Dieting

Dieting is a great way of improving your looks, as well as improving your lifestyle. However, it is not always easy, and can be hard going if you find it difficult not to indulge your sweet tooth!

There are a number of diets available, some more popular than others. Each has the same aim of losing weight, though how the diets go about this can vary enormously. The intensity of diets also vary - some aim for a short term diet, while others aim for a more 'lifestyle' based diet, which is easier to fit into a routine, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Generally, a diet will require you to adjust your intake of food in order to change the way your body metabolises food. In most cases, the intention is to cause the body to digest fat deposits, thus trimming the figure, and reducing weight. Some take this to more extreme levels than others.

In order to take up dieting, you should have strong willpower, as there will be times where you miss chocolate, or when you want some convenience food which will not be good for the diet. You may also struggle when cooking not to add something to your meal which could adversely affect the diet. Some diets will naturally be easier to stick to than others - some more extreme diets will seriously restrict what you can eat, whereas some will simply limit intakes of certain foods.

It is also important to note that dieting in itself is not a solution. You will need to maintain a routine of exercise as well, to allow the body to metabolise food and fat. Ideally, you should fit exercise into a routine, so that you can continue it even after you have finished your diet. For example, walking to work, or perhaps getting on or off a bus at a stop further away from home can easily be integrated into your routine. Joining a gym is also an option, though is likely to be more expensive, as memberships can cost upwards of £40 a month (with many gyms charging additional joining fees). Many prefer gyms, however, as they can still be a part of a routine, and aren't affected by weather or late buses!

There are well over 50 different diets, some more high profile than others, and some a little more specialised that others. Some of the most popular or well-known diets are described below:

Atkins Diet - This is one of the most well known diets ever, with one in eleven American adults being on the diet at one time. The diet works on the basis of severely restricting the intake of carbohydrates into the body. This causes the body to enter ketosis, where the liver digests stored fats. During the induction phase of the diet, weight losses of 3-4kg per week are not uncommon. However, this diet can be difficult as it limits the intake of a number of staple foods - such as bread, potatoes and pasta. Caffeine and alcoholic drinks are also banned. Meat, cheese and some salads are permissible to eat. Criticisms of the diet are varied, with a number of people complaining of bad breath. It is also an expensive diet, due to the amount of meat and protein foods consumed. Various medical experts have also criticised the diet. However, a number of people have successfully lost weight with the diet as well.

The Cambridge Diet - This diet works in a similar way to the Atkins diet, with the body being forced into ketosis in order to digest fats. This is achieved by drinking specially formulated 'shakes' (made with water instead of milk), as well as snack bars and a mousse. The diet has helped millions lose weight since its inception in the 1970s, however it isn't as popular as the Atkins diet due to the limited range of foods available. In the UK, potential users of this diet must also apply through a 'Cambridge Counsellor', who will judge their needs and provide an advisory and support service. All counsellors are trained, and follow a strict code of conduct.

Grapefruit Diet - This diet became popular in 1930's Hollywood, and later in the 1970's as a fad diet. At the time, despite being widely tried, it was derided by the science community, many of whom considered it dangerous. However, a study in 2004 showed that the diet was actually effective, and that eating half a grapefruit with a meal could lose participants up to 3.6 pounds on average.

Slimming World - This diet is run by the Slimming World company, in the UK. The company runs over 5000 weekly slimming courses, which cost a small fee per meeting. At these meetings, members are weighed, and any changes to the weight are shared with the group (although no actual weight is ever shared). Slimming world works on a food optimisation basis, whereby foods are classified into 'red' or 'green' foods. Each day is classified as a red or a green day, and on that day, only foods of the same 'colour' may be eaten - thus, on a red day foods may include fish, lean meat, eggs and vegetables, while a green day may include tofu, pasta, grains and beans. In addition to the 'red' and 'green' groups, certain healthy extras may be eaten in limited quantities.

Weight Watchers - Weight Watchers is an American company, operating in 30 different countries worldwide. In the UK, Weight Watchers works on a 'points' system, whereby each food is attributed a points value, based on a formula which takes calories, fibre and fat into account. Dieters are entitled to a set number of points throughout the day, which allows them to indulge should they desire - though the indulgence comes at a price, as it limits your remaining points for the day. Points should not be 'hoarded' or 'carried over'. Some participants dislike the points system, as it requires them to keep track of all meals, snacks and drinks over the course of the day. Weight Watchers has three other plans for dieting - the Core plan, the Flex plan and the Turnaround plan. The Core Plan was developed in response the Atkins diet, and classifies certain foods into Core foods which can be eaten 'until satisfied'. The Flex and Turnaround plans are variations of the Points plan, with Turnaround incorporating some aspects of the Core plan. Weight Watchers produce branded foods with point values clearly marked.