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Compare Different Types of Diets

Selecting the proper diet for your needs can be challenging. Figure out if you need to lose weight or simply maintain your current body weight so you can filter through the sea of diet options available. To pick a safe and helpful weight loss program, determine your health needs and goals. Be sure to consult your physician before starting a diet or exercise program.

  1. Diet Objectives

    • Effective and safe diet programs should include instructions on how to achieve slow and steady weight loss. The Mayo Clinic notes that losing weight at a rate of one to two pounds per week is realistic and supports proper health. The diet should include healthy eating plans which restrict calories but don't cut out specific food groups, as well as advice on how to maintain your ideal body weight.

    Foods

    • When comparing different types of diets, list what foods are allowed or disallowed with each meal plan. You could be allergic to certain foods or perhaps healthy foods you prefer to eat aren't included on specific diets. Determine if you can substitute alternatives for these foods. Figure out the nutritional ratio of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the plan to ensure your caloric and nutritional needs are met. For example, athletes might experience difficulty following a low carbohydrate diet that doesn't meet their high energy requirements.

    Cost

    • Find out the cost of the diet programs being compared. Some programs require you to purchase special foods and supplements or pay weekly attendance fees for meet-up sessions. You may have to also pay a fee for a follow-up weight maintenance program. Diets concentrating on a particular food group may cost more than others. A high protein diet would tend to be more expensive than a moderate to high carbohydrate diet since carbs are more plentiful and cost less than protein food sources.

    Exercise

    • Some diets may include an exercise component. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests weight loss programs provide you with information on how to "increase moderate-intensity physical activity." The combination of exercise and sticking to a balanced, nutritious diet can help you more effectively lose weight.

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