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Top 10 List
how we choose
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Atkins
A low carb plan that has four distinct stages. Induction is the first stage
and limits the dieter to 20 grams of carbohydrates in the form of low
glycemic vegetables. On Going Weight Loss (OWL) is the second stage. Dieters
add 5 grams of carbs at a time starting with more vegetables and slowly
adding in fruit, nuts, seeds and whole grains to the point where he or she
can still lose a couple of pounds a week. Next, the dieter will move into
pre-maintenance and eventually maintenance stages. Atkins Nutritionals
offers diet
bars and
shakes, which can be used in later stages. Those wanting to
follow this diet should read
Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution to fully
understand the chemistry behind the plan. |
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Body Clutter Diet
Diet created by Leanne Ely, author of Saving Dinner, and Marla Cilley
(a.k.a. Flylady).
A lower carb plan that incorporates whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Both authors have lost weight following these menus. Details on the diet are available in several forms. The
book gives details on everything you need to know not only to follow the
diet but to prepare recipes and shop for the ingredients you'll need. Or,
follow the diet by subscribing to the weekly
Body Clutter Menu Mailer. The menu mailer offers a meal plan for dinner
every night for the entire family and ideas for lunch and dinner for the
person following the Body Clutter Diet. |
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Jenny
Craig
Made famous by celebrity endorsers, such as Kirstie Alley and
Valerie Bertinelli.
The diet includes a combination of pre-packaged meals and fresh foods from
the store. Cost to join varies, as the company runs specials at different
times. Platinum membership is over $300 but allows you to return if you gain
the weight back. Weekly Jenny Craig meal purchases run around $90 to $100. A
personal counselor works one-on-one to help the new member understand past
food choices and encourage him or her to stick to the diet plan. The
Jenny
Craig meals come in a wide variety that cover all three meals and snacks. |
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LA Weight Loss
The company offers weight loss centers around the country, many located in
local strip malls. Dieters will first meet with a counselor in person, but
the
appointment can be scheduled online. The consultation is free but if you
decide to join, membership will run anywhere from $350 to $800 a year. You
will be eating regular foods available in your local grocery store, but the
company does sell bars, shakes and supplements, which are optional. A
customized diet based on your lifestyle and needs will be created. LA
Weight Loss has more than 40 different plans they can customize for clients.
The centers like for clients to visit three times a week for counseling
sessions. No appointment is needed. |
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The
Maker's Diet
Holistic diet plan that focuses on raw and whole foods. Based on the Bible
and science. The diet doesn't only focus on physical appearance but takes a
look at the whole health of the person, including physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual. The program is based on 40 days, which 40 is a
number with a huge significance in the Bible (40 days in the desert, 40 days
of rain, and so on). The website has a
membership that includes 14 tools to help dieters succeed. Members get a
customized daily schedule, meal plans, recipes, shopping lists, online diet
buddies, weight tracker, diet journal, and a newsletter. Although they are
running a current special of only $4.99 a week, please note that you will be
charged quarterly. |
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Nutrisystem
The convenience of the pre-packaged meals make this diet attractive to many.
Dieters purchase meals and buy some items, such as fruit and dairy at the
local supermarket. The advertise a low fat, low glycemic menu that the
company says will melt fat quickly. Meals are shipped to the customer's home
and support is entirely free. The website also offers a
free diet analysis. Costs run around $300 a month for the food. Dieters
get to put together their own meal plan based on the available menu items
and number of meals and snacks per day needed. |
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South
Beach
A low carb, lower fat diet created by
Dr. Arthur Agatston. The online site offers recipes and meal plan
suggestions, but to truly understand how to follow South Beach, one must
read the book. Or, join the
online diet membership support plan to gain access to tools such as
recipes, help from online dietitians, weight loss tracker, meal planner, a
buddies program and message boards filled with other South Beach followers.
The first week is a free trial and then it is $5 per week. The fee is
charged quarterly, so $65 is placed on your credit card the first week of
the quarter. South Beach Dieters can expect to lose about two pounds per
week after the first week. |
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Take Off
Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)
This organization has been around for almost 60 years! TOPS is a nonprofit
organization. Meetings are held locally via chapter. Chapters are
responsible for support, motivation and teaching members about healthy
weight loss and eating. The organization has about 200,000 members. Annual
fees are $24 a year in the United States and $30 a year in Canada, so it is
a very cost effective program. Participants are responsible for purchasing
their own food from a grocery store. The group is led by volunteers. Because
the cost is so minimal, it is a fabulous bargain. The organization now
offers the ability to
sign up for members or renew online. |
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Volumetrics
Currently, one of the hottest diets around. The
Volumetrics book is based on the principle of "feeling fuller on fewer
calories" and includes techniques as well as recipes. The author, Dr.
Barbara J. Rolls, has studied obesity for more than twenty years and been
actively involved in research. The book does not prohibit any foods, but
gives the reader techniques and tips for feeling full on less of that food.
Includes informational advice, menu planners, charts and recipes. Dr. Rolls
goes into depth exploring the energy density of foods. By following the
Volumetrics plan, the reader will eat more whole grains, fruits and
vegetables and less processed foods and white and sugary carbs, making it a
sound and healthy eating plan. |
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Weight Watchers
An international company that offers weight loss products, plan and support
for a low weekly fee. Local weight loss centers offer meetings that members
can attend to get support and ideas for following the Weight Watcher's (WW)
plan. Currently, WW offers two plans - Flex and Core. Flex uses a points
based system. Points are based on a specific formula that takes into account
calories, fat grams and fiber of a food. Members can also
join online and learn about the diet and gain support in an online
environment. The online program runs around $5 a week and is charged on a
quarterly basis and the live centers run $12 a week, but you can attend as
many meetings as you'd like. The best option is probably the
Monthly
Pass. For under $40, members get access to online tools and can attend
the weekly meetings at a local center. |
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