Diet Comparison - Mediterranean Vs The South Beach Diet

I have been on a lot of diets. Some allowed me to lose a lot of weight quickly, but were either so boring I couldn't stick with it or so low in calories that Famine Mode kicked in. I had to actually learn how to eat properly before real weight loss could begin.

Plans like the South Beach diet can be beneficial to some people, but most of us will run into some difficulties with it. It is a low carbohydrate plan, which puts a big emphasis on protein. Most of the proteins used come from animal products which can lead to a raise in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and other problems that could be deadly.

This sort of plan is also a bad idea for those with certain conditions. If you have any sort of kidney disease, this plan is not for you. You may also find life difficult on this diet if you have gout, because all protein contains purine, which breaks down to uric acid.

The Mediterranean diet is nowhere near as restrictive as South Beach, which is a good thing. It emphasizes healthy fats such as olive oil and most of the animal protein is fish, seafood and cheese. Whole grains are another aspect of the diet, which helps to remove even more cholesterol.

You may have noticed that there is also regular consumption of wine, especially red wines. That is not necessarily a bad thing, though if you have gout it could trigger an attack. Red wine contains flavanoids that are good for your heart. Do remember to drink it only in moderation.

There is one other aspect to developing a healthy lifestyle that should be addressed side by side with diet, and that is exercise. No diet will help you get fit if you don't start moving. Thirty minutes of cardio exercise at least three times a week is the minimum. It would be better if you could do it five times a week, but you may need to build up to that level.

Before you start any diet program, talk to your doctor. You should get a complete physical, so that you know about any underlying health conditions. If you have physical limits from arthritis or other conditions, your doctor can help you find a workout that won't cause more damage to your joints. While there, ask to speak to a nutritionist that the doctor is comfortable working with. The nutritionist can help you design an eating plan that will give you all the nutrients you need and fit into your lifestyle. Believe me, if I can do it, you can do it.

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Diet Types.......................Page 8
Understanding Calories.......Page 10
Supplements....................Page 17
Childhood Obesity.............Page 19

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