Five Summer Diets You Can Rely On

Fad diets, dangerous pills, gimmicky gadgets that don't really work - the path to weight loss is littered with obstacles that can end up causing you more harm than good, if only just by wasting your time. If you're committed to finally getting that bathing-suit body this summer, here are five diets that have proven results and will help you reach your goals. Remember, before you embark on any diet or exercise program, it's important to consult with a doctor to make sure it's safe and right for you.

The Atkins Diet

It's a diet that sounds almost too good to be true, until you try it: no counting calories? No limit on bacon, eggs, butter, and other delicious foods? But limiting your carb intake, which is what this diet depends on, can be very difficult. Breads, pastas, and even fruits and vegetables add up fast. Atkins is based on the principle that people don't typically eat enough protein to satiate themselves, and then make up the difference with so-called 'empty' carbohydrates like white flour and sugar that provide little nutritional bang for the calorie buck. If you can handle the strict carb limits, Atkins can help you shed pounds fast by keeping you filled with protein.

This Plan is Ideal For: Those who want flexibility in their meal planning and/or eat out often. Most restaurants offer low-carb entrees.

Caution: Since the long-term effects of Atkins aren't well known, don't stay on this diet indefinitely. Limit your fat intake to reasonable levels while you are on the diet, and once you've reached your weight-loss goals, switch to a more moderate diet that involves more consumption of fruits and vegetables. Be aware of the symptoms of ketosis and see your physician if you experience any of them.

The Slim-Fast Plan

Slim-Fast claims to make calorie control easy by replacing certain meals with filling, nuritionally complete Slim-Fast products. These include the famous line of drinks, in addition to many other foods produced by the company. This makes the diet ideal for those who often eat meals on the go, since a Slim-Fast shake or bar is easily packed away. If you can follow the Slim-Fast diet plan, which calls for portion control and emphasizes lean proteins, Slim-Fast can help you reach your goals fast.

This Plan is Ideal For: Busy folks who don't mind a little monotony in their eating habits.

Caution: While no weight loss plan is without some possible health risks, Slim-Fast's plan is based on strong medical science and is endorsed by many doctors. As always, see your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms after beginning this diet.

The South Beach Diet

If Atkins sounds a little extreme for you, the South Beach Diet might be one to consider. It's a slightly more refined version of the low-carb diet that is based on something called "glycemic index." This means that foods with a high sugar content are off-limits during the initial 14-day phase of the diet, and limited later on. You might be surprised at what foods have sugar contents: potatoes, beets, corn, and alcohol are all restricted. However, as you get closer to your goal weight, you can re-introduce these foods and eventually begin eating normally while keeping some basic principles in mind. If you are looking for a sustainable, long-term diet plan, South Beach is a solid idea.

This Plan is Ideal For: Yo-yo dieters looking for a permanent solution.

Caution: During the strict initial phases of the diet, you can lose large amounts of water weight, which can throw off your electrolyte balance. It's good to work with a nutritionist during this time to make sure you stay healthy. Other than that, the South Beach Diet promotes healthful eating habits that should support you well for the rest of your life.

The NutriSystem Diet

You've seen the commercials - NutriSystem is basically a highly structured meal plan that's very convenient for those who don't have the time or energy to learn proper calorie-counting and portion control, but need to lose weight. For a reasonable fee, they will deliver a specially-formulated variety of food that will keep you full while restricting your calorie intake to the healthy minimum: 1,200 for women and 1,500 for men. NutriSystem foods are nutritionally complete, but if you get bored easily, this isn't a diet you will want to stay on for long.

This Plan is Ideal For: Singles who don't like to cook and rarely eat out.

Caution: Diets like NutriSystem can lead to yo-yo dieting, because it's easy to fall off the wagon due to monotony and frustration with the strict diet control. However, for a short-term solution, it's not a bad choice. To avoid falling back into your own habits, take it upon yourself to learn about proper nutrition and portion control so you can branch out from NutriSystem and continue eating healthfully on your own when you are ready.

Jenny Craig

A proven diet plan that's been around since the '60s, Jenny Craig must be doing something right. According to doctors, they are: while their diet does depend somewhat on prepackaged meals, like NutriSystem, dieters are encouraged to supplement the meal with fresh fruits and other healthful snacks. And the most impressive part of Jenny Craig is that it provides the support that many dieters need stay motivated. There is a 24/7 hotline, among other features for those who need it. It's more than a diet plan: it's a complete lifestyle plan. For those who've tried other diets and failed, this aspect of Jenny Craig might just be the key. According to those who've experienced them firsthand, Jenny Craig frozen meals are fairly tasty and easy to stick with.

This Plan is Ideal For: Those who want overall support in a lifestyle change, rather than just a diet.

Caution: Jenny Craig meals abide by proven nutritional guidelines, so they should be safe to live off of for some time. If you take full advantage of the support system provided by Jenny Craig, you should be able to avoid yo-yo dieting. As always, see a doctor if anything feels strange.

Good luck with your goals - see you at the pool!

Sources

"The Latest Diets." WebMD.com