Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Fast and easy weight loss programs

By Aiza Mccaya

As of today, a lot of people are joining the weight loss and fitness trend, constantly hoping for a chance to finally have the dream body that you can only see in magazines, advertisements, and the like. People engage in weight loss programs for several reasons such as to improve their overall physical appearances, to avoid the embarrassment of being overweight, and sometimes merely to just stay physically fit. Today, fitness programs of all sorts are available online, in local gyms, spas, and fitness centers all over the country. Most of these programs are expensive for a normal dieter to afford, yet there are those that would do anything just to get the money to pay for these fitness programs.

But in truth, a person doesn't have to spend a hundred dollars or more just to go to the gym, spa, or fitness center everyday just to slim down and achieve that long-awaited body. There are thousands of weight loss books available in local and online bookstores that provide you with ideas for weight loss programs. There are also free weight loss programs that you can find online. You don't have to spend that much time and money, and you can apply it to your daily lifestyle right in the comforts of your own home. But with so many being advertised, it's hard to tell which weight loss program is the best one to pursue, so this article is going to give you summaries of some of the best diet programs available today.

Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins. This weight loss program encourages high protein diet and a trim down on the carbs. One can feast on vegetables and meat but should fast on bread and pasta. One is also not restricted against fat intake so it is okay to pour in the salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, after the diet, one may find himself lacking on fiber and calcium yet high in fat. Intake of grains and fruits are also limited.

Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan advocates low carbohyrate eating. Approves on eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. however, warns against taking in too much carb. "Reward" meal can be too high on fats and saturated fats.

Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor. This weight loss program restrains dieters from eating foods containing fat, providing them with a fat budget in which he or she is given the choice on how and what to spend that budget on. As compared to the previous diet plans, this one doesn't require you to avoid foods rich in carbohydrates like bread and pasta, meats and poultry, dairy products, and seafood. According to many, this program is fairly healthy as it allows dieters to have a good amount of fruits and vegetables in their diets.

The DASH Diet. Advocates moderate amounts of fat and protein intake and high on carbs. Primarily designed to lower blood pressure, the diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages high intake of whole wheat grains as well as fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Some dieters think it advocates too much eating to procure significant weight loss.

Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Ornish. The diet is strictly low-fat and is primarily vegetarian. The "glow" foods could be eaten, but dieters should watch out for egg whites and non-fat dairy. This diet takes in too little calcium and discourages eating healthy foods such as lean poultry and seafood.

Eat Right for Your Type. The diet plan is interesting as it is based on a person's blood type. People with type O blood can eat plenty of meat for. Some blood types have nutritionally imbalanced diet plans and are too low in calories. This is a little controversial because of lack of substantial proof on the effects of blood type to a person's dietary needs.

The Pritkin Principle. Focused on trimming the calorie density in eating by suggesting watery foods that make one feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is okay. Although limits protein sources to lean meat, pseafood and poultry. Although it is healthy by providing low amounts of saturated fats and rich amounts of vegetables and fruits, it is also low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.

Volumetrics. For low-density calorie eating. Recommends the same foodstuff as Pritkin but restricts fatty or dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is reasonably healthy given the high amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as being low in calorie density and saturated fats.

The Zone. Moderately low on the carbs yet moderately high on the proteins. Encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken plus veggies, fruits and grains. It is also healthy but lacking in grains and calcium.

Weight Watchers. Moderate on fats and proteins but high in carbohydrates is what the diet aims at. The diet plan is very healthy aside from being flexible, too. The dieter is allowed to make a plan of his own meal instead of giving him ready made set. - 16004

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