Types of Diets
There are several different types of diets available today. These diets have several categories that we can define them by.
Fixed-menu diet
The fixed menu diet provides a list with all food you are allowed to eat. The fixed menu diet may work well on the short term, but it won’t help you to change your eating habits beyond what the diet offers. You probably do not want to eat this way for the remainder of your life.
Advantages: A diet of this type is simple to follow with no thinking really needed as your food is already chosen for you.
Disadvantages: Food choices can be limited and could lead to you getting bored with this type of diet.
Exchange diet
Exchange diets works for some because it is portion controlled with a certain amount of servings from the food groups. This arrangement allows you to plan and is convenient: this type offers variety so that you don’t get bored as a rule. Each food group is equal in caloric intake and can be changed out as you desire. With the exchange diet, you’ll learn to eat healthy and will continue to eat healthily, keeping your weight down.
Pre-packaged diet
Following a pre packaged type diet requires you to purchase pre-packaged food. This can be tremendously convenient, and most can deal with this effectively. The pre packaged diet is based on portion control, but after you’ve reached your weight loss goal, you still need to learn to maintain that weight. This diet type can present a challenge both in choosing your meals and in price.
Formula Diet
The formula diet requires you to substitute liquid diet shakes (or drinks) for meals, coming in the form of powder or liquid. While the formula type diet is usually balanced with protein, fat and carbs, it doesn’t teach you how to sustain your weight loss.
Calorie Restricted Diet
This diet may be good if “rapid” weight loss is what you’re looking for, but it is generally hard to stick with over time. The calorie restricted diet requires women to 1200 calories a day, and men to 1600 calories a day. You may find if you restrict your calories too much that you’re hungry all the the time, and because of this, you’ll fall off the wagon easier.
Fad Diet
The fad diet is usually off the wall – it may require that you only eat a particular food group or food over a period of time. A diet that overlooks good health and nutrition can be dangerous and is not a good weight loss alternative. A fad diet may boast quick weight loss, and you may in fact lose weight, but as soon as you end this type of diet, you will regain the weight. A healthy diet will include carbohydrates, vegetables, fiber, protein and some fat every day.
Make sure to settle on a diet that is livable. A good diet should help you to learn how to prepare (and choose) nutritious food, and it should teach you how to maintain your weight loss.