Gearing up for the summer with a new diet? Yes, there are many out there that it can be overwhelming. The key to success is choosing the right one to target losing weight, lowering cholesterol, or even maintaining a healthy life. Consider these 3 most popular diet trends and decide which is most suitable for your lifestyle.

The Atkins Diet

The Atkins diet is primarily for weight loss. The focus is on lowering carbohydrate intake and controlling insulin levels. By avoiding consumption of refined carbs, our body switches from burning glucose to body fat. Most people on this diet will increase their protein and vegetable consumption. The diet is initially effective in shedding the extra pounds; however, it is hard to maintain the diet.

The diet process requires four phases:

1. Introduction-calorie consumption is limited to 20 grams each day

2. Ongoing Weight Loss-the focus will be on dense and fiber rich foods

3. Pre-Maintenance-carb intake is increased by 10 grams each until until weight loss is gradual

4. Life Maintenance-the regimen will add a wider range of carb sources

The Zone Diet

According to Dr. Sears, the Zone diet controls insulin level by offering a nutritional balance of 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 30% protein. There is not a specific calorie intake. However, it is suggested that women consume about 3 ounces and men 4 ounces of protein in their meals. The amount of carbohydrate consumption should be twice as much as your protein consumption. Carb sources come from vegetables, lentils, beans, whole grains, and fruits. Maintaining the Zone Diet is easier than the Atkins Diet.

Vegetarian Diet

The Vegetarian Diet is geared towards maintaining a healthy life. Vegetarians do not consume any animal protein. There are categories that do not include eggs and diary. However, in this article, vegetarian does not exclude eggs or dairy. There is a common misconception about not getting the right nutrients, but eating variety of foods will ensure you meet these nutritional requirements. There are many benefits to becoming vegetarian including weight loss, better cholesterol levels, longevity, and lowering risk of developing cancer and other diseases. Anyone who chooses to vegetarian diet will need check their B12 vitamin levels.

Articles mentioned:

“What are the eight most popular diets today?” by Medical News Today