The moment you walk down that aisle, you want to look fit, fresh and fabulous. And with the big day approaching fast, your focus is to get in tip-top shape! First on your get-fit list? A complete fridge makeover. Throw out all that comfort food (translation: junk food!) and stock your fridge with healthy alternatives like fresh fruit, vegetables and organic yogourt. Next, say goodbye to yo-yo dieting and commit to a diet plan that really works for you. If you’re serious about getting in shape, here are five diets on the market today that can help you reach your goals.
NutriSystem
What it is: A weight-loss program based on portion-controlled meals that fall low on the Glycemic Index.
How it works: You choose from 120 pre-packaged meals which are delivered to your doorstep. A typical day consists of three meals, plus a morning and afternoon snack. It’s your job to incorporate your own grocery items (like fruit, vegetables, salads and dairy items) to your set entrées. Your food intake is comprised of 55 percent low-glycemic carbs, 25 percent protein and 20 percent fat for a 1,200 calorie a day meal. Visit nutrisystem.ca for more information.
Celebrity supporters: Tori Spelling and Marie Osmond.
Weight Watchers
What it is: A weight-loss program based on a point system. Every food has a point value, which is based on calories, fat and fibre. The food plan consists of whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables.
How it works: Dieters count their daily consumption to stay within their point limit. Attending weekly weigh-in meetings helps to keep you motivated to reach your weight goal. You can also log on to their website to get ongoing support, point-friendly food recipes and healthy weight-loss tips. Visit weightwatchers.ca for more information.
Celebrity supporters: Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York and Jenny McCarthy.
Atkins
What it is: A weight-loss system based on a high-protein, high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet.
How it works: During the beginning weeks of the diet, dieters are permitted to eat no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day and nothing high on the Glycemic Index. After the first two weeks, dieters can begin incorporating five more grams of carbohydrates to their diet weekly. For long-term results, dieters must stick to 40-90 grams of carbohydrates per day. Visit atkins.com for more information.
Celebrity supporters: Geri Halliwell and Minnie Driver.
Jenny Craig
What it is: A weight management program that helps clients learn how to eat the foods they want, increase their energy level through simple activity, and build more balance into their lives for weight-loss and well-being.
How it works: You choose the weight loss program that best suits you. During weekly meetings (either at a local centre or by phone) your counselor will help you create a weight loss diet plan based on the keys to healthy eating: balanced nutrition, variety and moderation. They offer personalized weight loss support to keep you on-track and motivated to reach a happy, healthy weight. Visit jennycraig.com for more information.
Celebrity supporters: Kirsty Alley and Valerie Bertinelli (each of whom publicly shed the pounds for the diet company).
