Diet Plans for Weight Loss Reviewed

One diet is as good as the next when it comes to weight loss. It doesn't matter where your calories come from, as long as you are eating less. A diet that includes a variety of foods and encourages controlling portion size is the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Select foods with the highest nutrients and containing the most vitamins, minerals and fiber content. This type of diet allows all family members, even those with diabetes to enjoy the same foods at mealtime.

Two diets presented by Dr. Dean Ornish M.D. were designed to be a lifestyle improvement to battle heart disease. The Reversal diet is for people with heart disease, who want to reverse its effects and lower the risk of heart attack. The Prevention Diet is for people who do not have heart disease, but have high cholesterol levels that may put them at risk for heart attack or stroke.

Both are vegetarian diets that supply only 10% of calories from fat, with the emphasis on low fat, high fiber foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans and peas. Some non-fat dairy products, egg whites and processed foods are allowed in moderation. Calories are not restricted but the dieter must stay within the recommended foods.

The Zone is a popular diet that encourages a healthy eating plan offering a balance of protein and carbohydrates. It is healthier than some diets, since it eliminates non-nutritious carbohydrates and emphasizes fruits and vegetables.

The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan designed to reduce the risk of heart disease by offering healthy foods which include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains while it restricts unhealthy fats. The Mediterranean diet does allow a splash of olive oil and a bit of red wine to meals for Mediterranean style cuisine.

The Atkins Diet is based on the theory that over-consumption of carbohydrates is the root of being overweight. The Atkins plan is a high protein, low carbohydrate diet that restricts the "bad" carbohydrates in pre-packaged foods. In theory the Atkins diet reduces appetite and allows our bodies to use stored fat for energy.

The Acai diet is for reducing the stored up fats in the body and is good for detoxing and balancing your pH level. It is an all natural product which is packed with antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Acai also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B-complex, calcium, fiber, phosphorus and proteins. The Acai berry has a high dietary fiber content that helps diabetic's keep their blood sugar level in range. Acai berry is sold in the form of juices, powders and capsules and can be purchased at retail stores, health stores or online.

Always consult with your doctor, for advice before taking any supplements or starting any weight-loss program.

Sources:

Holisticonline.com

Lowcarbdiets.about.com

Diets In Review.com