There are a plethora of so-called fat burning diets on the market. Sometimes it can be confusing to know which ones are really healthy and which ones are not. The goal of this article is to discuss some of the recent and popular diet trends and help you understand the facts related to these fat burning diets.
Let’s start with the infamous;
The Atkins diet
This diet supposedly works by eliminating carbohydrates, foods like bread, rice, and potatoes. Our bodies use carbohydrates as their main source of energy, when these are eliminated, the body must use fat and protein instead. At first glance this may seem like a good idea, the problem is that the metabolic processes involved in using fats for energy instead of carbohydrates can lead to various health difficulties such as kidney problems, gout and headaches due to increased uric acid and ketones. In this type of diet there may be low amounts of dietary fiber that cause constipation and chronic intestinal disease. There is also a common belief among experts that the high amounts of animal fat ingested on the Atkins diet have a negative effect on cholesterol levels which, over time, can lead to heart disease. Having said all that, this type of low carb diet can be very effective in helping you lose fat quickly, the key is to use it in moderation and not as a lifestyle diet.
The next of our fat burning diets is;
The zone diet
Barry Sear’s ‘Zone Diet’ is a high protein, low carb, semi-starvation diet. This diet focuses on balancing the ratio of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is suggested that consuming the correct amount of these components controls your body’s insulin production. The theory is that when insulin is at the correct level, the body burns fat more effectively. Suggested ideal ratios are 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat with a focus on avoiding “bad” carbohydrates. While following this diet, many people report that their general alertness and energy levels increase. The problem with this diet is the emphasis on calorie restriction, which makes it very difficult to maintain it for an extended period of time.
The South Beach diet
Another such fat-burning diet is the South Beach diet, which includes many celebrity advocates. This diet involves minimizing the consumption of bad fats and bad carbohydrates. It has three phases and begins with a somewhat restricted two-week induction phase. In this phase, most carbohydrates (such as pasta, rice and breads) should be avoided. However, there is plenty of protein on the menu with chicken, turkey, and fish along with nuts, eggs, salads, and vegetables.
The second phase includes specific recipes and meal plans. Reintroduce some of the foods that were avoided in Phase 1, but only in moderation. This phase is used until a specific weight loss goal is reached. The third and final phase is more about leading a healthy dietary lifestyle to maintain weight. The South Beach Diet may seem similar to the other fat burning diets we’ve discussed, but other than the first phase, which definitely emphasizes low carb, it is not a strictly low carb diet. This diet is all about balancing the good and bad carbohydrates.
The Fat Loss Idiots Diet 4
This diet has been gaining popularity. It involves a process known as calorie shifting. Nutritionally it is a low carb diet that cycles the proportions of macronutrients (to try to trick your metabolism). There are no processed foods included in this plan, it is based on whole foods, although after each 11-day cycle on this diet you are allowed 3 cheat days in which, within reason, you can eat whatever you want. There is no calorie or carbohydrate counting and there is no limit on portion sizes, just eat until you feel full. This diet program is online and you create your own personal diet plan after entering the foods you enjoy the most, then create an 11 day plan with 4 meals per day using many of your favorite foods. This is one for the person who has tried the other fat burning diets with no success, the Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet is much easier to follow compared to the other diets mentioned here as it establishes a clear plan that incorporates the foods you he likes them and also allows ‘cheat’ days.
Ultimately, the best way to maintain weight is to change your lifestyle habits. Fat burning diets cost ten cents a dozen, it’s more common sense than anything else. Avoid sugary and processed foods and beverages, have a balanced diet plan, and follow a quality exercise program.