The Many Types of Diets

There are many types of diets, each with their own specific goal. Most take discipline and extra time to get the full benefit of the diet.

Following is a list of some of these diets:

1. Low-calorie diets

2. Diabetic diets

3. Low-fat diets

4. Low-cholesterol diets

5. Low-sodium diets

6. Bland diets

7. High-fiber diets

The majority of recipes do not consider diet restrictions. They are created for the person who isn't concerned about special diets, only that the meal tastes good. Modifications have to be made to the recipe in order to use with diet restrictions.

Low-calorie diets are usually used for weight loss. You can generally eat most foods, but the quantity must be controlled in order to maintain the number of calories you wish to maintain. The idea is to consume fewer calories than your body will burn off. It is just a matter of planning each meal during the day and consume only the number of calories that is your goal.

Diabetic diets are designed to keep the level of blood sugar normal. If a person has an inadequate amount of insulin, which is the sugar-lowering hormone, a diabetic diet would be advised. This type of diet restricts carbohydrates, as well as saturated fats. Guidelines are provided by a doctor or dietitian for the quantities of each food group that a person needs to control this disorder. Foods of similar types and nutritional value are organized into food groups. The major food groups are milk, vegetable, fruit, bread, meat and fat.

Low-fat diets monitor the amount of fat content in all foods, both saturated and unsaturated. Depending on the reason for the diet, one may have only minor restrictions for the amount of fat intake, or they may have to avoid any fat completely.

Low-cholesterol diets are used when the cholesterol levels in the blood are higher than should be for good health. High cholesterol has adverse effects on the heart and arteries. Some foods to limit would be whole milk, whole eggs, cream, shellfish, and liver.

There are substitutes for some foods to help cooking for people on low-calorie, diabetic, low-fat, and low-cholesterol diets. Following are some of these substitutes.

1. Skim milk for whole milk

2. Skim milk for cream

3. Part-skim mozzarella cheese for cheddar cheese

4. Cornstarch for flour in thickening

5. Polyunsaturated oil for butter

6. Vegetable cooking spray for margarine

7. Skinless chicken for chicken with skin

8. Leave nuts out of the recipe.

Low-sodium diets are for someone who is retaining more water than is healthy. The body cannot handle the amount of sodium consumed. This diet is sometimes prescribed for people with high blood pressure, heart problems, and certain liver conditions. Some foods to avoid are salted cracker, frozen peas, salted, smoked meats, all cheeses, and the most obvious, salt.

Bland diets are used to prevent or relieve irritations of the stomach, such as ulcers.Highly seasoned foods are generally avoided. Foods to avoid are caffeine, alcohol, and spices, such as cayenne, chile powder, etc.

High-fiber diets act as a natural laxative. Foods included in fiber diets are bran, some raw vegetables, and whole-grain cereals.

The main goal of any diet is to still have the food taste good, regardless of the restrictions. It may take several modifications of a recipe to find this balance.

Bob Boeck is a Premier Member of the United States Personal Chef Association. He has passed the ServSafe Exam and is ServSafe Certified. Visit [cooking-info.net] for more articles on cooking and some recipes.