Weight Watchers Diet Review
October 30, 2007
Weight Watchers is one of the best Weight Loss programs in the world. You choose from 2 eating plans, Point System or the Core Plan
You can work their program entirely online at weightwatchers.com or you may choose to attend weekly meetings.
Regardless of the program you’re on, it’s family friendly. You can dine out and easily stay within your daily limits.
Weight Watchers promotes healthy eating habits.
Rated number one by consumer reports. Weight Watchers is a nutritionally sound approach to weight loss.
You lose weight at a safe pace of one to two pounds per week.
The plan teaches you portion control and behavior changes.
You are in charge of what and when you eat.
Once you meet your goal weight you’ll get a maintenance program for continued lifelong support.
- Each Day You are Encouraged to Eat:
- 5 servings of vegetables and fruits
- 2 servings of milk
- 1 or 2 servings of protein
- Whole grain foods
- 6 glasses of water
Weight Watchers is Safe and Effective! It is a safe nutritional approach to Weight Loss. You can expect to lose about one to two pounds per week
A study in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” states people who followed this program lost three times as much as someone going it alone.
What is the Weight Watcher Point System?
- A point value is assigned to each food
- Points are calculated from the calories, fat and fiber contained in the food item.
- You receive a daily allotment of points between 20-34 (your points may decrease as you
- lose weight)
- You receive an additional 35 points to use through-out the week (Use these points for
- special occasions such as a party – Or divide them up through the week)
- You can earn points by exercising
- Promotes healthier food choices
- Track you points daily
- Stay within your point limit and you WILL lose weight
What is the Weight Watchers Core Plan?
- Eat as much as you want from the core food list
- Core Plan includes food from all food groups, fruits, vegetables, grains, starches, lean
- meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products
- You receive a weekly allowance of 35 points for foods that are not on the core list
- You can earn points by exercising
- Use your points to eat foods you crave so you will not feel deprived
- Scientifically designed and proven for effective weight loss
Do I have to attend Weight Watcher meetings?
No. You can sign up and use their plan completely online at Weight Watchers.com.
Weekly Meetings are great if you need personal support and enjoy group settings. You will be weighed at weekly meetings. Each meeting leader is a Weight Watcher success story. They know first hand what its like to lose weight and maintain their loss. If you do choose to attend group meetings you’ll still want to sign up for Weight Watchers E-tools online.
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What services does WeightWatchers.com offer?
- Tips and strategies – to lose weight via articles and email
- Trackers – it’s easy to track your food, weight and activity level
- Health Quizzes – help you to build positive eating habits
- Motivational articles – encourages you to continue on your path to weight loss
- Success stories – Become inspired by reading how others achieved their dream
- Restaurant guide – Helps you to make healthy choices while dining out
- Online Community – talk with other men and women facing the same challenges you are
- E-tools – Convenient tools compliments attendees of meetings
- Maintenance program – Once you’ve achieved your goal, Weight Watchers helps you to maintain your loss.
The Good
- Consumer Reports rates it #1
- Receive ongoing support and advice
- Promotes healthy eating habits
- Eat a variety of foods
- Large selection of tools and resources
- WeightWatchers.com is easy to navigate
- Offers prepackaged foods for your convenience. You can buy “Smart Ones” at most grocery stores.
- Meetings are held worldwide
The Bad
- Measuring, weighing foods may become burdensome
- Slow weight loss may be tedious if you have a desire to lose weight fast
- Point system is not an indicator of nutrition
- May get weary of tracking points
- May be hard to determine point value of some foods or recipes
- Meetings seem more focused on women
- You are charged for missed meetings
The History of Weight Watchers
WeightWatchers.com is the official website of Weight Watchers International. Its founder Jean Nidetch was an overweight housewife in Queens New York. She struggled with her weight for years trying every diet she could find. Jean would lose weight just to gain it back again. In 1961 she began a diet by Dr. Norman Jollifee thru an obesity clinic run by New York City’s Dept. of Health. She lost 20 pounds but knew she needed more than the diet to succeed.
Jean phoned her overweight friends and asked them for support. They began meeting weekly in Jean’s home. The women openly and honestly shared their weight loss “demons”. Jean admitted to her friends that she was “obsessed with cookies”. Jean would hide in her bathroom to eat her cookies and then hide the empty box.
The women all lost weight as they inspired, encouraged and taught each other. Their small group of 6 soon grew to over 40 members just by word of mouth. Before long meetings were being held in various homes. In 1963 Weight Watchers became incorporated.
Total Body Makeover Diet Review
October 30, 2007
Bob Greene’s Total Body Makeover is the same diet Oprah followed. You can get fit and healthy with this weight loss plan.
The Total Body Makeover is an excellent program that combines exercise with healthy eating. Learn how to identify your poor habits and discover how to correct them. The focus is on learning how to control emotional eating.You’ll be eating foods that rank low on the glycemic index. Your diet will consist of 50 – 60% carbs, 25 – 30% fats and 15 – 20% protein.
You’ll have a healthy breakfast, moderate lunch, small dinner and two snacks. You’ll be eating fruits, vegetables and high fiber whole grains. You should not eat 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
While on the Total Body Makeover you will eat only when you are hungry. And the plan helps you to identify your individual emotional eating patterns and behaviors. You will be taught to make healthy food choices.
Alcohol is limited. You’ll be drinking lots of water. There is a strong focus on exercise.
The Good
- Substantial Savings over gym memberships
- Shape up in the privacy of your home
- Learn to gradually increase exercise
- Learn to eat healthy
- No noticeable food restrictions
- It’s simple to follow
- Based on common sense
- Identifies emotional eating
- Family friendly
- Allows for dining out
The Bad
- None
Who is Bob Greene?
Bob Greene is most known for being Oprah’s personal trainer. He is the best selling author of Total Body Makeover which was released in 2005.
Bob Greene states it’s his goal to help people commit to a healthier lifestyle. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise.
Bob has specialized in fitness, metabolism and weight loss for over twenty years. He holds a masters degree in exercise physiology and is a certified personal trainer.
Bob Greene is a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He co-authored Make the Connection: Ten Steps to a Better Body – And a Better Life and A Journal of Daily Renewal: The Companion to Make the Connection with Oprah. He is also the author of several other best-selling books.
You can lose weight just like Oprah by following the Total Body Makeover with her personal trainer Bob Greene. So if you’re ready to delve into the emotional issues that cause you to over-eat and begin an exercise program …
The Total Body Makeover has been replaced by The Best Life Diet
The South Beach Diet Review
October 30, 2007
The SouthBeach Diet is a Low carb/Low fat plan. It’s based on the glycemic index and reduces cravings.
While on the diet you’ll be eating lean meats and proteins in normal size helplings. You eat 3 meals daily plus snacks. You’re encouraged to enjoy good carbs and to avoid bad carbs.
This is a A 3 phase program:
- Banishing your cravings – First 2 weeks, restricts fruit, bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, alcohol and sugar
- Reintroducing carbs – Until your at your desired weight, restricted food is added in limited quantities
- Maintenance – Keep the weight off and remain healthy by living by the diets basic rules
Is South Beach Diet Safe and Effective?
You wil lose weight by following this plan. Experts agree that phase one is too restrictive. There is no clinical data on the effectiveness of this diet. However – this low carb diet is widely accepted as being healhier than Atkins.
Is there a Maintenance Plan?
Yes. Phase 3 of the program is a maintenance plan. You can eat normal helpings. Add additional carbs into your diet. You will maintain your weight by following the basic principles of the plan.
The Good
- A sensible low carb diet
- One of the top 5 diets in the US
- Registered Dietitians are online
- Phone registered dietitians regarding your personal needs
- No portion size limits
- Healthy approach to eating protein and fat
- No calorie counting
- Can lose up to 13 pounds in first two weeks
- Limited Sweets allowed in phase 2
- Can dine out
- Kraft has a line of foods based on this diet
The Bad
- First 2 weeks requires serious willpower
- List of foods to enjoy and to avoid
- Does not have a lot of clinical data to back up its claims
History of the South Beach Diet
Dr. Arthur Agatson created the South Beach Diet in the mid 1990s. He is a cardiologist and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Miami Medical School. His initial goal was to prevent or reverse the numerous heart and vascular problems in his morbidly obese patients. He began researching the origins of insulin resistance diets.
Dr. Agatson offered his diet to numerous heart patients with impressive results. This diet not only focuses on a low carb/low fat diet but also serves as a method to teach us to eat the correct carbs and the correct fats.
Sonoma Diet Review
October 30, 2007
The Sonoma Diet
designed to be a way to eat for life – not just a diet for weight loss.
You’ll be eating low fat protein and dairy products along with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Process foods are not allowed.
You are encouraged to Fill up on the Ten power foods …
Almonds, Bell Peppers, Blueberries, broccoli, Grapes, Olive Oil, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Whole Grains
It’s family friendly …. Your entire family can benefit bey eating the Sonoma way.
You are taught to properly apportion your food on your plate. Use a 7″ plate for breakfast and a 9″ plate for lunch and dinner.
When eating out just remember to eat 25% protein, 25% whole grain and 50% fruits and vegetables.
You are allowed one glass of wine per day
The Sonoma diet is divided into three Waves …
- Wave One lasts 10 days and is the most restrictive
- Wave Two is the weight loss phase – expect to lose one to two pounds a week
- Wave Three is the maintenance plan
What is the history of the Sonoma Diet?
The author of the Sonoma Diet is a registered dietician, Connie Cutterson. She designed this healthy diet because of her memories of her father. He would often drink shakes and forgo normal eating to lose weight.
It was inspired by the Mediterranean diet and named for the Sonoma Valley region in California. Sonoma is well known for its wine industry. The diet is designed to help you learn to enjoy and appreciate food.
Is the Sonoma Diet Safe and Effective?
YES. it is a very balanced and moderate approach to weight loss. It’s Heart Healthy and improves your overall health. Claims to lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers
Is there a Maintenance Plan?
YES. Wave Three is the maintenance phase of the plan. You eat more fruits and vegetables. And are allowed an occasional treat. You still need to follow the basics of the meal plan.
The Good
- No weighing or measuring of foods
- No specialty foods to buy
- Focuses on balance of healthy foods
- Recipes state estimate preparation time as well as number of servings
- Designed by a registered dietician
- Nutritional Advice from a registered dietician
- A large community of online support
The Bad
- If you don’t like to cook, this diet is not for you
- Preparation of meals can be time consuming
- Will need to go grocery shopping two or more times a week
- Some people may find it too rigid
- You are never allowed white potatoes
- Difficult to find foods to substitute with
- Adapting your favorite recipes to this plan may be difficult
Sonoma Diet Summary
The Sonoma Diet is brand new and flavorful weight loss plan that brings together the art and science of flavor and nutrition. It is modeled after the Mediterranean diet. It’s separated into three Waves. With the exception of phase one it is very nutritionally sound. You are encouraged to fill up on Ten power foods. You will need time to shop, prepare and cook fresh foods.
Personality Diet Review
October 30, 2007
Discover your own unique Diet Personality at Diet.com.
The Personality Diet was designed by Dr. Kushner. He’s developed a quiz that helps you to determine your eating, exercise and coping styles.
After taking the quiz you receive a customized report that focuses on your personal eating behavior patterns.
When you join Diet.com you get a customized weight loss program that has been reviewed by a registered dietician.
You’ll also get personalized meal plans, coping strategies and a fitness plan. You’ll have access to tracking tools and can have online consultations with Dr. Kushner and registered dieticians at no extra charge.
You’ll be eating regular food that you purchase from your local grocery store. Your overall diet will provide the vitamins and nutrients your body needs.
The personality diet focuses on changing your lifestyle naturally and gradually which enables you to maintain your weight loss.
The Personality Diet is Safe and Effective. The diet utilizes the AMA’s Heart healthy guidelines. They partner with physicians and registered dieticians to give you the safest advice possible.
Take Dr. Kushner’s Free Diet Personality Test Today!
The Good
- Identifies your personal eating pattern
- Specific advice on changing your habits that caused your weight gain
- Learn coping strategies
- Focused on nutrition
- No special foods
- No restricted foods
- Practical and easy to follow
- No costly supplements
- Boosts your motivation
- Increases your metabolism
The Bad
- Promotes several weight loss products
- Hard to believe there’s only 4 diet types
Who is Diet.Com?
Diet.com is the official website for the Personality Diet authored by Dr. Robert Kushner.
He believes that a successful diet needs to match the dieters personality. It’s a unique and practical approach to weight loss. The Personality Diet test determines your unique challenges in eating and coping.
Dr. Kushner is a well-regarded expert in weight loss. He is the President of the American Board of Nutrition Specialists. He has successfully treated thousands of overweight patients. Dr. Kushner is a noted speaker and has appeared on CNN and Good Morning America.
Mediterranean Diet Review
October 30, 2007
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
Eat, drink & be thin on the Mediterranean Diet!
Your meal plan will consist of fruits, vegetables, fruits, fish, bread, pasta, potatoes, grains and some eggs. You will be using a lot of olive oil as it is the predominant oil of the Southern Mediterranean.
The diet is a rich source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
Drinking a glass of wine a day is the norm.
As the fat content of the Mediterranean can be as much as 40% of your diet, it’s best to utilize eDiets if following this plan for weight loss. Get Your FREE Profile now!
Is it Safe and Effective?
YES. Most dieters lose 1 to 2 pounds per week.
Is there a Maintenance Plan?
YES. As with all the best plans, you are learning a new way to eat for life.
The Good
- Variety of healthy foods
- Helps prevent heart and circulatory diseases
- No special diet foods or supplements
- Physical activity encouraged
- Moderate consumption of wine
- Refines USDAs food pyramid
The Bad
- Red meat is rarely eaten
- Must enjoy cooking
What is the History of Mediterranean Diet?
It is modeled after the diets healthy eating habits found in Mediterranean countries – Spain, Greece and Italy. People of these countries have a lower incidence of heart disease. It could be because of the lower levels of saturated fat in their diet.
You may also be interested in the Sonoma Diet as It’s similar in nature.
Jillian Michaels Diet Review
October 30, 2007
According to Jillian Michaels -TV’s toughest fitness guru, losing weight is 33% exercise, 33% diet and 33% behavior.
You’re not offered any gimmicks or tricks. Her approach is by teaching people how to make lifestyle changes to achieve their ideal weight and fitness level.
By answering a few questions Jillian customizes a weight loss and exercise plan based on your body type and eating behaviors. Your plan could be high or low carb depending on your answers. The plan focuses on burning more calories than you take in.
Exercise and Dieting: Get a customized work out based on your body, metabolism and goals!
Is Jillian Michaels Diet Safe and Effective?
YES. You’ll be eating a healthy diet as you shed those unwanted pounds.
Is there a Maintenance Plan?
YES. Jillians approach is a lifestyle change – not a temporary diet. You are taught behavior modification skills that will help you achieve lasting results.
The Good
- 7 day FREE trial
- Focus is on ALL aspects weight management – not just your “diet”
- Customized program based on your unique body and metabolism
- Personalized exercise routine
- Teaches you to identify emotional triggers
- Behavior modification skills
- Inspiration and advice from Jillian
- Weight loss buddies
- 7 Steps to behavior modification
- No restricted foods
The Bad
- None
Who is Jillian Michaels?
Jillian is best known as the strength trainer and life coach on NBCs hit show The Biggest Loser.
Jillian has been recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine. She also holds personal training certificates from two of the leading certification programs (NESTA and AFAA). She has over 17 years of martial arts experience.
Jillian has been helping people successfully lose weight for over 15 years with her tough-love approach. She struggled with her own weight for many years and knows how difficult it can be. She is the author of “Winning by Losing: Drop the Weight, Change Your Life
Visit Jillian Michaels Online Now!
Jenny Craig Diet Review
October 30, 2007
What is the Jenny Cuisine Program?
The meal plan consists of prepackaged meals you can purchase from Jenny Craig centers. You will also be required to purchase fruits, vegetables and dairy products from your local grocery store.
You receive shelf-stable prepackaged meals. Your diet consists of 50 – 60% carbs, 20 – 30% protein and 20% fat.
Before You Spend a Dime … Compare Jenny Craig to other prepackaged plans
Save Money and eat FRESH FOOD on eDiets’ Deliciously Yours
Jenny Craig claims it’s focus is on a healthy body and mind. While on the plan it is reccomended that you visit your local center once a week for a weigh in and a consultation – which is also available per telephone.
You are taught healthy eating behaviors and dining out strategies.
Is Jenny Craig diet Safe and Effective?
YES. The plan was designed by a panel of registered dieticians and medical experts and follows the USDA guidelines.
Is there a Maintenance Plan?
YES. When you are half way to your goal weight you begin incorporating more store bought food into your plan. You are taught long term weight management lifestyle changes.
The Good
- Plan your meals to match your personal taste
- Meals are easy to prepare – no cooking
- Newsletter and tips
- 6 plans to choose from
- One on one consultations
- Fits into the busiest lifestyles
- Teaches behavior skills
- Weekly one on one consultations
- No counting calories
The Bad
- Membership fee based on your choice of plans
- Expensive! – some members have racked up thousands of dollars in expense
- Prepackaged foods may become boring
- Must purchase their food
- Still need to purchase fresh vegetables, fruits and dairy at your local grocery store
- Consultants are sales people – not trained medical professionals
- Consultants are not required to be nutritionists or dieticians
- Eating differently than other household members
The History of Jenny Craig
Jenny and her husband Sid founded the Jenny Craig Weight Loss centers in 1983. The first center was in Australia. Jenny was inspired by her own successful weight loss. Her company offers a prepackaged meal plan with one on one counseling to help people achieve their weight loss goals.
It is one of the largest weight loss companies in the world. It offers a proved program for weight loss and personal well-being. The home office is located in Carlsbad, California. The franchise has outlets in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Compare Jenny Craig to other prepackaged plans
Glycemic Index GI Diet Review
October 30, 2007
The Glycemic Impact Diet is a healthy nutritionally balanced meal plan that you can follow for life. It’s based on the glycemic index.
The plan balances complex carbs with lean proteins and healthy fats.
Your daily caloric intake will be 40% from complex carbohydrates, 30% from lean protein and 30% from healthy fats.
Foods are categorized as red light, green light and yellow light depending on the glycemic index of the foods.
Red Light Foods have a high glycemic index of 70 or higher.
Yellow Light Foods have a moderate glycemic index of 56-69
Green Light foods have a low glycemic index of 0-55
Glycemic Index is not an indicator of healthy foods
Visually divide your plate into three sections
- 1/2 of it should contain fruits and vegetables
- 1/4 contains lean meat or fish
- 1/4 contains whole grains
Low Glycemic foods are naturally high in fiber, low in calories and filling. Included are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
Stop cravings with GI Diet at eDiets.com
Is the GI Diet Safe & Effective?
YES. The GI diet is very safe, as you will be focusing on eating a variety of fruits vegetables and while grains. It is effective for weight loss. As the diet is self directed we suggest you team up with eDiets where you will receive additional advice, support and motivation.
Is there a maintenance plan
YES. When you have achieved your goal, you can begin to incorporate more yellow and red light foods to your diet. As with any long-term success, you will need to eat this way for the rest of your life.
The Good
- Reduces cravings
- Reduces sugar “highs” and “lows”
- Controls hunger
- Boosts Energy
- No measuring portions
- No counting calories
- Family Friendly
The Bad
- Important to keep a food diary
- Lists of good / bad foods
- GI can be confusing
- Meal planning can be challenging
- Candy is a red light food even if it has a low GI.
- Glycemic Index is not an indicator of healthy foods
History of the Glycemic Index
There have numerous books relating to the GI Diet. It all started when David Jenkins and colleagues at the University of Toronto developed the Glycemic Index in 1981. It has been the subject of scientific research since then. It was originally created to help diabetics gain better control over their blood sugar levels.
The Glycemic Index is a method that determines how carbohydrates impact blood sugar level. Carbohydrates are rated on a scale based on how quickly they break down during digestion. The lower the rating – the lower the glycemic index.
A low GI Diet promotes weight loss and good health.
The glycemic index remains a work in progress. Evidence suggests eating a consistent diet of foods that have a low glycemic index treats obesity, cardiovascular disease and prevents other diseases. More research is needed as scientists debate the effectiveness and benefits the glycemic index.
Stop cravings with GI Diet at eDiets.com Get Your FREE Profile Now!
French Women Dont Get Fat Diet Review
October 30, 2007
French Women Dont Get Fat is a sensible approach to weight loss and maintenance. It embraces the non-diet mindset.
There are no restrictions on this diet.
You are taught to eat quality foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, proteins, breads, and low fat dairy.
You are allowed to drink wine and have treats such as chocolate.
The key is “everything is allowed in moderation”. It’s about eating the correct portion sizes. Not eating until you’re stuffed. Eat slowly. The first and second bites of food taste the best. Enjoy your food one bite at a time.
The plan encourages you to eat three meals a day, drink water and increase your activity level.
Why does this French Women Don’t Get Fat work?
Because there’s no deprivation involved. You never have to feel guilty about eating. It’s a gradual lifestyle change that teaches you to enjoy food – not obsess over it.
Once you learn to slow down and enjoy great food, you will give your stomach the twenty or so minutes it needs to signal the brain “That was delicious, but now I’m full”.
Is it Safe and Effective?
YES. You’re eating real whole foods.
Is there a Maintenance Plan?
YES. French Women Dont Get Fat teaches you LIFESTYLE changes that you can easily stick to in the long run.
The Good
- Teaches gradual lifestyle changes
- Customized to your individual tasts
- You’re never hungry
- Enjoy Bread, Cheese and Wine without guilt
- Food is purchased as at your local grocery store
- Eat real fresh fruit, meats and vegetables
- No restrictions
- No forbidden foods
- No counting carbs, calories etc
- Enjoy every meal and lose weight
The Bad
- Cooking is required (Home cooked is always the best)
- For women only
History of French Women Dont Get Fat
French Women Dont Get Fat is a best-selling book written by Mureille Guilano. Mureille is CEO and president of Veuve Clicquot Champagne Company until she retired on January 1, 2007.
As a teenager Mureille came to America as an exchange student. Due to eating cookies, brownies and large portions of food, she returned to France a year later 20 pounds heavier. She was depressed about her weight and continued to gain for about another year.
Her family physician whom she calls “Dr. Miracle” reintroduced her to the time honored secrets of the French women diet. His advice led her to lose the weight and keep it off for 30 years. It’s interesting to note that Mureille eats out about 300 times a year and drinks champagne and wine daily – as part of her job.
French women have less than 11% obesity rate compared to America’s 30% and growing – which says something about the French Women diet. Mureille states this is because “”French women think about good things to eat; American women typically worry about bad things to eat”
Enjoy every meal and lose weight. Join French Women Don’t Get Fat for a free apron!
