If you’re aiming for a slimmer waistline, how much weight should you be losing? Is it all about what you eat or do you need a magic pill to get rid of your junk food addiction? We discussed the science behind the popular diets and how losing weight can be a real possibility for those who follow them.
The Science Behind Popular Diets
In case you’re wondering, the Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the brain that regulates the release of follicles in the ovaries. When FSH levels are low, follicles are less likely to develop and mature, which in turn keeps the ovaries from producing eggs. This makes female infertility a possibility. On the other hand, when FSH levels are high, eggs are more likely to develop, making fertility a possibility. As you can see, this hormone plays a crucial role in the entire reproductive process.
Now that you know what it is, let’s discuss the different diets that work based on the levels of this hormone.
The Least-Calorie Diet
If you’re trying to lose weight without wrecking your health, the Least-calorie diet could be the perfect alternative for you. Considered one of the safer and easier diets to follow, the Least-calorie diet is designed to provide all the nutrients your body needs while minimizing the amount of calories you consume. To do this, you’re supposed to follow a meal plan that consists of five to six small meals a day, plus two snacks. Your daily calorie intake is then calculated based on this plan, and it ranges from 500 to 600 calories, depending on your gender and weight. It’s a diet that allows for both weight loss and safe and healthy living, which is why it has been so popular among the millennials.
The Modified Atkins Diet
A diet that’s been around for a while but continues to attract new followers each day is the Modified Atkins diet. This diet is similar to the Atkins diet, but it allows for more carbs and fewer calories. Since it has a less stringent carb limit, this makes the Modified Atkins diet a popular choice for those who want to lose weight but need to accommodate their dietary needs. The basic premise behind the diet is that sugar, specifically fructose, leads to obesity, so cutting back on added sugars is the key to slimming down. To follow the diet, you’re supposed to eat meat and veggie protein, eggs, and fish. You can then incorporate natural sugars such as fruits into your diet. You’re allowed to eat dairy, too, as long as it’s not in excess, and some people even recommend eating butter as part of the diet.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet was originally developed in the 1950s for people with diabetes but have since found use among those attempting to lose weight as well. On this diet, fruits are restricted, as are beans and grains, which are the primary sources of carbohydrates in the diet. You’re also supposed to avoid potatoes and avoid drinking alcohol, which is high in sugar. The diet was created with Dr. Sidney Haas in mind, who believed that eliminating carbohydrates would trigger your body’s fat-burning processes, resulting in weight loss. However, some experts believe that the Specific Carbohydrate Diet can lead to malnutrition if not followed correctly, especially if you’re an active person who needs quick energy. While the diet can be effective for weight loss, it’s not necessarily a healthy option for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Mediterranean Diet
If you’re looking for a diet rich in plant-based foods, including fruits, veggies, and whole grains, you could try following the Mediterranean diet. This diet promotes eating lots of vegetables, fruits, and legumes, and it restricts foods containing gluten, refined sugar, and oil. To be able to follow this diet, you need to be sure that none of the food products you use contain gluten or refined sugar, as these ingredients are usually found in processed foods and added to ingredients previously prepared by the food manufacturer. In general, the Mediterranean diet favors mono-unsaturated fats over saturated fats and trans fats. It also emphasizes eating lots of fiber, which results in a feeling of fullness that’s less likely to be followed by a craving for sweets or high-calorie foods. It’s considered to be among the healthy diets available, and it’s also been shown to boost your body’s natural defense mechanisms.
The DASH Diet
Incorporating both fruits and vegetables into your diet is essential for providing your body with nutrients necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To follow the DASH diet, you’re supposed to eat lots of low-fat dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, and you’re also allowed to consume meat and eggs, but these foods should be enjoyed in moderation. To meet the needs of those who are looking for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, while not depriving themselves of the foods they love, the DASH diet was developed. This diet encourages the use of a variety of food products, including whole grains, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruits. Its guidelines were inspired by dietary patterns commonly followed by people with healthy weights, and it was created with the help of nutritionists, dieticians, and medical professionals.
How to Lose Weight
So, now that you know the different diets available, you have the scientific background you need to decide which one is right for you. Remember, this is not an easy task. It takes time to figure out how your body reacts to different foods and how much weight you need to lose. If you want to lose weight, it’s not about finding the quick fix but rather about incorporating healthy and effective habits into your life. This is why it’s so important to take the time to find the diet that works best for you.
Whatever diet you choose, remember that the key to weight loss is consistent and measured exercise and a well-balanced diet. Eating the right food for your body helps, too. For example, if you’re looking to shed those extra pounds, you should avoid foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats, such as fatty meats and whole eggs. Instead, you should opt for fish, chicken, and egg whites, as these are proven to help increase your body’s ability to burn fat.
On the other hand, if you’re a diabetic and you need to watch your carbohydrate intake, you should opt for the Least-calorie diet, as this diet allows for more carbs than the others mentioned here. Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any new diet, as he may have advice to offer regarding which diet is best for your body.