Fat Burning Diets

There are a plethora of so called fat burning diets out there on the market. It can sometimes be confusing as to which ones are actually healthy and which are not. The goal of this article is to discuss some of the popular recent dieting trends and help you to understand the facts concerning these fat burning diets. This diet supposedly works by cutting out carbohydrates, food like bread, rice and potatoes. Our bodies use carbohydrate as its primary energy source, when these are cut out, the body must use fat and protein instead. Barry Sear's 'Zone Diet' is a high protein, low carbohydrate, semi-starvation diet. This diet focuses on balancing the ratio of carbs, fat and protein. It is suggested that by consuming the correct amount of these components your body's insulin production is controlled. The theory is that when insulin is at the correct level the body burns fat more effectively. The ideal ratios suggested are 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 30% fat with a concentration on avoiding 'bad' carbohydrates. Whilst on this diet many people claim that their general alertness and energy levels are increased.

The problem with this diet is the emphasis on restricting calories which makes it very difficult to stick to for any length of time. Another of these fat burning diets is the South Beach diet which includes many celebrity advocates. This diet involves minimizing the consumption of bad fats and bad carbohydrates. It has three phases and begins with a somewhat restricted two-week induction phase. In this phase most carbohydrates (such as pasta, rice and breads) must be avoided. Plenty of protein is on the menu however with chicken, turkey, and fish along with nuts, eggs, salads, and vegetables. The second phase includes specific meal plans and recipes. It reintroduces some of the foods avoided in Phase 1 - but only sparingly. This phase is used until a specific weight loss goal is reached. The third and final phase is more about living a healthy dietary lifestyle to maintain weight. The South Beach Diet may seem similar to the other fat burning diets we have discussed but other than the first phase, which definitely emphasizes low-carbs, it is not a strict low-carb diet. This diet is all about balancing the good and the bad carbs.

This diet has been growing in popularity. It involves a process know as calorie shifting. Nutritionally it is a reduced carb diet that cycles macro-nutrient ratios (to try and trick your metabolism). There are no processed foods included in this plan, it relies on whole foods, although after every 11 day cycle on this diet you are allowed 3 cheat days where within reason you can eat what you want. There is no calorie or carb counting and no limit on portion size, just eat until you feel full. This diet program is online and creates your own personal diet plan after you input foods that you most enjoy, it then creates an 11 day plan with 4 meals per day utilizing many of your favourite foods. Ultimately the best way to keep weight off is to change your lifestyle habits. Fat burning diets are a dime a dozen, it is more common sense than anything else. Avoid processed and sugary foods and drinks, have a balanced dietary plan and follow a quality exercise program.

Thanks for your comment. Congratulations on your weight loss even though you had to suffer a few dizzy spells to get there! But I think you summed it up perfectly 'you have to find that medium that you can continue with in order to keep the weight off.' It's all about balancing and finding that range that suits your needs. I got my book in 5 days. I lost15 pounds in 3 weeks. I did follow it to the letter for 10 days until my blood pressure dropped to a dangerous level. I have a physical job and work out so felt very week and felt I needed some carbs for energy. I lost the first 10 lbs. 11 days and then added the carbs from the future cycles and only ate them for breakfast and lunch and am still losing weight. I continue with lemon and water,greentea, probiotics, mostly chicken and fish,3 fruits per day and I continue to loose the weight. The no carbs for the first cycle made me week and dizzy.

I now feel great lighter and more energy. So I will continue, but with my modifications. You have to find that medium that you can continue with in order to keep the weight off. If its too unrealistic you wont stay on it. I recommend it for anyone jumpstarting weight loss where you need structure to get going. Just stick it out for as close to 17 days as you can. You will lose weight fast but have to work out too. The hardest days are the first 5 and then you just get in a pattern. It is not recommended that you drink diet sodas on the 17 day diet. Water, lemon in hot water, green tea and coffee are the accepted beverages. I'm sure 3 servings ot probiotics will not affect your diet too much, especially as you are on antibiotic medicine. Good going with your weight loss.