Quick Weight Loss Programs

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:05PM

There are thousands of them to choose from…quick weight loss programs that promise rapid and dramatic weight loss with minimal effort on your part. Is it possible that one of them could really work or all they all just too good to be true? Here's an overview of some of the most popular quick weight loss programs. Read on and decide for yourself!

The Atkins Diet (Not Recommended)

Diet is low on carbohydrates and high on protein

The Atkins diet allows you to eat all of the meat and vegetables you want with virtually no restriction on fats such as butter and oils. However, you have to severely limit foods that are high in carbs such as pasta, breads, and fruits.

Pros: The Atkins diet forces you to limit consumption of unhealthy foods such as white breads and pasta. It also helps you see weight loss results quickly as the severe carb restriction causes rapid weight loss.

Cons: This diet is very high in fat (especially saturated fat.) It’s also extremely low in fiber and calcium, allowing for a limited number of fruits and grains. It can be very hard to maintain. Also, such an extreme reduction in carbs could damage the body.

The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet (Not Recommended)

Diet restricts carbohydrates

This diet allows you to eat meats and dairy products as well as some fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products.

Pros: May result in rapid weight loss.

Cons: Like the Atkins diet, this quick weight loss program can be too high in fat and saturated fat.

The DASH Diet (Not Recommended)

Diet contains a moderate amount of fat and protein and is high in carbohydrates.

The DASH diet was originally intended to aid people with hypertension in lowering their blood pressure.

Pros: The DASH diet follows the Food Guide Pyramid set forth by the US Department of Agriculture. However, it encourages more whole grains and fruits and vegetables than recommended by the USDA.

Cons: Some people may not see any weight loss results with this diet as it allows for the consumption of too much food.

Eat More Weigh Less

Diet severely restricts fat and focuses on vegetarian fare.

This quick weight loss program allows for a wide assortment of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes while limiting protein and dairy selections to nonfat varieties of yogurt and cottage cheese, in addition to egg whites.

Pros: This diet includes a variety of healthy foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limits foods that are high in fat and saturated fats such as red meat.

Cons: The Eat More Weigh Less diet is very low in calcium and it can be very difficult to stick to as it limits even healthy protein sources such as seafood, poultry, and low-fat dairy products.

Sugar Busters!

Diet is low in carbs and moderately high in fat and protein.

The Sugar Busters! Diet restricts the consumption of many fruits and grain products; however high fat foods such as meats and dairy products are allowed.

Pros: May result in rapid weight loss if diet is strictly followed.

Cons: This diet restricts some nutritious foods such as carrots and bananas and is very low in calcium.

The Zone

Diet allows for the consumption of a moderate amount of protein and some carbohydrates.

Pros: The Zone diet is reasonable healthy as it limits calories by limiting foods that are high in fat and saturated fat.

Cons: This quick weight loss program is very low in calcium.

The Bottom Line…

The reality is that most quick weight loss programs aren’t all they are cracked up to be. They may be nutritionally unsound, unrealistic, or simply unable to deliver the promised results. Some fad diets may help you lose weight initially, but once you resume your normal routine, the weight may come back as quickly as it came off.

About the Author

Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. The products we promote are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives.

For all of your weight loss and obesity needs, natural remedies, tips, products, support forums and more please visit www.weightlossobesity.com or www.slimirex.com.