Balanced Diet Plan Reviews

There are several types of diets to consider. In view of this, a balanced diet plan will have both an upside and a downside. Below is a brief review of some of the more popular balanced diet plan.

The Biggest Loser Club

The Upside: Similar to the popular TV show, the online club of the same name starts with a diet profile: current height and weight, and a few basic goals. Your daily caloric intake is estimated and a series of personalized information is presented: daily meal plans, recipes and grocery lists. Exercise is a key player, too. Members have access to fitness demonstrations and online chats with fitness experts from the TV show.

The downside: Sometimes online communication just isn't the same as looking someone in the eye and talking and interacting on a personal basis.

Protein shake diet

The upside: Dieters often use these shakes as meal replacements because they are high in the proteins we need, but low in fat. They are a relatively easy way to restrict calories without missing out on sweet treats.

The downside: It's not a permanent solution. Troy tells us that our gastro-intestinal tract is designed to have a variety of different foods, textures and fibers, so a lifetime of smooth shakes, even with the healthy amount of protein and vitamins, isn't our body's ideal meal plan.

South Beach Diet

The upside: This plan emphasizes the consumption of "good carbohydrates" and "good fats" versus the bad ones, which impair the body's insulin from processing sugars and fats. Like other low-carb plans, South Beach is geared toward improving cholesterol and insulin levels.

The downside: "Some people want to lose weight as fast as possible and keep themselves in the highly restrictive phase for the entire time and that's not really how the program is designed. It's meant to make people step up to a reasonable calorie control level."

Weight Watchers

The upside: It's an oldie but goodie that emphases good eating choices, healthy habits, a supportive environment and exercise, not just a focus on food.

The downside: Since each food or beverage you consume has a point allocated to it, it can be rather tedious to do the math every time you open your mouth to eat. But, usually the results prove to be worth it.

Best Life Diet

The upside: This was one that Oprah helped make famous. Dr. Bob Greene's diet has three phases, a strategy that leads to slimming, nutritional eating and increased physical activity. He doesn't advocate a strict calorie count, and emphasizes a holistic approach to healthy eating and reasonable portions.

The downside: Such a balanced diet plan requires dedication and a lot of discipline to stay with it all the time." (learn more about dietarian)