The Facts About Diet Comparison

The way to lose weight

A low-carb, high-protein diet is the way to lose weight, or so a diet guru will tell you, and he has the testimonials to back it up. Low in fat, lots of carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables say another, and it's also backed up by satisfied users.

 A third swears that you have to count the amount of sugar; another tells you that the enemy is white flour: if you really want to lose weight and keep it away, who do you listen to? Low-carb, high protein is the way to lose weight, or so a diet guru will tell you, and he has the testimonials to back it up. Low in fat, lots of carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables say another, and it's also backed up by satisfied users.

 A third swears that you have to count the amount of sugar; another tells you that the enemy is white flour: if you really want to lose weight and keep it away, who do you listen to?

Check out the brief summaries below for a quick overview of the pros and cons of each of the popular types of diet plans. Low-carb, high-protein diets

Diets like Atkins, South Beach, and Zone Diet recommend limited carbohydrates and allow for generous amounts of protein, including protein derived from animal sources. They usually limit the total amount of carbohydrates or teach you the difference between “good” and “bad” carbohydrates. Bad carbohydrates, which are prohibited, include white flour, white bread, and white sugar.

Pros: All diets encourage learning about healthy eating as part of weight loss. Deriving most of your daily calories from high-fiber carbohydrate sources, such as green leafy vegetables and grains, is generally considered the best diet for nutrition by the established medical community.

 The popularity of diets makes it easy to find low-carb foods. Cons: Admitting that you eat all the proteins and fats you like goes against conventional medical wisdom. A diet high in saturated fat could lead to heart disease, diabetes, gout, and other chronic health conditions. However, following dietary precautions and advice to keep portions reasonable should mitigate this concern.

Slimming “programs”

Jenny Craig, Multisystem, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, and a host of other weight loss programs rely heavily on prepackaged “diet” foods. They incorporate professional coaching, social structure, and reinforcement.

Pros: Professional training and nutritional benefits are a big plus, as are the strengthening and supportive aspects of diets. Foods and supplements are packaged in the right proportions and if you follow the diets and exercise as directed, you will lose weight.

Cons: Weekly rates and the cost of meals can be expensive. Plus, if you rely entirely on packaged foods, you miss the chance to re-educate your eating habits, which is important for maintaining weight loss.

The real Mayo Clinic diet

This is not the diet that has existed for the past thirty years or more and presumably originated at the Mayo Clinic! The Mayo Clinic True Diet and Nutrition Center recommends a healthy weight loss meal plan based on limiting fat, protein, and carbohydrates, counting calories, and deriving most of your daily diet from vegetables. Cereals and fruit. Pros: There is no “diet”. Instead, you are encouraged to take control of your eating. Portion control and proper nutrient balance are the cornerstones of a weight loss plan that gradually sheds weight and helps maintain it permanently.

Cons: Dieting can be difficult. Counting calories and portions can be difficult if you're out eating or running.

There are many diets that promise to lose weight quickly and painlessly, without exercising or changing your eating habits. The three main diet variations will mainly result in 1-2 pounds of loss per week, which most doctors believe is the optimal way to lose weight for lasting results.