Overview of Best and Worst Diet Plans

There are numerous opinions on the value of popular weight loss diets. There are general opinions of lifetime diet plans wherein most agree a Mediterranean diet is one of the best lifestyle diets. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables. It also substitutes olive oil for cooking and in preparation of salads. The diet is also weighted heavily toward fish and minimizes red meat in a regular diet.

The Mediterranean diet is rich is protective fatty acids and antioxidant which are aimed at improving the good cholesterol and reducing the artery clogging type. It is a heart healthy diet that has the effect of reducing calories and thereby reducing weight gain. The diet encourages smaller portions and introducing seeds and grains in the daily diet. As with all diet success stories, daily exercise is essential. Whether the exercise takes place in a gym or by a regular brisk walk, this ingredient is an absolute necessity.

I reviewed various consumer-based reporting services of various fad diets presently on the market. Consumer Reports had a national rating service for diet plans. They rate diet plans in a one to five scale. One being the best rating and five is the worst. According to the 2005 Consumer Report rating system, no commercial diet plan was given a one.

The highest rated commercial diet plan is Weight Watchers, according to Consumer Report. The plan cost between $10 and $13 per week. It averages daily a calorie intake is 1,450. There are 24 per cent, and fats and seven per cent saturated fats. There are 56 percent carbohydrates and 20 percent protein. There are about 20 percent fiber grams and 11 percent vegetable and fruit grams per 1,000 calories. Weight Watchers beat out the Slim Fast Diet and the Zone Men Diet. These were the top three diets according to Consumer Report.