The Atkins
diet program is based on the principle of switching your body to burn fat instead
of carbohydrates to obtain energy. It
is a life change rather than a diet program, as in order to keep the pounds off
you need to stick to the recommended way of eating.
The main difference to other diet programs is in what you
are allowed to eat,
- Eggs
-
Meat including beef
- Pork
- Turkey
- Chicken
-
Duck
- Wild game
-
Veal
-
Lamb
Fats are also permitted, butter, olive oil, mayonnaise, and also certain cheeses.
You must drink lots of water, and only de-caffeinated coffee.
You will need to take vitamin supplements including minerals.
You must also exercise every day, no need to do a marathon however, a brisk walk will suffice.
You are encouraged to eat enough to satisfy your appetite but you must not overeat.
You must not drink alcohol.
You must not cheat; it takes 2-3 days for the body to switch
from burning carbohydrates (in the form of glucose) to burning fat, so if you
cheat you are back to day 1.
- Sugar, in any form, corn
syrup, honey or maple syrup.
- Milk or Yogurt - a limited
amount of cream is allowed.
- Fruit & fruit juice.
- Flour products (bread,
pasta, crackers etc.)
- Grains or cereals.
- Beans and legumes.
- Starchy or high sugar
vegetables such as potatoes, yams, corn, peas, parsnips, beets or carrots.
- Sweet condiments such as
most ketchups, bbq sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- French dressing or thousand
island dressing.
- Cottage cheese, farmer’s
cheese or other fresh cheeses.
- Nuts or seeds.
Lots of popular foods are permitted, you can have snacks between meals.
No need to starve and are encouraged to eat when hungry.
Diet Program Con's
Must stick to diet for good to keep off unwanted pounds. No
breaks or cheat days allowed. May not be suitable if you can't go without coffee or alcohol.
2) South Beach Diet Program
Similar to the Atkins diet program in that it changes the
way you eat whilst still allowing plenty of popular foods such as meat, fish,
eggs but you can also eat cheese and vegetables.
You can have 3 meals a day, even 2 snacks a day.
You can also have dessert and diet soda. You are not allowed any alcohol for an initial 2 week period but after that you are allowed to drink wine.
After an initial 2 week start where what you can eat is
limited you can start to phase some of your favourite foods back into your
diet.
It’s all about eating "good carbs" instead of
"bad carbs".
Diet Program Pro's
Based on a healthy way of eating rather than a diet. Many of your favourite foods are probably still allowed.
Some alcohol ie wine is allowed.
Diet Program Con's
You may find the first couple of weeks particularly hard due
to what you can eat being limited.
3) Zone Diet Program
Developed by Barry Sears a biochemist, the Zone Diet is
about controlling your insulin level through a balanced diet of carbohydrates,
proteins and fat, also known as the 40-30-30 diet (40% carbohydrates, 30%
Proteins 30% fat)
Once again it is a way of living rather than just a diet
with 3 stages geared to make you lose weight, control hunger and have more
energy. It is based on consistent
insulin levels with the supplementation of high dose fish oil.
The Zone diet encourages eating regularly throughout the day
and eliminates many junk foods such as sweets and chips. The "Zone" refers to being in a
physiological state in which hormones, governed by the food you eat, are in a
zone which is neither too high nor too low.
Diet Program Pro's
Balanced diet rather than cutting out foods you may enjoy.
Diet Program Con's
The reasoning behind the diet can be quite technical;
therefore many people may disagree about its merits.
Not a diet as such but simply a way of eating for hundreds
if not thousands of years followed by people of countries bordering the
Mediterranean such as Greece, Southern Italy, parts of North Africa &
the Middle East.
It is well known that people from these areas have a lower
incidence of heart disease; this is believed to be due to over half of their
fat intake being from monounsaturated fat (mainly from olive oil) as opposed to
saturated fat, prominent elsewhere. Saturated fat is known to raise cholesterol
levels.
The basic diet followed is one that has a low consumption of
red meat, low to moderate consumption of sweets, fish, eggs and dairy products
except cheese and natural yogurt.
A high consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
A higher consumption of breads, pasta, rice and potatoes. Water and red wine (in moderation) are taken with meals.
Diet Program Pro's
Not a "fad diet" but a traditional way of eating
with known health benefits.
Diet Program Con's
None as such apart from if you are unable to obtain fresh
fruit and veg.
5) Weight Watchers Diet Program
There are 2 main diet programs for you to follow; one a
points system where all foods are allocated points according to their calorie,
fat and fibre content.
You are allowed to use up (or consume) a set number of
points per day.
The other diet program is a no points system which allows
you to eat from a range of wholesome foods without having to count the
calories.
The weight watchers diet program can be followed online as
well as offline through regular local meetings where you will get not just tips
and guidance but the support and encouragement of fellow weight watchers.
Diet Program Pro's
On the points system you can eat what you like as long as
you stick to the number of points. The
meetings can help to keep you motivated.
Diet Program Con's
Offline meetings may not be practical for you. The points system may leave you feeling
hungry. 
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