What are Different Types of Diet Programs?

Many different types of diet programs are available for consumers and patients, both for individuals who have significant weight to lose and those who just wish to drop a few pounds before bikini season. The most common form of diet plan restricts calories or fat or both, but newer research is suggesting that because no two people are the same, different individuals may do better on different diet programs. This has led to a multitude of new plans formulated by doctors, dietitians and celebrities. Some of the most common diet programs are the low carb diet, low fat diet, grapefruit diet, and juice fasting diet.

Low fat and low calorie diets were once the most popular diet plans because if weight is gained by consuming more calories than are burned, a person should lose weight by eating fewer calories than he burns. This is true as long as the dieter stays within a healthy daily calorie range. Eating fewer calories will generally lead to weight loss, but once caloric intake drops too low, a restricted calorie diet can have an adverse effect. A body that is not getting enough calories to sustain itself will eventually go into starvation mode and instead of losing weight, the body will begin to hold onto its fat in preparation for famine.

Low carb diets are some of the most popular options among diet programs because they allow dieters to consume larger amounts of food than low calorie plans. While carbohydrates and sugars are severely limited, dieters are welcome to eat large portions of vegetables, lean meats, eggs, and other carb-free foods. The downside to this plan is that it can be high in saturated fat if large portions of red meat and eggs are consumed. Those who follow this plan are encouraged to eat mostly vegetables and lean proteins such as chicken or fish.

Other types of diet programs would be accurately described as fad diets. These include plans like the grapefruit diet, cabbage diet, and rotation diets. Although severely limiting food options and eating large portions of certain foods may provide rapid weight loss in some people, they are not suitable for long-term weight maintenance. The body needs nutrients derived from all the food groups in order to stay healthy.

Juice fasts may be a good thing when done in the right way, because fresh juice has many health benefits and can provide detoxification for the many of the body’s systems. When choosing any juice diet plan, it’s important to remember that any regimen which requires more than three or so days without solid food is not a good idea. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to stick with plans that allow juices from multiple food sources, especially those that are freshly extracted from a juicer.

In some cases a patient who has a chronic disease or ailment may be advised to stick to a very strict diet. Diabetics, for example, may be given a list of foods to avoid entirely for long periods of time. These plans should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.

Most healthy individuals will benefit most from a diet which allows servings of all major food groups eaten in moderation. Even sweets are fine to consume in reasonable amounts. Physical activity should be included in any weight loss plan and should be continued for life in order to maintain a healthy weight.