The Most Popular Diet Trends Of 2012
#12 Paleolithic Diet
The Paleolithic diet does cut out processed foods but it also excludes any foods created before the industrial/agricultural revolutions, which includes grains, dairy, legumes and oils. It does follow the motto of "eat like a caveman" but study published in 2010 noted that a diet of mainly high-protein, low glycemic foods is the best utility for maintaining weight loss.
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Paleolithic Diet
The Paleolithic diet does cut out processed foods but it also excludes any foods created before the industrial/agricultural revolutions, which includes grains, dairy, legumes and oils. It does follow the motto of "eat like a caveman" but study published in 2010 noted that a diet of mainly high-protein, low glycemic foods is the best utility for maintaining weight loss.
11:
LEARN Diet
Unlike other low-fat diets, the LEARN program (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, Nutrition) puts a strong emphasis on helping individuals learn how to change their bond with food. It utilizes portion control but also enforces a diet with 55 to 60 per cent of its calories being taken from carbs while less than 10 per cent is derived from saturated fats.
10:
Slim-Fast
Though meal replacement shakes have been available to the public since the 1960s', Slim-Fast continues to be cultural diet staple with "just a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, and a sensible dinner". The interest is program-offered snack bars and powder is weaning but the diet has already revealed plans to introduce an altered program that provides more options to suit fitness buffs and foodies alike.
9:
Mediterranean Diet
Developed in the early 2000s', the Mediterranean diet became a hit towards 2010 as it progressively produced reports of high weight loss. Calorie-restrictive, it's built around a pyramid that uses fruits, vegetables, olive oil, beans and nuts as its nutritional base, allowing dieters to indulge in other foods on a weekly/monthly basis.
8:
Atkins Diet
While the diet's popularity has improved and waned throughout its existence, it's been a steady hit on the health scene with a few Hollywood celebs (Renee Zellwegger, Robbie Williams) swearing by it. The program limits an intake of total carbohydrates minus dietary fibre to increase metabolism and burn stored body fat but its strict mentality also depletes cardiovascular health.
7:
DASH Diet
A particular diet designed to top Weight Watchers, the DASH diet relies heavy on the classics: fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It was created by the National Heart Lung And Blood Institute to help with weight loss, spikes in metabolism and reduced blood pressure all with a little help of your major food groups and not saturated fat, sugar and salt.
6:
Weight Watchers
With Weight Watchers, every calorie counts and it's helped as nearly 1.4 million members attend meetings every week! The publicly traded program offers everything from branded pastries to frozen dinners to cookbooks and uses a point system based on carbs, protein, fat and fibre count to monitor nutrition and weight loss.
5:
Zone Diet
Created by Dr. Barry Sears, the Zone Diet focuses on a ratio of 40 per cent carbohydrates, 30 per cent fat and 30 per cent proteins which is designed to regulate blood sugar levels. It's allowed to restrict portion control and has been known to be a favourite amongst celebrities, including actress Jennifer Aniston.
4:
Gluten-Free Diet
Just as its name states, this diet excludes all foods that contain traces of gluten - which in a nutshell is found in wheat, barley, rye, malts and triticale. Adopting the plan crosses out everyday foods like bread and pastas and even eliminates a large number of snack foods and beverages (including beer), forcing you to depend on other forms of protein and fruits and vegetables. While it does treat celiac disease, it's a common diet amongst athletes (see unofficial spokesperson/NFL quarterback Drew Brees).
3:
Volumetrics
Engineered by nutritionist/author Dr. Barbara J. Rolls, the volumetrics diet focuses on eating foods that have high water content which help you feel full faster and combat hunger and deprivation. Foods such as soup and non-starchy vegetables are the backbone of the diet which painfully neglects sugary snacks.
2:
Vegan Diet
Adopted by celebrities and ordinary folk, dieters are forced to cut meat, dairy, eggs, honey (it's churned by bees) and avoid clothing and cosmetics that may have been in contact with animals.
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Jenny Craig
It's hard to believe that a fossil like the Jenny Craig program could make an impact on today's dieters but it's branded food and menu plan has become an instant hit with celebrities, including Hollywood starlets like Mariah Carey. The secret: the 29-year-old company ranked as one of the highest in 2012 for total weight loss over one year.
