1. WEIGHT WATCHERS

www.weightwatchers.com

 

Diet Dish:  For over 45 years Weight Watchers has provided in-person guidance, step-by-step support and tips on helping millions reach their goal weight.  And just in time for the New Year, Weight Watchers rolls out its new weight-loss approach – The Momentum Program.  The plan combines its popular POINT system with healthier, smarter and more filling food choices. 

 

What’s on the menu? No food is off-limits.  Why?  Because instead of counting calories each food item and drink is tracked by points.  Each member is given a certain number of points they can consume daily. 

 

Some meal examples are:

• 2 cups tossed salad – 0 points
• 1 cup mixed berries – 1 point
• 1 Italian Turkey Burger – 5 points
• 1 chocolate chip cookie – 2 points

Celebrity Fans:  Jenny McCarthy and Tina Fey

 

Pros:  The POINT system helps keep your diet structured and gives you a better understanding of healthy portion-sizes.  All tools, recipes, eating and exercise tips are also provided online for those who rather do the diet based on their own schedule.

 

Cons:  A membership fee is required to reap the benefits of the program.

2. JENNY CRAIG

www.jennycraig.com

 

Diet Dish:  Portion-control and pre-packaged meals are the basic tools behind the success of this weight-loss plan.  From nutritious menu selections to customizing a program just for you, Jenny Craig believes it can keep your weight-loss on track.

 

What’s on the menu? Delivery meals are broken down into breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack. 

Some examples given are:

• Jenny’s original Breakfast Burrito – 170 calories / 3 grams of fat
• Cashew Chicken – 290 calories / 8 grams of fat
• Double Chocolate Cake – 170 calories / 1 gram of fat

Celebrity Fans:  Valerie Bertinelli, Queen Latifah

 

Pros:  If you like your meals planned and want to learn more about nutrition and portion size then Jenny’s Cuisine TM could be for you.

 

Cons:  There is a monthly fee and portion-sizes may be considered too small for some.

 

3. THE BEST LIFE DIET

www.thebestlife.com

 

Diet Dish:  If Oprah likes it then it must be good.  Fitness guru Bob Greene developed a plan to help people live life to their fullest by incorporating exercise, healthy eating habits and eliminating triggers that cause people to overeat and gain weight.  It’s a lifestyle change that takes the yo-yo out of dieting.

 

What’s on the menu? Split into three phases, the Best Life Diet suggests physical activities and dietary guidelines to staying fit and positive.  Just like our mothers told us, Greene agrees breakfast is considered one of the most important meals of the day and believes it should not be skipped.  Two more meals and a snack are recommended daily.  The first phase eliminates alcohol, adds water with each meal and tells you to stop eating at least 2 hours before you go to bed.

 

Celebrity Fan:  Oprah

 

Pros:  Some experts say this is not a diet, but a way to live.  Incorporating healthy meals, basic nutritional knowledge and physical activity makes this program work for those who are serious about looking and feeling good.

 

Cons: Not a get-thin-quick-solution, some people may get discouraged if they expect instant results.

 

4. MACROBIOTIC DIET

www.webmd.com/diet/features/macrobiotic-diet

 

Diet Dish:  This low-fat, high-fiber eating plan is for the health-conscious, peace-seeking, toxic-cleansing dieter.  Based off of the principles of yin and yang, macrobiotics choose food that help fill their tummies while balancing their body.

 

What’s on the menu? Essentially a vegan diet with a few exceptions, the goal is to fill your plate with the most natural, unprocessed food items.  Refined sugars should be avoided.

 

Diet staples include: 

• Whole grains such as brown rice, barley and whole wheat
• Beans, Vegetables, Tofu
• Small servings of fish, nuts and fruit

Celebrity Fans:  Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow

 

Pros:  It is believed food in its most natural state has more health benefits for our bodies. 

 

Cons:  This strict approach (exclusion of certain food groups) can cause vitamin deficiencies.  Some experts recommend adopting the plan gradually into your daily routine.

 

5. THE MEDITERANEAN DIET

www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-mediterranean-diet

 

Diet Dish:  You don’t have to travel to Greece or Italy to try this diet, but adopting a Mediterranean style of eating may help you lose weight and live a longer, healthier life.  Contrary to the belief that low-fat food will help dieters shed the most pounds, followers of the Mediterranean Diet promote the use of healthy fats and oils for helping you feel satisfied and slim.

 

What’s on the menu?

• Fresh fruit, vegetables, beans and nuts:  tomatoes, avocado, broccoli, eggplant, chick peas
• “Healthy” fats:  Olive oil and Omega-3’s (found in fish like salmon and sardines)   
• Whole grains: bread, pasta and potatoes
• Red Wine, in moderation
• Dairy, poultry and fish are recommended in low to moderate consumption per week
• Limit your intake of red meat

Celebrity Fans:  Penelope Cruz and Portia Di Rossi 

 

Pros:  Researchers say this diet is believed to be rich in antioxidants; vitamins and minerals that can help improve overall health.

 

Cons:  Don’t overdo it on the olive oil or red wine.  Too large of a portion size can increase unwanted calories.

 

Readers should always consult with their health practitioner before making any dietary or physical activity changes.

 

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