Diet Wars

  For years Americans have been weight-obsessed and health conscious. Today, there are more diets available than ever before. Diet plans and supplements are multi-billion dollar industries each year. The most popular diets will be examined, explored and "put to the test" in order inform you and to help you find the diet that will work best for you.

  Fad diets, unbalanced diets, diet pills, diet supplements, weight loss surgery and other short term weight loss methods are not recommended for permanent weight control. The best way to lose excess fat and maintain a healthy weight in the long term is to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. However, this rarely satisfies the "quick fix" mentality of losing weight. With obesity being a major health concern in the US today, Americans are always looking for a new diet to satisfy their needs.

Each diet varies the standard USDA food chart: Atkins, for example, places an emphasis on restricting carb intake and increasing protein and fats inyour diet. The ZONE diet empasizes a protein-based diet and includes healthy carbohydrates. The Blood type diet changes the percentage of each food group based on your blood type. The South Beach Diet involves eating three normal-sized meals made up of a limited number of foods. The Low Carb diet restricts calories from carbohydrates and increases protein.

   Through my research, the most obvious element determining your success on any diet is your ability to commit to the diet and remain consistent from the beginning through the maintenance stages. Every potential dieter should discuss the risks associated with each diet with their doctors to determine their best option. Individuals with additional health concerns, such as diabetes or a history of heart disease should proceed with caution.

Here is a fun food quiz to test your knowledge!