In today’s world, the word diet means fad. A fad diet is a weight loss plan or aid that promises dramatic results. These diets typically don't result in long-term weight loss and they are usually not very healthy. There are so many fad diets out there currently. Some of the big ones include the cabbage soup diet, the Adkins diet, The HCG diet, the zone, grapefruit diet, Apple Cider Vinegar Diet, and other diets that include fasting, drinking syrup or taking expensive pills.
Let's look at a few of these diets and then look at what really works.
HCG Diet
Currently the most popular fad is the HCG diet, though it has been around for some time, it is becoming popular with people again. This hormone is excreted in the urine of pregnant women. Many people are drastically losing weight and with good results. However, in a recent double blind study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was determined that using HCG was ineffective in promoting permanent weight loss. The core of the HCG diet consists of extreme Calorie restriction of around 500 Calories a day. AVOID THIS at all cost as depression is one of the side effects. Weight loss is most likely due to Calorie restriction. Side effects include headaches, risk of blood clots, restlessness, and depression. In addition, the calorie restriction is way below what is deemed safe by the majority of the medical profession.
Negative Calorie Diet
An easy way to spot fad diets is when they start promoting magical properties contained in a particular food. Negative calorie diet is one of the biggest fad diets because who would ever believe that by simply eating one stick of celery, you could burn 95 calories. No scientific research can ever support such a claim and this could only have been created by a very imaginative mind. Research has proved that no food can burn more calories than it can release.
The Zone
Many consider the Zone diet to be a fad diet - however this diet continues to remain popular with many. The biggest criticism of the diet is that it is too complex to follow. The Zone Diet plan is all about meal ratios. A closer look at the Zone Diet shows that it is a low carbohydrate diet – with a low calorie count – at times possibly too low. Exercise is not a part of the formula.
The Adkins Diet
The Adkins diet has gotten lots of negative press so in 2010 it lines up with a healthier way of eating called “The New Atkins for a New You.” Atkins has four phases – all with a carefully controlled level of carbohydrate intake. What is nice about this diet is there is more of an emphasis on wholesome foods and it stresses the importance of healthy fats. It seems to be focused on nutrition from fresh vegetables, lean protein, fruits, and whole grains. It also has more emphasis on portion and calorie control as well as more emphasis on being active and exercise. The cons is that it is high-fat diet. Most government health agencies recommend no more than 30% fat in our diet – yet with Atkins you can easily consume more fat than this. However, the new Atkins has lined up with this percentage and recommends healthy fats.
The South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet continues to be one of the biggest selling diet books of all time. Enthusiasm for the diet has not yet faded, and it maybe unfair to call this a fad. The diet was originally developed for overweight heart patients. The patients experienced excellent results, in their not only general health but also lost weight. It’s all about balancing the good carbs against the bad carbs. Although when looking at the first 14-day phase, there is no doubt that this is a low-carb phase. However the South Beach Diet is based around the glycemic Index, and carbs are chosen according to this index. This diet does not promos rapid weight loss, which makes it a healthy way of eating.
Weight Watchers
The Weight Watchers diet program is rated as one of the most successful by researchers. It is based on matching the food calories consumed with those expended through both exercise and your basal body metabolism. No secret method, just eating fewer calories than you burn each day. No food is off limits, but the credo is "if you bite it, write it," logging everything you eat and adding it to your daily total. Weight Watchers is always changing and improving its program. Weight Watchers has conducted dozens of published studies of its program. In those studies, dieters are given free access to meetings, but no free food. In the real world, Weight Watchers participants can often join the program for no charge but pay about $14 a week to attend meetings. The cons is yes indeed it is pricey but many people do the online weight watchers and also attend meetings long enough to get the basics down.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet is more than a diet. It is a lifelong living style. You have to adopt it, it becomes your way of life. This is why this diet plan makes so much sense. It is part of your life, not part of your weight. Decades ago, it was the natural way of life of many people around the Mediterranean Basin, especially in Spain, Italy and Greece. Mediterranean Diet in also known as the prevention diet and helps with metabolic syndrome , high blood pressure and/or insulin levels and unbalanced levels of cholesterol. So it has been in the prevention of lung diseases, asthma, many allergies, Parkinson, Alzheimer, and also for keeping the bone mass in elderly people. Recently, it has been related the Mediterranean Diet with low incidences of many types of cancer. The diet is based on high consumption of virgin olive oil High intake of vegetables and fruits and legumes Consumption of fish, specially oily (or “bluish” one) three o for times a week Consumption of milk and derivates, cheese and yogurt (the original cheese was fresh goat cheese four or so eggs per week Moderate consumption of meat and saturated fats (natural, not artificially hydrogenated and Nuts as snacks. This way of eating is saving lives and helping people lose weight.
Achieving a healthy weight is a balancing act - cut back on your food intake and increase your activity level. It is important to eat right and take the proper supplements. In Tucson, you can get healthy foods and supplements at Sunflower Market, Trader Joes, New Life Health Centers, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
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