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Diets Reviews
#1 : South Beach diet
 The South Beach diet is a diet plan started by Miami, Florida area cardiologist Arthur Agatston which emphasizes the consumption of "good carbs" and "good fats". Dr. Agatston developed this diet for his cardiac patients based upon his study of scientific dieting research. The diet first appeared in a book of the same name published by Rodale Press.
Dr. Agatston believes that excess consumption of so-called "bad carbohydrates", such as the rapidly-absorbed carbohydrates found in foods with a high glycemic index, creates an insulin resistance syndrome-an impairment of the hormone insulin's ability to properly process fat or sugar. In addition, he believes along with many physicians that excess consumption of "bad fats", such as saturated fat and trans fat, contributes to an increase in cardiovascular disease. To prevent these two conditions, Agatston's diet minimizes consumption of bad fats and bad carbs and encourages increased consumption of good fats and good carbs.
The diet has three phases. In all phases of the diet, Dr. Agatston recommends minimizing consumption of bad fats :
Phase I
The diet begins with Phase I, which lasts two weeks. Dieters attempt to eliminate insulin resistance by avoiding high or moderately high-glycemic carbohydrates, such as dairy, sugar, candy, bread, potatoes, fruit, cereals, and grains. During this phase, Dr. Agatston claims the body will lose its insulin resistance, and begin to use excess body fat, causing many dieters to lose between 8 and 13 pounds. For the first two weeks, dieters eat normal-size helpings of meat, fish, vegetables, eggs, cheese, and nuts. This phase includes three meals a day, plus snacks, encouraging the dieter to eat until their hunger is satisfied. No alcohol is allowed (though red wine will be introduced later in small amounts). The dieter loses weight, changes body chemistry, and ends cravings for sugars and starches.
Phase II
After two weeks, Phase II begins. Whole grain foods, fruits and dairy products are gradually returned to the diet, although in smaller amounts than were likely eaten before beginning the diet, and with a continued emphasis on foods with a low glycemic index. Sweet potatoes are also permissible. Red wine is also allowed in the beginning of the diet.
Phase III
After the desired weight is obtained, the diet calls to move into Phase III, a maintenance phase. In Phase III the diet expands to include three servings of whole grains and three servings of fruit a day.
The diet emphasizes (1) a permanent change in one's way of eating, (2) a variety of foods, and (3) ease and flexibility. Eating whole grains and large amounts of vegetables is encouraged, along with adequate amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, such as are contained in fish. It discourages the eating of overly refined processed foods (particularly refined flours and sugars), high-fat meats, and saturated fats in general.
The site offers:
- Meal Planner : daily meal suggestions, customized daily menu, 100s of meal options, including a vegetarian plan
- Shopping List Generator : you can create and print shopping lists so you'll know exactly what to buy at the grocery store
- Recipe Finder : you can search thru a database of 1,000+ healthy recipes and cook what you're in mood for
- Discussion Groups : here you can get support and share your success story with others
- Dining Out and Fast-Food Guides
- Weight Tracker plus more tools that assist you in your weight loss progress
Price:
- $65 billed quarterly (every 13 weeks)
- They also have a FREE 1 Week Trial so you can test and see if you're satisfied with that they offer
Discover How You Can Lose Weight With The South Beach Diet
#2 : Sonoma diet
 The Sonoma Diet was developed by Connie Guttersen and is a derivation of the Mediterranean diet. The diet plan consists managing portion sizes and eating approved foods centered around 10 items known as the "power foods". According to the creator of the diet these foods were chosen for their nutritional value and intense flavors.
Similar to the South Beach Diet, the Sonoma Diet has three distinct stages known as waves. The first phase which lasts 10 days is the most restrictive phase with the smallest number of foods allowed with the smallest portion sizes. During this stage sugar intake is greatly reduced. During the next wave a wider variety of foods are allowed and weight loss slows to a more gradual pace. Wave two continues until the target weight is reached. Wave three is known as the maintenance stage with a wider range of foods being allowed including the occasional dessert.
The power foods are:
- Whole grains
- Almonds
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Grapes
- Spinach
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Olive oil
This diet is not classified as a low-carbohydrate diet or low sugar diet. People following the diet are allowed to eat whole grains, breads and cereals during all three stages of the diet. The plan does recommend avoiding white flour, saturated fats, and recipes with additional sugar. One of the tools used to teach portion management is plate size. For breakfast the diet recommends using an 18 cm (7 inch) plate and for lunch and dinner a 23 cm (9 inch) plate is recommended.
The site offers:
- Daily Meal Planner
- Customized day-by-day plan
- Over 500 recipes
- Registered Dietitians online and on-call
- Online community and support
Price:
- $65 billed quarterly (every 13 weeks)
Discover How You Can Lose Weight With Sonoma Diet
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