Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Diet Plans Review

I've followed many diet plans in my time so here's a review of my thoughts:

LA Weight Loss - I liked the exchange type program and being able to talk to a counselor one on one, but I found that most of the time was taken up by the counselor taking phone calls and receiving deliveries. Also, there was a lot of turnover so you didn't get the same counselor each time. They want to push the sale of both supplements and their snack bars which don't seem to have much nutritional value. It was also expensive.

Weight Watchers - I've joined Weight Watchers many times over the years and although I've lost a few pounds I have been frustrated with not getting individual help. I followed the plan faithfully but was not losing any weight. When I asked the leader for help and tried to show her my journal she said I must not be following the program. I don't think this is a one size fits all program and some people can't lose weight with the amount of "free" food and added weekly points. I do know people who have lost a lot of weight on this program so like anything else, it depends on what works for you.

Whole30 - This is advertised as a a healthy lifestyle and not a diet. I did lose weight on it, but found there was too much meat in the recipes and the vegan recipes didn't look appetizing.

Calorie Counting - I've found this plan works best for me and I use the My Fitness Pal app. to keep track of calories. It can also be linked to a Fit Bit to keep track of steps. This doesn't mean that you should make bad food choices. I noticed on one blog that the blogger, although keeping track of calories, ate a brownie at every meal! That's another good thing about My Fitness Pal, you can look at the nutrition value of what you have eaten and make sure you get enough protein, fiber and keep track of sugar etc. You can get plenty of information with the free app and I haven't upgraded. If you don't want to use an app. get a book you can use to journal what you eat and either look calories up online or get a pocket calorie book.

Dr. Oz Rapid Weight Loss Diet - This is a healthy quick start diet and I highly recommend it.

One thing I am trying this year is to add vegetables and/or fruit at every meal. For example if I make scrambled eggs, I add some frozen spinach. I have an apple or orange after lunch and instead of buying fruit yogurt I buy plain, Greek yogurt (Fage is my favorite), eat half with added fruit such as strawberries or bananas otherwise you're paying for sugar-added fruit and not a whole container of yogurt. I'm also incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods.

If you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them.


Disclaimer

Any information in this blog should not take the place of medical advice from a professional. I am simply sharing my journey.