to choose from.

Studies have revealed that high-protein, low-carb eating has a lot of beneficial effects as well as produce hefty burning of fat without the necessity to limit calorie intake. Individuals who benefit from the high protein, low carb diet by Dr.Atkins have for a long time been reporting this effect. Many studies have reported that high-protein, low-carb intake enhances triclycerides, reduces blood glucose for people suffering from diabetes and people in early stages of diabetes and increases helpful cholesterol or (HDL). High-protein, low-carb nutrition has been scientifically confirmed to improve insulin sensitivity, lessen blood pressure and lessen blood insulin levels. If we contrast it against diets low in fat, high protein, low carbohydrate diet followers also lose a lesser amount of muscle size.

Although not proven by medicine, there are lots of various benefits testified by dieters using high-protein, low-carb diet devised by Dr. Atkins. Some of these are extra energy, significantly reduced need for candys, improved attention, better frame of mind and lessening of depression type of symptoms.

Then again there are also particular benefits that are specific to the low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet invented by Dr. Atkins. If you have been a low fat dieter earlier you will take pleasure in eating all previously not allowed that once you had to go without. Cream, steak and butter are a ordinary part of low carbohydrate, high protein diet devised by Dr. Atkins. You will without a doubt find it very pleasing to once again eat food that you like. People on low carb, high protein diet by Dr.Atkins are encouraged to consume their full of rich meats, oils, cheeses or fats.

Diet devised by Dr. Atkins is also easy to make use of if matched with several other low-carb, high-protein diets available today. Also there are a number of simple food calculations that you are going to have to learn, but following that, you will be allowed to have a meal of any food you wish from the suitable food lists.

Dr. Atkins additionally stressed the importance of finding your own private carb level. Different people have diverse amount of carb acceptance. While some gain pounds with merely 90 grams of carbs per day, others can ingest as much as 120 grams of carbs daily. During your continuing dieting phase and pre-maintenance phase of the high-protein, low-carb diet invented by Dr. Atkins, you are going to discover your individual carb count that will help determine your carbohydrate goal from now on.

The reputation of low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet devised by Dr. Atkins can also be counterproductive for people trying to lose weight. Since there is a great deal of advice accessible about the low-carb, high-protein Atkins diet, and that makes it simple to find resources and help, but can also sidetrack you. There are a lot of Atkins books written and what is more there are a lot of internet websites that supply you with information, tips and group support. Then again practically everyone you know has heard of diet by Dr. Atkins and most likely has a outlook about it. You need to know that there are some big misunderstandings out there about the type of the diet by Dr.Atkins, and you are going to, I am sure, need to stand up for your newly discovered eating methods occasionally.

There are some extra difficulties for using the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet invented by Dr. Atkins. You do need to calculate carbs in everything you eat to be in no doubt that you are keeping within your own carbohydrate range. Furthermore, there is the matter of Induction, the most intensely contested phase of the diet. Induction is difficult to pass if you have been on a diet that centers on sugar and carbohydrates. Also, great number of individuals try Induction and misguidedly think that this is the way that the whole diet will be. They quit without even starting the real diet devised by Dr. Atkins.

Every so often even though if it does not happen often, some people are going to suffer a carbohydrate crash usually during the 3rd and sometimes 5th day of the Atkins diet. This response is a effect of their body going through the ketosis stage or running on fat as a replacement for carbohydrates. The effects are brief but lots of individuals have resigned from low carb diets totally because of this happenstance.

Generally, with the few negligible downsides considered, low carbohydrate, high protein diet by Dr.Atkins continues to be first choice of many people trying to lose weight with low carb diets for one good reason. It does help you lose weight. Thousands of people trying to lose weight have succeeded with the high-protein, low-carb Dr. Atkins diet and the high protein, low carbohydrate style of dieting.