Great Diet Plans That Work

There are hundreds of diet plans out there that claim to perform miracles, helping you lose pounds in no time at all or with little effort. However, few of these plans help you keep your new shape once you stop following them, and many are actually bad for your general health. There are great diet plans that actually work, although they take a little longer to be effective and require some discipline.

Medifast

• The Medifast diet has been around for over 27 years and takes a sensible approach to losing weight. The plan involves eating very specific low-calorie foods six times a day rather than counting calories or giving up carbohydrates. The diet uses a highly structured eating plan that consists of Medifast meals, designed with a clinically proven mix of protein and carbohydrates that help you lose weight without losing muscle. If you follow the plan correctly you should end up with a calorie deficit that will burn fat and build muscle. It's a long-term lifestyle change rather than a diet, and has been proven to create an average weight loss of 2 to 5 lbs per week. Medifast also has special programs for nursing mothers, teenagers, seniors and people who suffer from gout or diabetes. There's also an excellent choice of online and phone support services to help participants reach goals.

South Beach Diet

• Designed by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet is suitable for those who love food but still want to lose weight. It emphasizes eating tasty food with a variety of recipes, and also allows snacks and desserts, as long as they're the right kind. It's divided into three phases engineered to help you maintain your new body shape. Phase 1 lasts just two weeks and is designed to get rid of cravings by stabilizing blood sugar and kick starting weight loss. This phase focuses on nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods that satisfy the appetite without sugar and refined starches. Phase 2 is a long-term phase and a good starting point for those who have less to lose or just want to tone up. Here you'll eat the same as you did in the first phase, with good carbs like brown rice and wholegrain bread added in. Phase 3 begins at the goal weight and is designed to maintain weight for life. Participants carry on making healthy food choices but with the occasional indulgence thrown in.

Nutrisystem

• The Nutrisystem plan has been around since 1972 and is useful for those who are too busy to count calories or cook special diet meals. It involves a pre-selected menu of appropriate foods delivered direct to your door. First you select the specific meal that's right for you and create a 28-day menu featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert each day, or choose a pre-selected "Favorite Foods" package. The plan includes a 28-day program or recurring monthly deliveries at a 10 percent discount and free shipping. Automatic meal delivery means no guesswork with counting calories or struggling with recipes. The system can cost as little as $11 per day. Participants are encouraged to track weight loss and learn good eating habits by following the meal planner provided. Users can combine Nutrisystem meals with normal grocery items for a healthy and balanced intake. Nutrisystem also provides an extensive and free online support and information service where members can find answers to questions and discuss their progress with other dieters.