Bad Weight Loss

Most Popular Low-Carb Diets

Low-carb diets limit the intake of certain carbohydrates. Researchers believe that carbohydrate intake increases the insulin level, which leads to weight gain. Two of the most popular low-carb diets are the Atkins diet and the South Beach diet.

The Atkins diet has four phases. The first three focus on weight loss, while the last one centers on maintaining the weight lost during the first three phases. During the first two weeks the carbohydrate intake is almost totally restricted. Following the first two weeks, the carbohydrate intake is increased step by step.
The first phase allows dieters to eat no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates daily. The second phase is similar to the first one, except that the amounts of carbohydrates are increased, and nuts, seeds, and some plants with berries are allowed.

When the dieter has about twelve pounds left to lose to reach his or her target weight , the third phase starts. New food along with up to ten grams of carbohydrates is allowed if the dieter`s weight is constant. The fourth phase establishes the amount of carbohydrates allowed per day that do not cause weight gain.

The Atkins diet includes eggs, meat, fish, olive oil, butter, cheese, olives, spinach, salad, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, and avocado. The foods that are not permitted include sugar and pastry products, vegetables that contain starch like corn and peace.

Bread, pasta, potatoes, and fruits are not allowed in the first phase but may be eaten starting with the second phase. The same with alcohol, nuts, and peanuts.

The South Beach diet

The South Beach diet has three phases and encourages “good” fat and carbohydrates intake.

During the first phase dieters are allowed only low-carb foods and three meals per day. The second phase lets dieters eat fruits, bread, and pasta from whole grains. During the second phase dieters should note the foods that make them gain weight.

When the target weight is reached, the third phase starts. The information collected during the other phases regarding the foods that are not benefic is used to determine a personalized weight loss diet.

The foods allowed are eggs, cheese, nuts, beans, vegetables, tofu, lean meat, and seafood. Pastry products, sugar, and alcohol are strictly forbidden. Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, and fruits are allowed starting with the second phase.

Always seek for a dietician`s advice before starting a diet.

Soft Drinks Not So Soft When It Comes to Gaining Weight

Soft drink consumption results in increased calorie intake, and reduces the consumption of fruits and milk, showed a recent study. Also, consumers of soft drinks have an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, according to the same study.

Soft drinks are one of the main factors that lead to obesity, although not the only one, according to existing data, stated study’s co-author Kelly Brownell.

Sodas have other effects beside satisfying thirst. Soft drinks may increase hunger and make people crave for other foods because of their high level of sweetness. Researchers noticed that the calorie intake is actually greater than the amount of calories from soda, because the soft drinks makes people eat more.

Soft drinks consumption is also responsible for lower intakes of calcium, fiber, fruits, and milk, showed the study.
Soda consumption is strongly connected with Type 2 diabetes, study proved. The risk to develop diabetes is twice as big for women who consume one or more sodas per day, than those who drink less than one soft drink per month.

The study’s results raise serious concerns about the numerous cases of Type 2 diabetes, especially among children, according to researchers.

Consequently, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has asked schools to stop selling soft drinks to students. The group also required health notices on all soft drinks and warnings about health problems that may occur because of them. Some of the usual health problems are osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, or tooth decay.

The soft drink industry designed beverage guidelines meant to limit sugary sodas and offer more diet soft dinks, water, juice, energy drinks, or milk to students.

All foods and soft drinks should be consumed with moderation because they play a key role in a healthy diet, says Tracey Halliday, spokesperson from the American Beverage Association.

The American Beverage Association declined to adopt the study’s conclusion, and stated that soft drinks alone cannot be responsible for obesity.