A list and brief description of the most popular diets of 2014. Pros and cons revealed in this section of well being.
Diet 5/2
This diet, also known as fast-diet exploded a few years ago in Britain and is based on a principle known as intermittent fasting (IF). The diet requires that you eat normally five days a week and notice an almost fasting in two more days, which need not be consecutive. Supporters are enthusiastic and claim that this diet can also improve the lifespan, brain function and offers protection against diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, the evidence regarding the efficacy of the diet 5/2 is still limited compared to other types of weight loss techniques.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros: a diet of two days a week is easier to follow in order that one of seven. This increases the chances of success. Furthermore this type of diet can lead to a greater reduction in body fat, increase insulin resistance and be effective against some chronic diseases.
Cons: the days of normal diet can lead to excessive negative. Other side effects reported include difficulty sleeping and daytime drowsiness, bad breath and dehydration.
The verdict of the British Dietetic Association: the diet 5/2 is an easy way to reduce caloric intake. There are many versions of this diet, some less secure than others. Many studies on intermittent fasting are short-lived, involve a limited number of subjects, or are of animal origin. If you choose to follow it is wise to choose a plan based on a healthy, balanced diet and prepared by a qualified dietitian.
Dukan Diet
Stands out from the others because it involves a low intake of carbohydrates and high in protein. There is no limit to what you can eat during the four phases of the plan, as long as you abide by the rules. Phase one is based on a list of 72 foods low in fat but high in protein such as chicken, Turkey, eggs, fish and fat-free dairy products. This level takes five days to reach a rapid weight loss. Carbohydrates are off limits except for a small amount of oat bran. Unlike the Atkins diet, phase one of Dukan prohibits vegetables and limits very fat. The next three phases of the plan see the gradual introduction of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates and, finally, all foods. The goal is a gradual weight loss and promote long term maintenance.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros: you can lose weight very quickly, which can be motivating. This is a very strict diet and prescriptive but easy to follow. You do not need to weigh or count calories. Apart from the prescription on the low-fat and salt and a ban on high-protein foods, there is no restriction on how much you can eat during the first two weeks.
Cons: at the beginning of the diet may experience side effects such as bad breath, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and nausea by cutting carbs. The lack of grains, fruits and vegetables in the early stages of the diet may cause problems such as constipation.
The verdict of the British Dietetic Association: rapid weight loss can be motivating, but it is not sustainable from the point of view of health. The Dukan diet is not nutritionally balanced and there is a danger of this kind of diet since it might increase the risk of long-term health problems if you do not follow the requirements.
Paleo diet or Caveman
The paleo diet, also known as the Caveman diet, is consuming food from the ancient hunting and fishing activities, such as meat and fish – and of food which can be collected – popular weight loss pills such as eggs, nuts, seeds, fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices. It is a regime based on alleged habits of our ancestors hunter-gatherers during Paleolithic era before the development of agriculture about 10,000 years ago. This means that cereals including wheat, dairy products, potatoes, salt, like any processed food – are strictly off the menu. There is no “Paleo Diet” official but is generally regarded as a low-carb diet, high in protein with some variations on the carbs and meat intake. Proponents say that the Paleo diet is a healthy diet in the long term that can help you lose weight and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other health problems. There are still no studies that confirm the benefits of this diet sufficiently covered.