The Best Diet Program For You
There are so many diet programs out there. It can lead to a point wherein you get lost in all the fitness phrase mumbo jumbo – BMIs, simple carbs, lean protein, Atkins, South Beach, Mediterranean – what the…! Are you actually eating or planning a vacation? Exactly which diet is best for you?
The Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet is probably the most popular of the lot. Many Hollywood celebrities do it and they look great! Atkins maintains that simple carbohydrates are the culprits in unsuccessful weight loss. When your body absorbs simple carbs, these carbs are quickly converted into fat. The Atkins diet encourages you to get rid of, or at least minimize, your carbs intake. Instead, the diet lets you eat as much protein and fat as you want. Supposedly, eating these will make you feel fuller faster and keeps you satisfied for a longer time. Likewise, protein is used up by the body at a slower pace so we have an energy source even several hours after we have eaten. The downside of the diet, and often the most criticized aspect of it, is the indiscriminate consumption of protein and fat. Critics say that not all protein sources are made equal. Steaks and those fatty meats can clog up arteries big time!
The Zone Diet
Another celebrity endorsed diet is the Zone diet. The Zone claims that the body can handle meat-based diets as your ancestors did 100,000 years ago. The introduction of more and more carbohydrates in your diet is the cause of metabolic imbalance and, eventually, weight gain. The Zone diet promotes the 40-30-30 plan. According to the plan, your meals should always consist of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat. Like Atkins, the Zone diet is criticized for having a protein ratio that’s too high; and for supposedly restricting some essential vitamins and minerals that are in some forbidden foods.
The South Beach Diet
The South Beach diet is another popular diet plan. In contrast to the Atkins and the Zone, the South Beach diet does not shun carbohydrates all together. In fact, the diet teaches you to rely on good carbohydrates and fats, while turning to lean meats as your protein source. The general rule in the South Beach diet is to always check the Glycemic Index (GI) of your carb sources. Always choose food with low a GI ranking. This way, you can control your blood sugar level, control your appetite, reduce insulin resistance, and prevent heart disease.
Which Is Best?
Overall, the striking similarity amongst the three diets is the inclusion of proportionate amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. You cannot totally rid of one energy source. The best diet is to be conscious of what you eat. You need to choose the best and safest source of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Choose good fat sources, instead of those filled with bad cholesterol. For carbohydrates, choose complex carbs with low GI ranking. And for protein, choose lean meats.
Sources:
South Beach Diet
Atkins Diet
Zone Diet