Zone Diet Review
October 30, 2007
Last Reviewed
The Zone diet is unique. The idea behind it is to achieve an ideal metabolic balance at each meal.
It is considered a moderate low carb diet. It consists of 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat.
You’ll be eating 3 to 5 times each day. You need to eat your breakfast within one hour of waking.
While following the Zone you will be eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. A moderate amount of grains and starches. Sugar is to be avoided.
The Diet is broken into blocks:
A block consists of 1:1:1 ratio of protein/carbs/fat
The Number of blocks you eat is determined by your weight, height and waist to hip circumference.
The Zone Diet is in Three Stages:
1. Entering the Zone – lasts 2 weeks while learning the basics and making small changes.
2. Eating in the Zone – lasts 4 weeks where you’ll learn to adjust to the diet.
3. Living in the Zone – lasts a lifetime for optimal health.
The Zone Diet Effective. You’ll be eating a healthy diet consistsing of wholesome foods.
Experts can not agree on the safety of the Zone. Some experts are a little concerned that the 30% protein is higher and the 40% carbs is lower than most health organizations recommend. The protein allotment may overtax kidneys. Most Health professionals recommend a diet consisting of 50% carbs, 15% protein and 35% fat
As with any weight loss plan, in order to be successful at long term weight management … You will need to make the Zone a lifestyle.
The Good
- Eliminates hunger
- Increases your energy
- Improves health
- Encourages snacking
- Variety in food choices
- No special foods needed
- Cures carbohydrate addiction
The Bad
- Must plan meals ahead of time
- Using the block method may be confusing
- Needs to be followed faithfully
- Need to be precise in food portions
- Caffeine not allowed
- Reduced intake of starches – breads and pastas
- Has come under some media scrutiny
You may have heard of Manuel Uribe. He is/was the 1232 pound man in Mexico that lost 407 pounds in one and a half years by following the Zone. He is under the personal care of Dr. Barry Sears.
At FormulaZone Your Zone Diet Experts will help you with the nutritional program that helps you feel great while you lose the weight.
The Easiest way to follow the Zone Diet is by having your meals delivered to your door thru Chefs Diet Delivery - 8 Delicious Programs To Choose From
You can also purchase Zone Diet Products at ZoneLiving
The History of the Zone Diet
Dr. Barry Sears spent years researching heart disease as it runs rampant in his family. His theory on how health and hormones are influenced by dietary fats won a Nobel Prize in 1992.
Decades of research resulted in a simple and delicious way to lose weight, gain energy, and overall health. The key is managing insulin levels through your diet.
Dr. Sears first book “The Zone” was released in 1995 and was on the New York Times bestseller list. To date Dr. Sears has published a total of eleven bestseller books regarding health and diet.
Harvard medical School conducted many studies, which confirmed Dr. Sears research on the impact of your diets impact on your overall health.
The Zone diet is constantly being tested and revised. The current program represents the eighth revision of Dr. Sears original concept.
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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.
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.
Slim Fast Diet Review
October 30, 2007
Millions of people have successfully lost weight and kept it off with the Slim Fast Optima Diet
.
SlimFast provides for 100% of your essential daily nutrients. You eat one healthy sensible meal per day. The other meals are replaced with a delicious Slim-Fast shake or bar. You can snack on vegetables or fresh fruits.
Slim Fast shakes, bars and meals are more palatable than other meal replacement foods. I find some of them to be quite tasty. My favorite is the Peanut Butter Crunch bar. It satisfies my sweet tooth with out all the added calories and fat.
When you sign up with SlimFast at eDiets you’ll have a choice of the following three plans:
- Low Fat Plan - A variety of ready to drink shakes, meal bars, pastas, soups and snack bars
- Low Carb Plan – A variety of ready to drink shakes, meal bars and snack bars that have 2 –3 grams of carbs
- Combination Plan – A variety of all of the Slim-Fast products to control calorie intake
There have been numerous scientific studies proving that the Slim-Fast plan is Safe and Effective for weight loss and maintenance.
eDiets offers a sensible approach to quick weight loss while following the Slimfast plan. You’ll have support from the forums and real nutritionists and dieticians. Be able to track your progress with all the tracking tools.
There’s no thinking and not much preparation involved in following this plan. It works great for those of us with a busy lifestyle. Get Started Now!
The Good
- Widely published clinical trials on its effectiveness
- Rated #2 by Consumer Reports
- No counting calories, carbs, fats etc
- Quick weight loss
- Easy to follow
- Available in your local grocery store
- Over 100 products available in a variety of flavors
- Can take products with you anywhere you go
- No forbidden foods
- Fits into anyone’s lifestyle
- Convenient and affordable
The Bad
- Must purchase shakes and bars
- Only one meal of real food a day
- Can become repetitive
History of Slim Fast
Daniel Abraham introduced the first Slim Fast meal-replacement shake in 1977. The company continued to grow as consumers continued to successfully lose weight with these meal-replacement shakes. Slim Fast has expanded to include ready-to-drink shakes, snack bars and other foods. You can find their products in retail stores throughout U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America and parts of Europe. The company was sold to Unilever in 2003 for about 2.6 billion dollars.
Consumer Reports rates Slim Fast as the second best weight loss program. There have been over 30 published clinical trials proving its effectiveness over the years. A clinical trial byThe North American Association for the Study of Obesity in 2003 found that people whom used Slim Fast on and off for ten years were on an average 33 pounds lighter than a similar group.
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.
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!
Denise Austin Fit Forever Diet Review
October 30, 2007
Denise Austin - Fit Forever is a complete meal and workout plan.
You’ll be eating a low fat diet consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables. Foods with high fat content are discouraged.
Your daily food intake will consists of 50% carbs, 25% fat and 25% protein.
While on the plan you’ll get daily motivational emails.
You’ll receive fast fun workouts, target exercises and a daily 30 minute workout. Denise has a way about her that truly makes exercising fun.
Online Diet Program: Let America’s favorite fitness guru help you with recipes, tips, more.
Is Fit Forever Safe and Effective?
YES. It’s based on a healthy diet and exercise. Continue with this lifestyle to maintain your weight loss and develop a healthy mind-set.
Is there a Maintenance Plan?
YES. In addition to increasing your daily caloric intake you will focus on achieving a healthier state of mind. Your goals will be to conquer cravings and bouts of overeating and to understand the role food plays in your lifestyle.
The Good
- Plan receives a lot of praise
- Exercise is a vital part of the plan
- Realistic goals and advice
- Increases energy
- Promotes a healthy heart
- Promotes strong bones
- Access to a nutritionist
- Inspirational sayings by Denise
- Daily tips
- Real life approach to eating
The Bad
- Lack of variety in meal plans
- Geared towards women
Who is Denise Austin?
Denise Austin has been named America’s favorite fitness expert. Since the early 1980s she has been featured in over 40 exercise videos and DVDs. She currently hosts two fitness shows for Lifetime Television. Denise is a columnist for Prevention magazine and has authored five books. In 2002 President Bush appointed Denise to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Denise Austin believes in a sensible approach to fitness and eating. She eats 3 meals a day and works out for 30 minutes a day. Denise’s Fit Forever program is based on this approach.
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