What's the best way to lose weight? Consumer Reports has the answer.
In a study released in June, the notorious product-testing agency reviewed popular diets, and came up with best-of short-list. The report critiques eight diet-books based on: the quality of the meal plans, how easy they are to use, whether they incorporate exercise, and the validity of the nutritional science.
The number one popular diet reviewed by Consumer Reports:
Volumetrics
:
This diet's mathematical-sounding name is intentional. The key to Volumetrics is calculating the energy-density of foods.
Energy-density
is another name for figuring out how many calories are in a given weight (serving size) of food. The lower the energy-density, the more you can have. The basic rule of thumb of Volumetrics: eat a low-cal soup or salad before you start eating. Starting with a low-density food helps you stay satisfied long after you finished eating your main course. Consumer Reports adds that the principle of Volumetrics is at the root of many other popular diets: reduce calories while consuming larger volumes of food to stay satiated longer. Consumer Reports says this method allows users to avoid the hunger-pang induced by other diet plans, and stick to Volumetrics long-term.
Other high-scoring plans:
Weight Watchers:
Weight Watchers focuses on more than just what goes on your plate. The plan involves weekly meetings and weigh-ins for motivation and behavioral support for diet and exercise changes. Weight Watchers relies on its users using a book of recipes provided by the company. Consumer Reports found the recipes appetizing and easy to prepare.
Jenny Craig:
Jenny Craig works in a similar way to Weight Watchers, engaging its users in counseling, dieting and exercise. Consumer Reports found that Jenny Craig had a high drop-out rate but those who stuck with the plan experienced considerable weight loss. Good for those who aren't culinary inclined, as the Jenny Craig diet involves minimal food-preparation
Slim Fast:
Slim Fast, the super-market-friendly diet is a brand of shakes, bars and smoothies. The diet is entirely based around the line of meal replacements, and Slim Fast meal plan recommendations. Consumer Reports found that although users experienced a good amount of weight-loss, its drop-out rate was staggeringly high.
For more succesful dieting strategies, visit
Laura DiBattista's Blog.