Different Kinds Of Diets

Atkins Diet

The theory behind the book “Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution” is that your body uses both carbohydrates and fat as an energy source so if you cut down on curbs, you will burn off fat and lose weight.

Plus points

In this diet you will allow to eat lots of proteins and fats, like chicken, cheese, eggs etc. So many Atkins fans say that they never feel hungry or bore with limited selection of food to eat.

Minus point

If you are vegetarian then it’s impossible to follow this diet. Cutting down on rice, pasta, potatoes and bread is hard if you are eating out.

Health Risks

The American Heart Association believes that high protein, high fat diets could prevent you from getting some important nutrients. It also increases your risk of coronary heart disease and causing fatigue.

Do they work?

There is no scientific evidence to support this kind of diet, but the book has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Single Food Diets

In these types of diets, you are suggested that you eat one type of food as much as you like or at some particular time. Cabbage soup diet and grapefruit diet comes under this section.

Plus points

Calorie intakes are low, so you will lose weight but you will not necessarily keep it off.

Minus points

You have to love cabbages or grapefruits. Single food diets often require you to drink lots of caffeine, which is not good for your health.

Health risks

Many people who follow this diet ends up feeling weak and dizzy because they are not getting enough energy. These diets are too restrictive.

Do they work?

There is no evidence that grapefruits have special fat burning qualities, it is low-calorie intake that triggers weight loss. The same goes for the cabbage soup diet.

Hay Diet

In this diet, it is suggested not to eat the carbohydrates and proteins at the same meal, because your body can’t digest them properly together and in a result, you gain the weight.

Plus points

In this diet, you have to eat whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables which is good for your health and body in any case.

Minus points

Almost all the food contains proteins and carbohydrates, so it is impossible to separate the two. There is no scientific evidence that mixing these nutrients causes weight gain in the first place.

Health risk

You end up in missing out the important nutrients by limiting what you eat at each meal. It is not at all good for your health.

Do they work?

These diets can result in weight loss but that is because they limit calories, not because they separate proteins from carbohydrates.

Blood Type Diet

Dr. Peter Adamo’s book “Eat right for your type” is based on the premise that different types have different internal chemistries, so you should eat certain foods to lose weight.

Plus points

It’s very specific. You have to stick to food lists, so it’s good if you like to follow the rules.

Minus points

The science behind the diet is a little dubious. It’s tough to follow. You might lose interest after some days.

Health risk

You could be eliminating foods that give you much-needed nutrients.

Does it work?

It restricts calorie intake, so you should lose weight, but will you able to stick to it.

The Zone Diet

Dr. Barry Sears Ph.D. suggests that eating fewer carbohydrates and more fats and proteins help you to balance hormones and lose weight, provided you follow a strict plan that divides every meal into 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fats.

Plus points

It is calorie controlled so if you stick to it, you should lose weight.

Minus point

The science behind this diet is complicated. It’s not easy to divide every meal into 40/30/30.

Health risk

The British Nutrition Foundation recommends an intake of 50% carbohydrates, 35% fat and 15% proteins, which make this diet unhealthy.

Does it work?

Madonna and Caprice loved it, but were not they already skinny?