Ludicrous Costs for Stupid “Diet” Programs!
Dieting has become close to a worldwide obsession in recent years, and now that the New Year is in full swing, many people will have vowed to lose weight, and get healthier by a number of different means.
Unfortunately, for some this will involve choosing a program from the vast array of “fad diets” widely publicised by the media.
Personally, I detest the media marketing of “diet programs.” To me they seem to suggest that in order to lose weight, and be healthier, we must follow some sort of downright complicated plan. Frankly, this is rubbish!
Recently, Forbes evaluated the first week costs of seven popular weight loss programs - NutriSystem, the Zone, The Abs Diet, The 5 Factor Diet, South Beach, Weight Watchers and the Martha’s Vineyard Diet Detox.
They found the cost of these programs ranged from $100-$385:
- Martha’s Vineyard Diet Detox $385.
- Weight Watchers $385.
- The 5-Factor Diet $380.
- NutriSystem $98.
Personally, I feel that $385 could be better spent elsewhere! But, what are your thoughts on this cost? Are you willing to pay such a price? Do you believe that this is what it takes to achieve weight loss?
The world of dieting is hugely competitive, with the yearly revenue reported to exceed a whopping $40 billion. Consumer research now indicates that dieters are demanding permanent solutions, instead of quick fixes, and manufacturers have capitalized on this by branding their programs as a “lifestyle,” rather than a “diet.” For some programs, this is a deciteful marketing ploy, in my opinion!
If you’re sick of fake diet programs, but aren’t sure what to choose in there place, there are certain rules you can apply.
A diet is likely to be a fad if it:
- Contradicts what most trusted health professionals are saying.
- Relies on testimonials and anecdotes, rather than scientific evidence.
- Encourages eliminating whole food groups, such as carbohydrates.
- Promises rapid weight loss of more than two pounds a week.
- Suggests that particular foods have the power to burn fat.
- Includes lists of “good” and “bad” foods.
- Encourages bizarre quantities of particular foods or types of food, such as eating unlimited bowls of cabbage soup, cereal, or only consuming certain foods on certain days of the week.
- Recommends specific food combinations.
- Relies on meal substitutes, such as shakes.
- Does not encourage an increase in physical activity.
My advice:
- Reduce portion sizes.
- Snack healthy.
- Eat a variety of healthy, whole foods, and cut back on highly processed foods.
- Learn how to make your meals healthier.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Read food labels.
- Exercise most days of the week.
- Sleep well.
Don’t fall for the greedy ploys of the big business marketers! If you do want to follow a diet plan, try to choose something you can stick with for the years to come. It shouldn’t be a quick fix, and it can be enjoyable!
Best wishes!
Did you enjoy this article? Please be kind enough to share it -
You may also like to read the following:
8 comments...What do you think?
Trackbacks...
- Ludicrous Costs for Stupid âDietâ Programs! by diet.MEDtrials.info
- Ludicrous Costs for Stupid “Diet” Programs! by diet.MEDtrials.info
Jan 9, 2008
Some great advice. People often forget that in order to lose weight all they need to do is burn more calories than they consume. Some diets help do this but often are not sustainable. Your advice is spot on. Not overly glamorous and what people want to hear but stick to it and you will be more successful than fad diets.
Jan 14, 2008
Hi Richard - thanks for your comments.
Yes I totally agree, often people believe a diet must be OTT before it is plausible..seems completely contrary to me!
Jan 15, 2008
I watched my darling lose over 60 pounds eating normal, home-cooked food prepared mostly from fresh ingredients by us. We take turns spending 30 to 60 minutes preparing dinner for us and our two children.
For us, the key is a sensible eating plan we can stick to indefinitely. We cook food we enjoy eating. We serve balanced meals. We eat in moderation. We use measuring cups to help us get “balance” and “moderation” right. Some things, we have learned to measure by eye. And we exercise regularly. Well, at least one of us does.
As for expensive high-protein meal replacements — why not replace them with hard-boiled eggs?
Jan 25, 2008
Family Nutritionist - Good to hear from you again.
It sounds like you have it completely right, you’ve definitely achieved a balance in your approach. Well done!
Do you find this difficult?
Mar 4, 2008
since attempting to lose wieght yet again I indeed realise the key is thinking about what you eat hense the sense of menu planning……writing it down makes you do that. eating more fruit and veg which prevents that bloated feeling and water, water, water. then walking more! so I’m down at least a stone since Jan.cannot forget however asking God to take away desire to eat rubbishand choc and His help to help me say no and i’ve had enough!!!!!! reeducating ourselves regarding food.
Mar 5, 2008
Ruth,
That’s great news. It’s often the most simple changes that make the difference.
I always encourage people to make small changes that they can stick with, rather than trying to change everything at once. Trying to change too many things usually ends up being totally demoralising, as you can’t stick with it, and people end up feeling like they’ve failed.
Keep up the good work, God answers prayer!