Using The DASH Diet to Help Reduce High Blood Pressure

 One of the major medical conditions that many Americans have to deal with today is hypertension or high blood pressure.
While many are able to control their blood pressure with prescription medications, others have found that they can achieve similar results just by following a better diet.

Choosing a Diet

Finding diets that work short term isn’t hard however finding a diet that works over the long haul is a different proposition.

Many of our Diet Reviews highlight the need for sustainability, unless you are simply dieting for a specific occasion, like a wedding or vacation you will most likely want the weight you take off to stay off.

Diets That Work

Crash dieting works by quickly shedding water weight and superfluous fats by quite simply starving the body of the nutrients it needs. The good side to this is you loose allot of weight fast, however the flip side is you will slow down your metabolism and quickly regain all your weight loss and more as soon as you return to more regular eating habits.

Fat Loss For Idiots

Fat Loss For Idiots claims fast weight loss, but is it one of the diets that work?

Well with claims like “Loose 9lb every 11days” it sure makes you skeptical especially with such a cheesy website, but if sales and reviews around the web are anything to go by it certainly seems to have merit.

Fundamentally Fat Loss For Idiots is a diet plan with moderate exercise, I go into more detail in the Fat Loss For Idiots Review, however if you are looking for a diet plan with fast initial weight loss you may want to consider this one.

The Diet Solution Program

You may have guessed that we would be recommending The Diet Solution Program as one of the Diets that work. Why? because like Fat Loss For Idiots it tackles the underlying issues of weight and weight gain.

You are the size you are for a reason, nobody made you the way you are, you became this way you are all by yourself. Once you realize and accept this you also understand that YOU can change it.  The Diet Solution Program will help you identify what it is you are doing wrong, and what foods to stop eating and what to start eating.

Once you understand what is stopping you succeeding then nothing can stop you from attaining your goals.

ALL Diets Work

This may seem like a crazy statement seeing as the majority of people that start a diet ultimately fail, but how do you measure the success of a diet?

If you use the BMI Calculator or the Body Fat Percentage Calculator you can gauge your progress, you will see that if you are eating less calories than you are burning you will lose weight, in fact for that you don’t even need a diet plan just use the Calorie Calculator to Lose Weight.

What’s wrong with most diets is that when you stop dieting you regain all the lost weight and more, the only way to stop see saw dieting is to fundamentally change.

If you want to loose weight and maintain that slimmer profile you need to change your eating and exercise habits, I am sorry but there is no way around it, searching out diets that work is only the first and easiest step, choosing a diet and exercise program and sticking to it is much harder.

A Summer Diet you will like…

If you are like many women you have already left it a little late for the “Bikini Diet” but now the time has arrived to put it on you are wishing you started earlier.

No worries if you only need to shed a few pounds fast to look your best then the summer and your bikini can still be saved.

Although we recommend the Diet Solution Program for long term weight loss the diet with the fastest short term results is Fat Loss For Idiots by concentrating more on when you eat rather than what you eat you can accelerate your metabolism and shed the pounds quickly for either that summer vacation or a special event.

Summer is all about fresh food, fruit and barbecues, combined with outside activities, this is the perfect combination for loosing weight as long as you know what you are doing.

So what’s different about a Summer Diet?

In the Summer months its like the Stars are aligned for you to lose weight, unlike Winter hibernation eating of chocolates and chips there are always healthier “eatable” options close at hand.

Fruit

If you have a sweet tooth then fresh fruit is the answer to your cravings, pick up a fresh watermelon and you have snacks for a week!

Vegetables

Salads is the obvious choice but stay away from heavy dressings, olive oil & vinegar with a little pepper is great or a light italian dressing.

Meat

Lean meats cooked on the barbecue fit perfectly into your summer diet plan. Just like the old George Foreman grill the fat drips off leaving you with a healthier option.

Summer is to be enjoyed starving yourself on a Summer Diet will only ruin your enjoyment but taking advantage of the healthier options will not. Stay off the obvious high fat chips & dips, eat fresh fruits, salads and lean meats and you will have a summer you can enjoy and a summer diet plan you can not only live with but loose weight with.

The secret to success as with anything in life is motivation, tracking your progress will help you make the right decisions when the time arises. Keeping your mind focused on the task at hand can be difficult when there are so many temptations but by frequently checking your BMI or using the Body Fat Percentage calculator you will be encouraged by your progress and make the right decisions.

Enjoy your Summer and Summer Diet it will be over before you know it!

Weight Watchers is a point-based diet system that focuses on weight loss through healthy eating, exercise, and support.

Origination

The Weight Watchers diet was created by Brooklyn native Jean Nidetch in 1963. A homemaker, Nidetch assigned points to certain foods and food groups. Dieters are allowed a certain number of points per day.

The diet has changed several times since its inception. The diet formerly relied upon prepackaged meals, although this is no longer the case. The points system was recently overhauled, which has caused aggravation among some long-time Weight Watchers followers. The old system allowed points which could be used in any way. The new points system now places emphasis on foods that are rich in protein and fiber.

Outline

Weight Watchers dieters must become members at an average cost of $13 to $15 a week. Foods are assigned points based on their fat, calorie, and fiber value. Membership grants the user access to support by professionals and other dieters.

Weight loss is achieved through calorie deficit – burning more calories than you consume. Members select a goal weight and use the points system to achieve that goal weight. Users aim for a deficit of approximately 1000 calories. Anywhere from 29 to 71 points a day can be eaten by dieters.

Members are also given 49 points a week that can be used on anything. Exercise and other physical activity become activity points, points which can be used to increase the daily food point allowance. Recently, Weight Watchers allowed fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables to be eaten in any quantity.

After the goal weight is achieved, members enter a maintenance phase. Slowly, members will increase their food intake until they are no longer losing weight.

Expectations

By staying within the point range, dieters can lose the weight over a period of weeks to months. This is not a diet aimed to cause quick weight loss. Rather, it focuses on general life style changes – exercising more, eating fresh, healthy foods, and so forth – that can be maintained by dieters even after leaving the Weight Watchers program.

This diet is friendly to people with special needs diets. Unlike many other diets, no foods are off limits. People who practice vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free diets, and so forth can lose weight under Weight Watchers.

Potential Side Effects/Issues

The biggest issue for most people is the cost of membership. This can become quite expensive, particularly for people who decide to use the Weight Watchers prepared meals. Recent changes to the points system has angered many users who have been successful with the previous system. Also, while studies have shown that users are more likely to lose weight with Weight Watchers than when dieting alone, very few studies have been conducted to see whether or not the weight loss was maintained after leaving Weight Watchers.

The success of any diet or exercise program can only be determined by tracking your progress, whatever the Diet Solution you choose  keep track of your progress using our free BMI Calculator for females.

The Cabbage Soup Diet Plan

The Cabbage Soup Diet  is a 7-day diet which consists primarily of cabbage soup. Many attempt this diet in order to lose weight quickly, particularly for special events.

Origination of the Cabbage Soup Diet

This diet originated sometime in the 1980s. It has many names including the “Peasant Diet” and “Miracle Soup Diet.” Many variations of the diet & recipe have floated through faxes, e-mails, newsletters, and word-of-mouth over the years.

Diet Outline

The Cabbage Soup Diet consists of a strict 7-day regimen. Cabbage soup is the staple of the diet. A popular version of the cabbage soup diet recipe is as follows:

• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 2 cans of tomatoes, diced or chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 bunch celery, chopped
• 10 ounces of mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 package of Lipton soup mix

Optional ingredients include:

• 1 can V8 juice
• 2 cubes bouillon

In a heavy pot, sauté the bell peppers and onions with a bit of oil, preferably the spray kind. Add the remaining vegetables along with 12 cups of water. If using V8 juice, reduce the water to about 8 cups. You may add bouillon cubes for seasoning, otherwise salt and pepper will suffice. Other seasonings including lemon, parsley, curry powder, and soy sauce can also be added. The soup should be cooked on low-heat for about 2 hours.

Cabbage soup will be eaten everyday at any quantity. Water can be consumed in any amount. Depending on the day, certain quantities of other foods will supplement the cabbage soup. Many Cabbage Soup diets operate similar to this:

Day 1: Any quantity of fruit, except for bananas.
Day 2: Any quantity of vegetables, including 1 baked potato with a small amount of butter.
Day 3: Fruit and vegetables in any quantity, except for bananas.
Day 4: Up to 8 bananas, as well as skim milk in any quantity.
Day 5: Up to 6 tomatoes and 10 ounces of beef.
Day 6: Beef and vegetables in any quantity, except for potatoes.
Day 7: Brown rice, vegetables, and unsweetened fruit juice in any quantity, except for potatoes.

Expectations

In addition to being low in calories, cabbage soup will keep you full for a long period of time. Soup tends to digest quickly and many people who have used this diet lose a lot of weight during the week. A regimen as strict as this is expected to result in weight loss, however, this diet cannot be maintained for the long-term. Many people use this diet as a “kick-start” to a more manageable diet plan.

A loss of 10 to 15 pounds is expected for most. However, this is most likely due to water loss, not fat loss. Most people who use this diet regain the weight once they return to their normal eating habits.

Potential Side Effects/Issues

Many people complain of fatigue, weakness, and light-headedness. This is probably due to the lack of nutrition in the cabbage soup. The vegetables become devoid of nutrients because they are cooked for so long. The addition of V8 Juice and bouillon may result in high levels of sodium. Without these ingredients, many users of the diet find the soup to be too bland.

For several days of the diet, very little protein is eaten. Also, this diet is deficient in nutrients. The vegetables, particularly cabbage, can be difficult to digest, especially for those with existing gastrointestinal issues. Many users of this diet complain of flatulence and stomach cramps. More time in general is spent using the restroom when on this diet. By the last few days of the diet, many find the soup difficult to stomach.

The Cabbage Soup Diet is simply a calorie-restrictive approach to weight loss. There are no scientific claims to back it. Although 10-15 pounds are lost by many who follow this diet, regain of the weight is almost guaranteed and disheartens many. Repetition of this diet may lead to deficiencies of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutrients.

The Cabbage Soup Diet should only be considered a temporary quick weight loss solution for more sustainable long term weight loss we recommend The Diet Solution Program

Dukan Diet Review

The Dukan system is a 4-stage diet that relies on high-protein and low-carbohydrate foods.

Origination of the Dukan Diet

French physician Pierre Dukan created this treatment over 10 years ago to treat obesity. The Dukan diet book claims that over 5 million people in France have lost weight by following this plan.

Outline

The Dukan diet follows 4 phases.

1/ Attack Phase

The first phase, called “attack” lasts for approximately one week. During this phase, lean proteins can be eaten in any amount. These proteins include low-fat meats such as fish, poultry, and eggs, as well as soy and nonfat dairy products. About 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran and 1.5 liters of water will also be consumed everyday.

2/ Cruise Phase

Phase two is called “cruise.” This builds upon the previous phase but includes unlimited amounts of non-starchy vegetables every other day. Oat bran will be increased to 2 tablespoons per day.

3/ Consolidation Phase

Phase three, called “consolidation,” builds upon the previous 2 phases and includes meats that were previously not allowed, particularly pork and lamb. Vegetables can now be eaten every day. One portion of low-sugar fruit, 1 portion of hard cheese, and 2 slices of whole grain bread are also allowed. Per week, up to 2 servings of starchy food are allowed, as well as up to 2 “celebration” meals which can be compromised of anything. During this phase, one day a week should be committed to eating only phase 1 foods.

4/ Maintenance Phase

The maintenance phase, phase four, is called “stabilization.” Doctor Dukan claims that you can eat anything you want so long as you eat spend one day a week eating only phase 1 foods, along with 3 tablespoons of oat bran a day. Dieters must also walk 20 minutes daily.

Expectations

As with any other high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, weight loss can occur quickly and in vast amounts. The highest amount of weight loss will occur during phases 1 and 2. When switching from a carbohydrate-heavy diet to a protein one, dieters often feel hungry and unsatisfied after a meal. Doctor Dukan says this should pass after 3 days of being on the diet.

Potential Side Effects/Issues from following the Dukan Diet

This diet focuses on eating a certain food type. Fatigue and bad breath can occur when relying on protein for energy. Although Doctor Dukan suggests that practitioners of this diet take a multi-vitamin, even the best supplement will not make up for the loss of nutrients and vitamins when fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are greatly cut out of a diet. Weight loss that occurs so suddenly can also lead to muscle loss and gallstone formation.

Get your copy of the Dukan Diet Book today & start shedding the pounds tomorrow ( Also available as an eBook)

CSIRO Diet

The CSIRO Total Well-being diet is a high-protein and low-carbohydrate system. It aims to minimize risks of certain illnesses such as type-2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Origination of the CSIRO Diet

The CSIRO diet was developed by nutritional scientists in Australia. Researchers studied 100 overweight women over a period of 12 weeks. This study showed that the women who focused on high-protein and low-carbohydrate diets lost far more weight than those who were on a high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet. This study led to the creation of the CSIRO diet.

CSIRO Diet Outline

This diet plan is composed of a strict eating plan. It focuses on high-protein meals but allows far more vegetables, fruit, and grain than similar protein-based diets. For dinner, CSIRO focuses on lean proteins such as lean beef, veal, and lamb. These items should be eaten 4 times a week, at minimum. Fish should be eaten twice per week and chicken once per week. For lunch, lean protein should be eaten. Eggs can be substituted two times a week for lunch.

CSIRO proponents describe the diet as carbohydrate limited, rather than carbohydrate restrictive. Two servings each of dairy, wholegrain breads, and fresh fruit must be eaten every day. Up to 2.5 cups of vegetables must be eaten per day, although certain vegetables can be eaten in any quantity. One serving of high-fiber cereal must also be eaten per day. Fats and oils are kept to only 3 teaspoons a day. Avocado or nuts can be substituted for these items. Low-calorie soup can also be eaten every day. Two servings of wine are allowed per week. Coffee, tea, diet soda, artificial sweeteners, and many condiments can be eaten in unlimited amounts.

Dieters must engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Those who do not want to commit to exercise should do their best to increase daily activity, such as skipping escalators and elevators.

Expectations

The CSIRO diet is a rather restrictive meal plan, however the book offers sample diet plans and recipes. When following this plan, dieters can expect to lose the greatest amount of weight in the first several weeks of the diet. These results are typical of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Because the CSIRO diet allows low-glycemic carbohydrates, blood glucose will be better stabilized than in other similar diets which greatly disallow carbohydrates. Many find that cholesterol and blood pressure levels, as well as risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are lowered by this diet.

Potential Side Effects/Issues

The studies that greatly attributed to the creation of the CSIRO diet followed only women. Men may have different results. Additionally, these studies were in part paid for by the Meat and Livestock group of Australia, so objectivity may be an issue. While this diet may minimize risks of certain illnesses, it is suggested that its focus on meat may result in an increase of certain cancers, particular of the breast and colon.

This diet may be more costly than other diets due to its focus on meat, which often costs more than carbohydrates and produce. Because the diet is protein heavy, vegetarians and vegans may have difficulty following it. Opponents of the diet suggest that the amount of red meat allowed in the diet is far too much. Even with the carbohydrate allowances, the amount of protein may still be too high. The diet allows artificial sweeteners and foods that contain them in unlimited amounts. Studies suggest that these no-calorie sugar substitutes may have other negative effects towards weight-loss and overall health.

For anyone considering a low carbohydrate diet the CSIRO Diet : The CSICO Healthy Heart Program is a good option.

The British Heart Foundation Diet is a three day crash diet for fast weight loss. Although this diet may well originate from the UK it was not developed by The British Heart Foundation nor do they endorse or recommend it in any way.

Advocates of the British Heart Foundation Diet claim you can loose 10lb in 3 days although these claims are unsubstantiated & such a diet is extremely unhealthy.

As you can see from the diets meal plan this diet is a very calorie restrictive diet…

Drink: It is required for you to drink 5 x 8oz glasses of water per day, no other drinks are allowed.

Again this diet was not developed by or endorsed by the British Heart Foundation

As 1lb of fat is approximately equal to 3,500 calories, losing 10 lb in 3 days would equal a calorie deficit of 35,000 calories over 3 days – clearly impossible so any claims as such are based off of dehydration not fat loss.

The Real -
British Heart Foundation Diet Recommendations

Although The Heart Foundation doesn’t have a specific diet plan they do make some dietary recommendations:

An equal balance of Fruit/Vegetables, Carbohydrates, & Protein.

• 5 Portions of Fruit & Veg / Day
• Bread, Pasta, Potatoes & Rice – Wholegrain when possible
• Lean Protein to include 2 Portions of fish / week one being an oily fish like salmon ( More oily fish if you are at risk of, or after a heart attack)

Advice from the British Heart Foundation Website

Reduce Fat intake by:

• Replacing saturated fats in your diet with small amounts of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats
• Chose lean cuts of meat in preference to marbled cuts,
• Avoid processed meats as much as possible.
• Use spices in place of salt
• Limit Alcohol to recommended amounts 2-3 units a day for women and 3-4 for men

The British Heart Foundation Diet is clearly just an over hyped low calorie meal plan, for sustainable weight loss we recommend The Diet Solution Program

What is The Ketosis Diet?

Are you sick & tired of regaining all those pounds you worked so hard to lose?

You’re not the only one, every year thousands of people start diets with the intention of loosing weight only to fall short of achieving their long term weight loss goals of keeping the weight off.

But why do so many people fail?

Quite simply they are following the wrong diet program.

Everyone is different so why should we assume that one diet would suit everyone. Quite simply it won’t, not only are your weight loss goals different from the next persons but your body is unique to you, so it will need a diet designed specifically for it.

It’s the Diet that fails not you

Most diets fail because they don’t take into account your metabolism, in fact by seriously restricting your calorie intake in the first few days they actually slow it down, when its important to speed it up if you want to do to burn fat.

You may ask why would a diet sabotage your internal fat burning mechanisms when you are trying to lose weight? Quite simply because many diets don’t target fat for weight loss.

Crazy as it may seem but fast weight loss is not fat loss it’s dehydration & sometimes even muscle loss, by robbing your system of the nutrients it not only wants but needs, your body will start to use its glycogen reserves for energy, glycogen is the bodies stored form of glucose & water is used as it is converted back, dehydrating the body.

The results of dehydration can appear quite dramatic on the scale & give rise to many outlandish diet weight loss claims.

Taken even further your body may be shocked into “Starvation Mode” this is where your body, fearing it is not going to get enough nutrients will slow down your metabolism & try to store fat as an energy reserve.

Not quite your intention and it will be seen on the scale as a weight loss plateau, irrespective of how little you eat you can’t seem to lose any more weight.

To Burn Fat You Need A Fast Metabolism Diet

Quite simply an engine on full throttle burns allot more fuel than an idling engine. If you can speed up your metabolism you can lose weight & still eat well.

The Diet Solution Program is one such diet program it was developed with the primary intention of speeding up the metabolism. As important it provides users with the ability to measure their own metabolism & customize the program to their own settings.

By individualizing the diet plan, dieters stand a far better chance of not only loosing the weight, but keeping the weight off too.