Spring Break
Weight loss systems promise results
Do they really follow through?
Erin Edwards
Issue date: 10/28/08 Section: Features
South Beach Diet
Created by cardiologist Arthur Agatson, the South Beach diet is designed to help followers distinguish between good carbohydrates and good fats.
Like the Atkins diet, South Beach is emphasized in phases.
Phase 1 typically last for two weeks, with dieters able to eat lean cuts of meat, fat-free cheese and plenty of vegetables while avoiding fruits, dairy and alcohol. With three meals a day and snacks, phase I is used to help figure out when hunger is satisfied while losing cravings for starches and sugars.
Once phase I is finished, phase II gradually begins. The prohibited foods in phase I are returned, but in smaller amounts, in order to continue emphasis on foods with a low glycemic index.
Phase III is soon achieved once a desired weight is accomplished. Like Atkins, phase III is a maintenance phase, in which followers are to distinguish good carbs--high in fiber or high in good fats, and good fats--polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
Overall, South Beach stresses to dieters the importance to eat until they are satisfied. No calories are counted and it is recommended that users eat six meals a day. Studies have shown favorable results using the South Beach Diet, however the first two weeks of rapid weight loss are countered by small weight loss in the weeks following. The restriction of daily servings of both fruits and vegetables, along with dairy and whole-grain foods can cause the body to lose many important vitamins.
Weight Watchers
Founded in 1963, Weight Watchers is an international weight-loss program that operates in over 30 countries. Two plans are offered to followers: the "Flex Plan," which focuses on a "point" system of allotted foods throughout the day, and the "Core Plan," similar to the South Beach Diet, in which followers are to eat until they are satisfied.
Unlike South Beach and Atkins, Weight Watchers members are encouraged to attend weekly meetings, where they are to weigh in and discuss different strategies and key points to losing weight. An online version is also available for those who don't want attend meetings. Membership fees are included, in which members can pay by the week or the month.
Created by cardiologist Arthur Agatson, the South Beach diet is designed to help followers distinguish between good carbohydrates and good fats.
Like the Atkins diet, South Beach is emphasized in phases.
Phase 1 typically last for two weeks, with dieters able to eat lean cuts of meat, fat-free cheese and plenty of vegetables while avoiding fruits, dairy and alcohol. With three meals a day and snacks, phase I is used to help figure out when hunger is satisfied while losing cravings for starches and sugars.
Once phase I is finished, phase II gradually begins. The prohibited foods in phase I are returned, but in smaller amounts, in order to continue emphasis on foods with a low glycemic index.
Phase III is soon achieved once a desired weight is accomplished. Like Atkins, phase III is a maintenance phase, in which followers are to distinguish good carbs--high in fiber or high in good fats, and good fats--polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
Overall, South Beach stresses to dieters the importance to eat until they are satisfied. No calories are counted and it is recommended that users eat six meals a day. Studies have shown favorable results using the South Beach Diet, however the first two weeks of rapid weight loss are countered by small weight loss in the weeks following. The restriction of daily servings of both fruits and vegetables, along with dairy and whole-grain foods can cause the body to lose many important vitamins.
Weight Watchers
Founded in 1963, Weight Watchers is an international weight-loss program that operates in over 30 countries. Two plans are offered to followers: the "Flex Plan," which focuses on a "point" system of allotted foods throughout the day, and the "Core Plan," similar to the South Beach Diet, in which followers are to eat until they are satisfied.
Unlike South Beach and Atkins, Weight Watchers members are encouraged to attend weekly meetings, where they are to weigh in and discuss different strategies and key points to losing weight. An online version is also available for those who don't want attend meetings. Membership fees are included, in which members can pay by the week or the month.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
weight loss scams
posted 11/08/08 @ 12:16 AM EST
One thing to definitely watch out for is that there are a large numbers of fad diets and weight loss products being advertised on the Internet that are a total scam (e. (Continued…)
Andy
posted 11/10/08 @ 6:08 PM EST
I think it would be to our reader's benefit, to explain what they should do instead of following any crazy fad diets. Any person, I don't care who are are or what you do, can lose weight by doing only 1 thing; Eat less calories than you burn off in exercise + BMR. (Continued…)
Think before you follow like lemins
posted 11/10/08 @ 9:47 PM EST
You know for a dead fat guy Dr. Atkins plan still gets around >.> you do know he was 253 lbs even at 6 ft that's obese. i just noticed you left that little tidbit out. (Continued…)
our society
posted 1/10/09 @ 7:28 AM EST
I would like to thank yo for the efforts you have made in writing this article and I am hoping the same good work from you in the future as well.
Post a Comment