After over-indulging throughout Christmas and New Year, many of us designate January as the month to kick-start a healthier lifestyle. While willpower plays an important role in helping us stick to our latest weight loss plans, recent research accredited by Oxford and Cambridge Universities shows that a person’s unique make-up—including genes, hormones and psychology—also play a part in whether or not a diet is successful. To help choose which diet suits you, take a look at our rundown of weight loss plans.
The 5:2 diet is based on intermittent fasting, where you eat normally for five days a week and fast on the other two. Sticking to an eating regimen for two days per week rather than seven is easier, so you are more likely to adhere to the plan for a longer time and persevere with losing weight. However, the non-restricted days do not mean you can feast on whatever you like! Healthy food choices and physical activity are still necessary.
The Dukan Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet based on four phases. The first phase focuses on protein-rich foods like chicken, turkey, eggs and fish, with some vegetables and carbohydrates gradually introduced over the following phases. The diet is easy to follow and you can lose weight quickly. However, side effects including tiredness, nausea and constipation are common at the start of the diet.
The Atkins Diet is another low-carb, high-protein weight loss plan with plenty of meat, seafood, eggs and some vegetables on the menu. Positively, the Atkins diet encourages people to cut out most processed carbohydrates and alcohol, however, initial side effects include tiredness, nausea and constipation.
The Slimming World Plan encourages you to switch high-fat foods for low-fat foods that are naturally more filling. The plan is designed to help you lose 1-2lb per week. There is no calorie counting and you can still indulge in the occasional treat, and enjoy support from fellow slimmers at weekly meetings. However, participants often struggle to keep the weight off in the long term once they leave the programme, as there is no education provided on calories and portion sizes.
The Alkaline Diet is reportedly followed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, and is based on the principle that diets high in acid producing foods lead to weight gain. The plan recommends minimising meat and wheat-based products to load up on fruits, vegetables and legumes. This diet is based on healthy choices that reduce calorie intake, however, you are required to find calcium substitutes as you will be cutting down on dairy products.
The Weight Watchers Diet is based on a calorie-controlled points system that allocates value to foods based on their protein, carbohydrate, fat and fibre content. Each participant in the diet is allocated a weekly points allowance and their own personal exercise plan, which is designed to help them lose 2lb per week. One advantage is that no foods are banned, so you can eat what you want providing you stick to your allowance. Fruits and vegetables are also unlimited. However, working out the points system can be time-consuming when you first begin.
SEE ALSO:
