Some Free Weight Loss Programs

By: Mark Kimathi

Do you want a sexy body, or you are embarrassed with the body they have now, or you simply want to remain fit and healthy. Consider a weight loss program. The race to fitness is on and a lot of people are getting into the band wagon. As such, many fitness programs are out in the internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centers all over the place. Some are too expensive to afford that one may even lose weight just by trying to work out the money needed to pursue these fitness programs.

But one need not have to go to the gym, the spa or any fitness center to spend much just to slim down to obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many weight loss books available in the bookstores which offer weight loss programs which are convenient and for free, except for the book of course. These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity with so much publicity, testimonials and reviews that one may be confused which exactly to follow. So below are short summaries about the most popular diet programs out today.

Atkins' Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins: This is a low carb weight loss program that encourages high protein diet and a trim down on the carbs. Vegetables and meat are highly encouraged but one should fast on bread and pasta. Interestingly also is that one is not restricted against fat intake so it is okay to pour in the salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, if you donot plan your meals well, one may find himself lacking on fiber and calcium yet high in fat after the diet. Due to the fast on carbs intake of grains and fruits may also be limited.

Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller: This is also a version of low carb diet plan that also advocates low carbohydrate eating. It allows eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. Though less restrictive on carbohydrates, the diets is still warns against taking in too much carbs. "Reward" meals are allowed to contain high amounts of fats and saturated fats.

Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor is in contrast to the first two a low fat diet. It is designed around strategies of restraining fat intake. One is given a "fat" budget and he is given the liberty on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to watch his carbohydrate intake which makes it a little easier to follow. Meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and sea foods are allowed. So is eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan can be considered to be fairly healthy. It has good amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch triglyceride levels though; if high, trim down the carbohydrates and tuck in more of the unsaturated fats.

The DASH Diet is more in line with the conventional diet. It advocates for moderate amounts of fat and protein intake and high on carbs. Primarily designed to lower blood pressure, the diet plan follows the governments' 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 allows too much eating to produce significant weight loss.

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

Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Ornish: This diet is primarily a vegetarian affair while strictly low-fat. Gives the go signal on the "glow" foods but warns to watch it on non-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet is generally poor in calcium and restricts consumption of healthy foods like seafood and lean poultry. You are also likely not to get enough proteins with this diet.

Eat Right for Your Type: This is an interesting one because it is based on the person's blood type. Each blood type has a set of recommendations. For example it recommends plenty of meat for people with the blood type O. Diet plans for some blood types are nutritionally imbalanced and too low in calories. And for the record, there is no strong scientific evidence that blood type affects dietary needs.

Weight Watchers: High carbohydrates, moderate on fats and proteins. This is a very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. It allows the dieter to plan his own meal rather than give him a set to follow.

The Pritkin Principle: This is an interesting diet. It is 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. However it does limit protein sources to lean meat, seafood 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 on the other hand is a low-density calorie eating. It 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.

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