Written by Craig Rowe

With all the low carb diets out there it can be difficult to ascertain which one is right for you, and even what the differences between all of them are! Low carb diets are all the rage, and they have proven to be very effective. But, which one do you choose? Which one is right for you? Are they all the same? These are all fair questions, and we’ll attempt to clarify the differences in all three of these popular diets so that you can choose the one that is right for you! The Atkins Diet The book is an affordable $14.95 for the paperback version, making this program affordable, for starters. The Atkins diet was also the first and the most successful low carb diet, which is attractive for those that want a diet with a history. Basically, the Atkins diet is all about high protein, high fat, low carb, and low sugar. If you are worried about being able to prepare the foods and snacks, Atkins offers a whole line of controlled carb snacks and has Atkins brand foods like Endulge, as well as shakes and pasta side dishes. Atkins is so popular that it has major national restaurants such as Subway and even TGI Friday’s offering Atkins approved items on their menus. The high fat content of the diet has earned the Atkins diet a lot of criticism because the large amount of red meat, dairy products, and butter leaves many with higher LDL cholesterol rates, leading to clogged arteries. This may or may not be true for you, but what is true is the first phase of the diet allows no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day! No fruit, bread, grains, starchy veggies, or caffeine! Eventually you’ll be able to eat some of these things again, but giving it all up can be rough! This is definitely not a good diet pick for vegetarians but is great for those that love red meat, fish, eggs, and salad. South Beach The South Beach Diet book will run about $25 and is considered to be much like the Atkins diet, but has been successful because it is easier to understand, better organized and simply a better read. The South Beach Diet is also more flexible than the Atkins diet, which many find appealing. It’s true that The South Beach Diet also has a two week induction period where you will eliminate most carbs, but it is low in saturated fats and high in fiber. The problem with South Beach is that it isn’t really the healthiest program, though you will lose weight. The problem is that it encourages the consumption of processed foods, which isn’t good for long term health. While the induction period doesn’t allow alcohol, fatty meats, pasta, sugar, sugary vegetables, fruits and fruit juices, cookies, potatoes, milk and ice cream, healthy carbs will be allowed back into the diet in subsequent phases. South Beach is very specific about what should and should not be eaten, which is different than the Atkins Diet. If you love pasta, this isn’t the diet for you, but if you are a lover of eggs, lean meats, fish, nuts, and ricotta cheese you’ll love this diet! The Zone The Zone has been around since 1995, and is a diet that is composed of 40%25 carbs, 30%25 fat, and 30%25 protein. The diet was originally created to increase the performance of athletes and will require a lot of math to figure how much of each thing you will need to eat! The Zone doesn’t allow high glycemic index carbs such as white bread and sugary goods as well as egg yolks, deli meats, and fatty red meats. It’s been said that Jennifer Aniston and Renee Zellweger are firm believers of the Zone. This simply is not a good diet for you if you want a simple diet with simple instructions, but works for those that want a very obsessive compulsive diet that will allow you to control every portion exactly as prescribed. Simply put, the Zone Diet is very complicated!

For more articles and information on Atkins, South Beach and the Zone diets visit http://www.newdiets.net.

For a person who has weight issues there is no escape from diets. If you watch television, listen to the radio go in the internet, go to the supermarket, there is no way to avoid this national obsession. This obsession has always had fad diets that claim to be the only diet youll ever need!

Over the past few decades a number of diets came and went. Some were dangerous enough to make the FDA issue warnings others caused weight loss and then weight gain. There were diets … more…

A Better Health Plan

What Are Gums?

Gums that are common food additives are also water-soluble, found in stems and seeds of some tropical plants. In general, fruits are higher in pectin and vegetables are higher in cellulose. Although cellulose and hemicellulose are not hydrolyzed, intestinal bacterial can digest some fiber to produce lipid fragments known as short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are absorbed in the colon and yield energy when metabolized.

Eating Yellow Fruits

Yello… more…

A Better Health Plan

Written by Helen Laxton

Developed by Barry Sears PhD, the Zone Diet is the latest in a long line of attempts to get a fresh angle on weightloss, and is currently among the 5 most popular diets in the States, partly because dieters report losing up to 5 pounds in the first week, and up to 1.5 pounds each week thereafter. Dr Sears main thrust is that food is medecine for the body, and not just the fuel. He proposes an “ideal” ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats - namely 40% carbs to 30% protein and 30% fat, which is supposed to keep the body within a healthy zone determined by hormones. Slightly complicating matters is the concept that some carbs are good, and some are bad. Refined Carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes and bread are bad, and need to be strictly controlled.

Dr Sears believes the human bodys digestive system works best by eating only 2 main food groups, namely Lean protein and natural carbohydrates (from fruits and fiberous vegetables). The good Doctor also advises disciples to eat small but regular meals, at least times 5 per day. Added to this are the other key parts of the diet (there are 4 components in all) - the diet itself, the use of monounsaturated fats, Omega-3 fish oil dietary supplements and of course exercise. This combination is said to burn excess body fat while increasing energy. Adherents report increased vitality not to mention improved mental abilities and fewer health problems.

To follow the Zone Diet, you create zone meals or snacks based on the 40% 30% 30% ratio of carbs, proteins, and fats. In terms of portion size, use your own hand as a guideline (for example, a protein portion will be approximately the size and thickness of your palm). As for carbs, it depends on whether they are good or bad carbs. You can have 2 “big, loose fists” of good carbs, but only 1 “tight fist” if you prefer a bad carbohydrate like pasta, potatoes or bread.

Fats are also essential, and if your protein component is light on fat, you can add some olive oil, or a couple of olives. If you prefer, a small pile of nuts can be used instead. Unlike some diets, the Zone Diet doesnt ban any foods as such, but you are strongly advised to keep bad carbohydrates down to a quarter or less of your total carbohydrate intake. And stay off the caffeine - no coffee, tea, or fizzy colas even the diet variety. There are pre-prepared Zone Diet snacks and ready meals available, although Dr Sears insists these are not necessary as long as you follow the guidelines. You should also exercise, both aerobically and anaerobically, 3 times a week minimum for at least 20 mins with an additional warm up time and stretching.

Once you reach your ideal weight, you can add more fat to your diet in order to provide your body with energy without using your stored fat reserves. Typically you would double your fat allowance to start, then see if your weight holds. Make sure they are monounsaturated fats though! For sample meal menus on the Zone Diet, consult www.supaDiet.com now.

Helen Laxton writes diet articles for www.supadiet.com a free site providing you with tips and advice on losing weight fast.