Free Weight Loss Programs

by Owen Jones

The race to fitness is on and a lot of people are getting in on the act. Some people do it in order to achieve a sexy body, some people just do it because they are ashamed of their body, while others do it just to stay fit and healthy. As such, there are many free weight loss programs available on the Internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centres all over the world. However, some of these free weight loss programs work out so expensive that you will lose weight just by trying to earn the money needed to pursue these fitness programs.

One may not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend a lot of money just to slim down and obtain that longed for beautiful body. There are many books on free weight loss programs available in the bookshops offering weight loss programs that seem convenient and free. However, the books are not cheap though.

These weight loss programs or diet plans are gaining immense popularity because of their publicity, the testimonials and reviews and you may be confused as to exactly which of the so-called free weight loss programs to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading the following summaries of the most popular free weight loss programs around today.

Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins: This free weight loss program encourages a high protein diet with a restricted carbohydrate consumption. You can dine heartily on vegetables and meat, but must not eat bread, rice or pasta. You are not restricted on your fat consumption so it is OK to pour on the (right) salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, during the diet, some people may find themselves lacking fibre and high on fat and cholesterol. Grains and fruits are also strictly restricted.

The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This free weight loss program also recommends following a low carbohydrate diet. It recommends eating mostly meats, vegetables and fruit, dairy and grain products. however, warns against consuming too many carbohydrates. So-called "Reward Meals" can be quite high in fats and saturated fats.

Choose to Lose: by Dr. Goor. These free weight loss programs restricts fat intake. You are given a "fat" budget and you are given free reign on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to regulate his carbohydrate consumption. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafood is OK. You may also consume vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan is quite healthy, because it recommends correct amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch your triglyceride levels though. If they are high, trim down on the carbohydrates and eat more unsaturated fats.

The DASH Diet. These free weight loss programs recommends eating a moderate amount of fat and protein yet lots of carbohydrates. It was primarily designed to lower blood pressure. The diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages a high consumption of whole wheat grains as well as fruit and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Some dieters think it advises too much eating to create significant weight loss.

Eat More, Weigh Less: by Dr. Ornish. Primarily a vegetarian fare and low-fat diet. It advises to watch out for low-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet plan is poor in calcium and restricts the consumption of healthy foods like seafood and lean poultry.

Eat Right for Your Type: This scheme is one of the free weight loss programs that isquite unusual because it centres its advice on your blood group. For instance, it advises lots of meat for people with the blood type O. However, diet programs for some blood types are nutritionally imbalanced and very low in calories. Furthermore, just for the record, there is no proof that blood type can affect dietary needs.

The Pritkin Principle: It focuses on trimming the number of calories by eating watery foods that make you feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is fine, although it limits protein sources to lean meat, seafood and poultry. It is healthy because it provides low amounts of saturated fats and large amounts of vegetables and fruits. However, it is low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.

Volumetrics: It recommends eating fewer calories. It recommends roughly the same foods as Pritkin but limits fatty food and dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This program is fairly healthy given the high volume of fruit and vegetables. It is also low in calories and saturated fats.

The Zone: It is moderately low on carbohydrates yet moderately high on proteins. It encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken and vegetables, fruits and grains. It is also a healthy diet but lacking in grains and calcium.

Weight Watchers: High carbohydrates, yet moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. It permits the dieter to plan his own meals rather than offering recipes, although there are WW TV dinners in the shops.

These free weight loss programs are easy to follow but it is difficult to decide which one to follow. Really you would have to do a great deal of research somewhere or other to find out which of the free weight loss programs is [a] healthy and [b] suitable for your lifestyle. At the end of the day, probably the best of the free weight loss programs is moderation in consumption and moderation in exercise.