Types of diets - solving the dieting mystery

There seem to be an endless variety of diets - that’s because there are. Let’s look at some of your options.



1. Diet books. These diets work best for those who don't mind going it alone. Read the book, follow the menus and voila! The pounds melt away like magic. However, if you are raising a family, you may find it difficult to follow the diet: Your spouse or your kids may not like the food and you may resent having to eat a separate menu while still preparing the usual stuff for your family. Also, you may have a hard time finding answers to questions that may come up.

2. Support groups. Many people enjoy the camaraderie of going to regular meetings. It can be truly inspiring to meet those who have lost large amounts of weight and kept it off. (There is also a certain satisfaction in seeing people larger than yourself and realizing your weight problem is not nearly as severe). However, if you have a busy life or live in an area prone to severe weather, you may not enjoy having to plan your life around yet another meeting. Also, some programs use the meetings to sell products and you may be tempted to buy things you really don't need.

3. Online support groups. Online support is excellent because you don't have to waste precious gas or time to get to a meeting. You can get your questions answered with the click of a mouse. However, some people find they end up spending too much time browsing the internet.

4. Pre-packaged meals. These diets are great for those who don't want to have to think about what to eat: Open the package, heat and eat. Some programs have meals that are truly delicious. However, pre-packaged meals can be expensive. In addition, while the portions are controlled, you may eventually resent having to eat a meal the size of a postage-stamp while the rest of your family gets standard-size portions. Other factors to consider are special occasions, such as business meetings as well as what will happen when you are done with the diet. How will you keep the pounds off?

5. Diet shakes. While simply opening a diet-shake can is truly a no-brainer way to lose weight, it can quickly get monotonous. As a friend of mine said, "Sometimes, I just need to have something to chew." Also, diet shakes can be expensive when compared to other food choices.

6. Diet pills. There are some diet pills out there that claim you don't need to change the way you eat. Don't fall for these claims. Even if you do lose weight while taking them, you will quickly regain it once you stop taking them. Also, some pills make people edgy or sleepy and may have unknown long-term health risks. Your health is more important than a quick weight-loss.

7. Common sense. Some people do lose weight by merely foregoing second helpings, cutting out snacks and making a habit of exercising daily. It can be done, if you are disciplined enough to do so.

Let’s look at the top ten popular diets.

If you’re looking for a fast weight loss diet that works - try the most popular diet online.