Free Weight Loss Programs

Fitness and weight loss is a hot topic in today’s society and many people are getting involved. Because the demand for fitness and weight loss plans is so high, there is a huge assortment of fitness programs available. They can be found online and also at places such as gyms and spas. However, the high cost of these programs can cause people to lose their wallets along with their weight.

There are other options for those wishing to shed extra weight. Relatively low-cost books are available that highlight different weight loss plans for a fraction of the cost – some even for free. A number of these programs have gained popularity, resulting in a confusing media frenzy of commercials, endorsements, and reviews that can leave a person wishing to lose weight unsure of which program to go with. To make the decision easier, read these summaries of some of the most popular weight loss programs.

Atkins’ New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins. This widely-popular diet plan allows the dieter to load up on protein but greatly restricts the amount of carbohydrates a person can eat. Vegetables and meat make up the majority of meals, along with a green light on fats such as butter, oil, and salad dressings. However, carb-rich foods such as bread, pasta, rice, and sugary snacks are restricted, as are grains and fruits.

Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet by Drs. Heller. This is another diet that encourages a reduction in carbohydrate intake. Foods such as meat, veggies, fruits, dairy and grain products are all allowed in this diet as long as the dieter watches the amount of carbs they are taking in. There are also ‘reward’ meals, but these can be too high in saturated fats.

Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor. This is a diet that is based around fat intake. The dieter is given a ‘budget’ of fat intake and can choose where these fats come from. This is a relatively healthy diet plan, with no restrictions on carbohydrates and allowances for meat, poultry, seafood, low-fat dairy, as well as healthy foods like fruits and veggies and whole grain pastas, bread, and cereal. This diet plan also warns against high triglyceride levels and recommends cutting down on carbs and boosting unsaturated fat intake if levels start to raise.

The DASH Diet. Lower blood pressure is the main goal of this diet, and dieters following this weight plan may end up eating too much to achieve effective weight loss. It is in sync with the food pyramid in encouraging eating moderate amounts of fat and protein with a high level of carbs such as whole wheat grains as well as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy.

Eat More, Weight Less by Dr. Ornish. This weight loss plan is good for those who aren’t afraid of a mainly vegetarian diet. While this diet is low in calcium and healthy foods such as lean poultry and seafood, it encourages the eating of low-fat “glow” foods.

Eat Right for Your Type. This diet plan is unique in that it offers different eat approaches based on the dieters blood type. Although there is no proof that blood type affects dietary needs, this program designates a good amount of rest for those with O blood type. However, some of the plans do not have a good balance of food types and can be too low in recommended calorie intake.

The Pritkin Principle. This weight loss program is great for those who complain of always feeling hungry while on a diet. The Pritkin Principle focuses on eating watery, low-density food that fill you up without loading up on calories. Water-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, salads, and low-fat dairy are okay while intake of lean meat such as poultry and seafood are limited. This diet plan, while healthy, is low on calcium and lean protein.

Volumetrics. This plan is similar to the Pritkin Principle in advocating low-density foods, and is therefore fairly healthy. This plan is different though in that it restricts dry and high-fat snack foods like crackers, chips, and popcorn.

The Zone Diet. The Zone Diet is all about moderation. While it is slightly high protein and low carb, it is not to the extreme of other programs such at Atkins’ and the Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet. This healthy program loads up on low-fat options like chicken, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and some grains, but like many programs that limit carbohydrates is low in calcium and grains.

Weight Watchers Diet. This classic, popular program is both healthy and flexible for the dieter, allowing them to pick and choose what they eat. Weight Watchers is similar to the food pyramid in that it is high in carbohydrates but moderate on other food groups like protein and fats.