4 Diets Reviewed
Diets are a multi-billion dollar industry in America. Look at the New York Times best-seller list and you'll probably find at least one diet plan on it. And they all promise one thing. "Do what I say, and you will be fit, healthy and fabulous."
So you buy the book, and you've got a new resolve. You finally have THE PLAN that will bring you salvation.
Then the problems surface. The cravings, the pains and all those restrictions! If you make it through the first month, consider yourself lucky.
But it may not be your fault! Many diet programs have serious flaws that can sabotage your best efforts. This article is the first in a three part series where I'm going to tell you about the major diet programs, show you how to pick one that works for you, and finally reveal the scams you should avoid.
Here's the real story on 4 top diet programs.
Atkins - If you're overweight you eat too many carbohydrates. Cut carbs, increase your protein and fat, and you'll lose weight.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) both state no more than 30 percent of your total calories should come from fat. The Atkins diet generally makes no such recommendation.
Doctors suggest at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Dr. Atkins recommends less than half that amount in the initial phase of his diet. Atkins regards nearly all carbs as the enemy.
The USDA and the AHA, because of poor nutritional guidance and potential dangers to participant's cardiac health, have denounced this diet. We agree with the doctors and suggest you dump Atkins.
South Beach - This is a three-phase plan. Phase one cuts out unhealthy fats and sugar rich carbs, and lasts two weeks. In phase two, healthy carbs and other low-fat foods are re-introduced. The final phase is reached once you've achieved your goal weight and you learn maintenance strategies.
The problem is what happens in the first two weeks, during which South Beach claims you can lose up to a pound a day. Losing more than 1 or 2 pounds a week can be unhealthy.
The South Beach diet is sensible in suggesting you reduce excess sugar and other carbs, while still giving a lower fat message. This diet can be a viable choice for people serious about losing weight, as long as the initial weight loss is monitored by a doctor or dietitian.
Sugar Busters - Sugar is the cause of obesity. It increases the level of insulin in the body and the likelihood of food being stored as fat.
Sugar Busters claims that by reducing sugar and eating high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals, you'll see a significant increase in glucagon levels. Supposedly the glucagons allow your body to get its energy from stored fat and you lose weight.
Nope. The menus provided by Sugar Busters average 1,200 calories. That's 800 calories less than the average set by the USDA. Sugar Busters is a simple reduced calorie diet. In addition, this diet is low in calcium and does not provide enough calories for athletes. The Sugar Busters diet is...a bust.
Zone - The Zone diet states that Protein should represent (by calories) 30% of your meal, Carbohydrates 40% and Fat 30%.
Weight loss is achieved through the regulation of fat storing insulin and hormone glucagons. By balancing these hormones through what you eat, you loose weight.
Wrong. The Zone diet is another reduced calorie diet. The average person, according to the Zone, should consume between 0.8 and 1.0 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass. That means a 150-pound man eating the ideal combination should consume approximately 1184 calories daily. That's 800 calories less than the average set by the USDA. Cut the calories and you lose weight, not because of changes in insulin or glucagons. Drop the Zone.
In my next article I'll teach you how to choose a healthy diet from all the hype.
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CAUTION: Check with your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program.
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