Udita Madan


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Weight management is something that triggers instant debates and discussions and the first thing that comes to mind when someone realizes that they're putting on weight is, “I need to go on a diet”.


Diets have taken the world by storm and every few months, a new diet emerges that claims to help people overcome their weight issues.


We all know people who are following different diets, for instance, Mediterranean diet, GM diet, Atkins diet, South Beach diet, Stillman diet, et al. There are so many to choose from and all those people who follow them swear by it.


 


However, there are a few diets that have become more popular than others during the past few years.


Below is a compiled list of eight such diets that have gained popularity over time, for being the most effective where weight loss is concerned. Have a look!


1. Alkaline diet:



This diet primarily focuses on reducing the effect of foods that increase acidic levels in the blood when digested. The diet requires one to consume two-thirds alkalizing foods (like green vegetables) and one-third acidifying foods (meat, cheese), in order to rebalance the body. Those following this diet can eat carbs, proteins and fat, but the prime focus is firmly on raw, seasonal produce, green vegetables and fruit.


2. Chrono nutrition:



This diet is more up the alley for foodies, wherein those following it can eat whatever they like, but only at fixed times of the day. Which means that instead of cutting out certain foods, this diet puts different food groups in different meals. Developed by French nutritionist Dr Delabos, this diet requires one to eat a full, heavy breakfast consisting of or including animal fats, followed by a good lunch meal based on proteins and carbohydrates. Your sweet tooth cravings will be satisfied soon after followed by a light dinner in the evening to avoid accumulation of excess calories.


3. Detox diet:



Detox diets work exactly the way its name suggests and promise to flush out harmful toxins from the body. They are more of a short-term procedure than long-term, because it generally takes around a week, starting with a three-day phase. The diet requires people to eat only one kind of food combined with lots of fruits and liquids. Cooked vegetables are progressively reintroduced, followed by protein (meat, fish, eggs) over the last two days.


4. Dukaan Diet:



We're sure many people must have come across this one. Although strict in the type of food aspect, followers are allowed to consume unlimited quantities. The diet provides high protein and low calorie intake, cutting out on excess fat and carbohydrates. Weight loss can be very quick in the first phase of the diet, also called the attack phase, which lasts around seven days.


5. Low FODMAP diet:



This diet was developed by an Australian nutritionist in the year 2005 primarily for those who suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The diet involves giving a backseat to a family of carbohydrates called FODMAPs, which are basically types of sugars that are not very well-absorbed by the body. FODMAPs are naturally present in certain vegetables, cereals, pulses, fruits, mushrooms, dairy products and certain "low sugar" products. Fruits allowed as part of the diet include bananas, grapes, grapefruit, kiwis, mandarins, oranges, passion fruit, pineapple and tomatoes.


6. Blood type diet:



Due to the different antibodies developed in relation to the chemical composition of each specific blood group, people with blood types A, B, O and AB shouldn't eat the same things to lose weight and stay healthy, according to James d'Adamo, an American nutritionist. The "O group" should eat meat and vegetables but avoid dairy products and carbs. The "B group" should fill up on dairy products, green vegetables, meat and eggs, while avoiding chicken, corn, peanuts and lentils. The "A group" should follow a vegetarian diet, with lots of fruit, vegetables and cereals but no meat, beer, dairy products or beans.


7. Mediterranean or Okinawa diet:



Red wine, tea, olive oil, fruit and vegetables rich in flavonoids and antioxidants make up the menu for the Mediterranean diet as well as offer all the benefits for a healthy heart. The Okinawa diet is a pescetarian regime that includes vegetables, algae, wholegrains and legumes, fruit, high-calcium foods (broccoli, fish, yogurt, cheese, etc.), fish, seafood, and nuts and seeds rich in omega 3.


8. Paleo diet:



Also called the caveman diet, it requires you to do exactly that – eat like a caveman. Based on what humans ate in the Paleolithic era, theis diet can help dieters shed up to 1 kilogram of fat per week. The menu excludes all cereals and dairy products, as well as beans and legumes, starchy vegetables like potatoes, fatty meats, salt, sugar, and all forms of processed food and fizzy drinks. Instead, all you're going to get to feast on are lean meats, poultry, fish, seafood, fruit and non-starchy vegetables, as well as all kinds of nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, etc.).