Weight Loss Plans: Get the Skinny!

If you’ve tried to lose weight, then there is no doubt in my mind that you’ve researched numerous weight loss plans hoping to find one that’s right for you. And you know what? Good research is a necessary step in attaining your ideal weight. I applaud your proactive attitude. It shows that you are serious about this. And besides, it’s tough to know which foods are best for keeping the weight off, or the correct portion sizes allowed for dinner.

Oddly enough, it won’t take long for you to realize that there are more diets out there than there are pounds to lose! For the most part, the only information you’re going to find on these diets comes from people who are either promoting them, or who’ve succeeded with them. Unfortunately, you’re not going to find a lot of objectivity out there.

So, with that in mind, let’s get the "the skinny" on weight loss - the real information you need about the top weight loss plans that everyone is yapping about.

Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Loss Solution

Dr. Phil, the wildly popular medical psychologist with his own television show, has come up with a weight loss plan that focuses more on the psychology of eating and dieting rather than on the kinds of food you should eat. The seven elements of his plan are: (1) Stop the cycle of negative thinking, (2) take control of your emotions, (3) create a "no-fail" environment in your home, (4) learn how to eat only to satisfy hunger (as opposed to "emotional eating"), (5) choose foods high in nutrients and fiber, (6) integrate an exercise regimen into your daily routine, and (7) seek emotional support for your weight loss journey.

Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem is a good diet if you have a specific, short-term weight loss goal, and you don’t want to have to think about what or how much to eat. Basically, they mail you what they call a "meal plan cycle," three meals and two snacks per day for 28 days. Simply eat what they give you and nothing else!

The difference between the South Beach Diet Plan and the Atkins Diet

Both of these diets feature a first phase that includes cutting out carbohydrates - although in the Atkins Diet, it’s ALL carbs. The additional phases for both allow for the gradual increase in carbs. However, they differ in that the South Beach Diet Plan differentiates between good carbs and bad carbs, while the Atkins Diet lumps all carbs into one category - and that includes high-carb fruits and vegetables. Also, there is some controversy over whether or not Atkins is safe in the long term, because of the high amounts of fat that must be consumed.

Weight Watchers

They’ve been around for a long time, for a reason - their plans help people lose weight. They offer two plans now, and they’re available online for an added sense of community that many dieters like to have while on a weight loss plan. You can choose the Flex Plan, which works on a points system, giving each food a number and allowing you to choose your menu; or the Core Plan, which gives you a list of "approved" foods.