There are so many types of diets out there that it can be quite confusing for people to choose one that's right for them. Just remember that not all people are the same and while a certain type of diet can work for one person, there is a very good chance that it won't provide the same results to another. To know the most appropriate diet plan for you, always consult a professional dietician or nutritionist. Diets in Review The Atkins Diet, conceived by Dr. Robert Atkins, is arguably one of the more popular diets in recent years. The Atkins diet considers carbohydrates and trans fats as the culprit for most cases of obesity. The diet rejects the established food pyramid and singles out the high-intake of carbohydrates as the cause of many metabolic disorders. The Atkins diet focuses on a lean protein diet, a careful intake of carbohydrates, and vitamin supplements. The Beverly Hills Diet is a relatively questionable diet plan which emphasizes the correct combination of foods to aid in natural weight loss. It claims that specific reactions of food chemicals, such as enzymes, aid in burning fat in the body. Central to this plan is the abstinence from protein during the initial eleven days, during which time only fruit is allowed. Carbohydrates can be taken on the eleventh day while protein can be taken on the nineteenth. This diet is not based on any medical evidence though and nutritionists claim that it deprives people of essential nutrients. The Body for Life Diet is a fitness and weight loss program that emphasizes correct eating habits as well as exercise, aerobics and weight-lifting. Meals are broken into six small meals a day. There is good variety in the meals, so nutrient deficiency is rare. The carbohydrates are usually taken earlier in the day, in order for them to be utilized the rest of the day. Weight-loss is not as dramatic as with other diets, but the plan is more balanced. Moreover, because of the emphasis on exercise, the plan is generally considered well-balanced. It usually lasts for only twelve weeks and so is not really a long-term diet program, although it could be with proper planning. The Bodybuilding Diet focuses on producing muscle mass. This by itself can eliminate fat over time, but the emphasis is on supplementing a body workout regimen, rather than altering one's dietary habit. This diet focuses on the high intake of protein and complex carbohydrates. The High Protein Diet is quite similar to the Atkins Diet, but emphasizes on eating almost double the amount of protein intake. It's quite controversial because many experts believe it to be harmful and unbalanced. Its ability to provide immediate weight loss to those who follow it, however, makes it extremely popular. The Mediterranean Diet is not a strict diet but more of a lifestyle change. It is influenced by the observed healthy lifestyle of those living in the Mediterranean region. The diet consists of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, moderate intake of fish and low intake of meats and cheese. An active lifestyle is also required. Considered the healthier alternative to the Atkins diet, the South Beach Diet discriminates against bad carbohydrates, but unlike Atkins, also warns against the consumption of saturated animal fats. The diet is made by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist who was not satisfied with the high fat content of the Atkins diet. The Zone Diet is a diet plan that focuses on the correct proportional intake of carbohydrates, protein and fat to induce the correct balance of hormones which affect hunger and metabolism. Experts perceive it as a well-rounded diet plan although they are doubtful if the diet works in the way that it says it does. |
