Weight Loss Toronto

With so many studies and franchised programs available, how do we know which ones really work? Below we’ve captured some of the major ones everyones talking about along with some pros and cons of each diet.

Weight Watchers

Based on a points system known as the “Winning Points” plan whereby all types of foods are assigned a specified number of points according to their fat, fibre and calorie content, the Weight Watchers diet program is one of the most popular plans in the world.

According to the plan, each individual is given a daily maximum number of points allowed in order for them to lose weight. And because the points system does not preclude any single type of food—including fried foods, chocolates and every other indulgence imaginable—people on this plan are allowed to eat whatever they want so long as they fit their total food intake within their assigned points range.

Focusing on teaching people how to eat healthy and maintain their desired weight over time, the program also consists of online and local support groups for a little added encouragement. Consult the website.

Fit For Life Designed by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond, the Fit For Life diet plan operates on the premise that by eating prescribed combinations of specific foods at various times throughout the day, weight loss should ensue without having to monitor the amount of calories consumed. Because fruits and vegetables account for 70 per cent of the diet, meat and dairy products are subsequently limited so as to improve digestion and shed the pounds. Although you may eat as much of the specified foods as you wish, drawbacks to this plan include an insufficient intake of protein, zinc, vitamin D and vitamin B-12. To learn more, pick up a copy of “Fit For Life” by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond.

South Beach Diet The South Beach Diet is a low-carb diet with similarities to the Atkins diet, but because unhealthy fats are prohibited, it’s considered more heart-friendly than the Atkins plan.

The South Beach Diet is divided into three phases. Phase one lasts two weeks and focuses on lean meats, fish and shellfish, eggs, low-fat cheese, nuts, beans and vegetables. Carbohydrates such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes, and even fruits are to be avoided. Sweets and alcohol are also to be nixed. Phase two involves slowly reintroducing certain carbs, like fruits and whole grain breads and pastas. This phase continues until the dieter reaches his or her weight loss goal. In the third phase you’re advised to incorporate even more foods without falling back on your old eating habits.

Atkins Diet

One of the most popular new diets to hit the market in years, the Atkins diet is based on the simple principle of dramatically reducing our intake of carbohydrates found in common nutritional regimes such as fruit, bread and pasta while allowing ourselves unlimited amounts of protein-rich foods like meat, eggs and cheese.

Although potentially very successful in helping you to lose a lot of weight quickly, the high protein/low-carb diet has been under attack by doctors and nutritionists for its potential health risks, especially heart disease due to the high amounts of saturated fats found in most meat and cheese products. People suffering from diabetes, heart or kidney problems should not follow this diet under any circumstances.

The Zone The Zone diet, also called the 40-30-30 diet, requires the dieter to consume a specific ratio of carbohydrates (40 per cent) to proteins (30 per cent) to fats (30 per cent) in order to optimize the body’s metabolism and control the amount of insulin in the bloodstream. Too much insulin can lead to excessive fat storage. Foods high in fat and carbohydrates such as grains and pastas are discouraged in favour of fruits and vegetables, as well as monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, almonds and avocados.

One of the major concerns with The Zone is that it eliminates some essential vitamins and minerals found in certain foods, but others say the focus on fruits and vegetables is a positive aspect of this diet.

Nutrisystem

Designed to help you lose between 1.5 and 2-pounds per week by assigning each participant with an individual daily calorie intake, the Nutrisystem diet plan works quite well as it promotes healthy eating alongside regular exercise.

One of the main drawbacks however, is that the plan is based around the daily consumption of specially prepared Nutrisystem meal entrees made by Nutrisystem which can end up being quite expensive. That being said, the program’s promotion of a balanced, low-fat diet remains a safe and effective way to shed those unwanted pounds.

Slim-Fast

A popular and relatively hassle-free way to lose between one and two pounds per week, the Slim-Fast weight loss program remains one of the most popular choices for dieters across North America. The plan works by consuming two Slim-Fast meal replacement shakes, three snacks and one healthy, calorie-conscious meal for a total intake of 1200 to 1500 calories per day. Available in a number of flavours, the shakes are also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Alongside the meal program, the Slim-Fast diet also encourages 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and certain lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight over time.

The Ornish Diet

The person behind this weight loss plan, Dean Ornish, is credited with creating a diet that can reverse heart disease, which was previously considered impossible without surgery or drugs. The Ornish diet is adapted from that diet. It focuses on high-fibre and low-fat vegetarian foods and plenty of exercise.

The Ornish diet divides foods into three groups: the ones you can eat whenever you want (beans, legumes, fruits, grains and vegetables), those you should eat in moderation (non-fat dairy products and non-fat or low-fat commercially available products such as fat-free frozen desserts), and finally those you should always avoid (meats, avocadoes, olives, nuts, seeds, full-fat dairy products, sugar and alcohol).

You don’t need to reduce your calorie intake when following the Ornish diet as long as you stick to the recommended foods and eat only when you’re hungry. The drawback is that it’s difficult to stick with in the long term; people often tire of eating only low-fat foods.

Jenny CraigKirstie Alley champions this popular weight loss centre that offers a variety of portion-control diet programs. Founded in 1983, Jenny focuses on healthy relationships with food in addition to physical activity in order to lose and maintain desired weights and lifestyles.

The program consists of Jenny Craig menus that guide users to healthy and balanced foods and meals as recommended by their team of registered dieticians. Entrees and snacks come pre-portioned and prepackaged frozen or shelf-ready. The ultimate goal is to transition you from planned menus to being able to plan and cook your own meals.

Jenny offers delicious selections from beef sirloin bowls to raspberry swirl cheesecakes. Clients also have the flexibility to dine out if they choose, giving confidence that participants will make healthy food choices. Members are also set up with a counsellor so one-on-one personalized support is available once a week to help you plan successful lifestyle strategies. However encouraging this program may seem, all foods must be ordered from Jenny Craig initially, which can add up. Membership fees can also be quite expensive compared to other online diet programs on the market.

LA Weight Loss

The LA Weight Loss plan is comprised of three stages: weight loss, stabilization and maintenance. LA Weight Loss offers 40 different plans, custom tailored to each client’s needs during these three stages of weight loss. A two-day detox is required to kick off the diet plan. Each client is expected to target a weight loss goal of two lbs a week and is weighed at the centre three times a week by their counsellor. Clients are encouraged to come on a regular basis and no appointment is necessary. The maintenance stage is generally a six month period where LA Weight Loss teaches the client how to keep the weight off and maintain their ideal weight.

The LA Weight Loss plan is based on the use of regular grocery foods, combined with the company’s bars and vitamins and various other herbal supplements. These are all optional but strongly encouraged by the company. LA Weight Loss also provides a guide to help their clients choose from restaurant menus and cookbooks, permitting more freedom than some diets.

Though millions claim the program to be highly effective, LA Weight Loss is more costly than other programs. The company offers financing and payment plans to assist in the cost for those who need assistance. It is also important to note that their counsellors are not trained to deal with more serious weight problems such as binging, anorexia, etc. Also, the counsellors do work on commission, so expect a little more pressure to purchase their products.

Dr. Bernstein Health & Diet Clinics

Unlike a lot of other weight loss programs, the weight loss counsellors at Dr. Bernstein’s are all doctors and registered nurses. They believe that weight loss is achieved best through proper nutrition along with correct medical supervision and monitoring. They guarantee positive and quick results with minimum to no exercise.

Dr. Bernstein’s diet clinic provides individuals with custom weight loss plans that are suitable for diabetics and other individuals with health issues. Their program includes a diet and meal planner, recipe book, one-on-one counselling and weight loss guide books. Vitamins and mineral supplements are also administered to assist the client in the weight loss phase. The program does not require pre-packaged foods and can be covered by health insurance. Following the weight loss period is the maintenance stage, where Dr. Bernstein will educate you on how to maintain your weight and healthy lifestyle.

Infratherapy

This new therapy from Japan uses infrared waves to help you lose weight and reduce stress and fatigue, among other benefits. A 30 minute session produces a 600 to 900 calorie loss, the equivalent of a 30-minute run on a marathon course.