Hip and Thigh Diet

Rosemary Conley developed this diet in 1983 and has been a UK best seller for this period. The diet has hardly changed in the last twenty years and it is basically a very low fat diet that encourages lots of vegetables, starchy carbohydrates and regular exercise. The diet comes with a comprehensive exercise plan designed to help with weight loss and tone muscle. The diet bans quite a lot of foods but the recipes are easy to follow and hunger is not a problem on this diet. The diet encourages three regular meals and is a sensible well balanced diet that is based on proven dietary facts.

Rosemary Conley's Hip and Thigh diet does not make you lose weight on specific areas of the body this is a diet myth and the weight loss that occurs will be from allover the body. Generally the hip and thighs are the last areas of fat that is lost during dieting, the diet does contain some exercises that will help you tone the hips and thighs.

Rosemary Conley's Hip and Thigh diet : Positives

• No calorie counting
  
• Well balanced nutritionally
  
• You will lose weight by following this plan and the weight can be kept off
  
• Lots of vegetarian options
  
• Hunger is not a problem as the meals are filling

Rosemary Conley's Hip and Thigh diet : Negatives

• The amount of fats allowed is a little bit on the low side and can be hard to get used to.
  
• The preparation of meals requires a lot of weighing
  
• The diet does not help you lose weight specifically from the
• hip and thighs.
  
• The plan includes exercise

Rosemary Conley's Hip and Thigh diet : Verdict

The Hip and thigh diet is recommended as it is a well balanced diet that includes exercise and is based on sound principles and should improve overall health as well as helping you lose weight. No diet can make you lose weight specifically from one area of the body and the hip and thigh diet is no exception.

See also

Shrink your female fat zones

South Beach Diet

Developed by Dr Agatston in 1999, to help patients avoid or combat heart problems, it also boasts weight loss. Celebrity successes include Bill and Hillary Clinton. It works on the idea that carbs cause weight gain, which is similar to the Atkins diet, however the South Beach diet does not eliminate carbs completely. It divides them into 'good' carbs (e.g. high fibre cereals, wheat breads) and 'bad' carbs (e.g. biscuits, pasta). 'Bad' carbs make you feel full temporarily, but cause your blood sugar levels to rise sharply. When they fall again they leave you feeling lethargic and hungry. The South Beach diet also differentiates between 'good' fats (monounsaturated) and 'bad' fats (saturated). You eat 3 healthy balanced meals a day and snacks are allowed, however, by eating the right kinds of foods you will feel fuller for longer.

The South Beach diet works in 3 phases.

Phase One - 2 weeks of strict dieting. This is the initial weight loss period. You still eat normal portion sizes but nearly all carbs are avoided. In studies people lost between 8 -13 lbs. during this phase.

Phase Two - lasts until you reach your desired weight. 'Good' carbs are slowly introduced while weight loss continues.

Phase Three - returning to normal. This is all about maintaining your desired weight with a healthy balanced diet. If at any point the dieter starts to gain weight again simply return to phase one.

As with all diets it is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and it is also recommended that followers of the South Beach diet take a daily calcium supplement. It is not recommended for people with kidney problems. Always consult a doctor or dietician before undertaking weight loss plans.

Dr Agatston says "Everyone will cheat or fall off the wagon at times. This does not mean forget it."

South Beach diet : Reasons for
Scientifically sound and recommended by Dr Cheskin of the John Hopkins Weight Management Centre.
It improves cholesterol and insulin levels
It does not omit any major food groups, rather it is about finding a balance
It had only a 5% drop out rate in tests
You don't have to exercise!

South Beach diet : Reasons against
Much of the initial weight loss may just be water loss caused by cutting out carbs.
Can be limiting if you are unable to eat or dislike dairy products.
It can be hard to find the time to prepare meals in a busy modern lifestyle and it is easy to be tempted by fast food and ready meals.

South Beach diet : verdict
Overall this is a good diet. It keeps your heart healthy while reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. It has one of the lowest dropout rates for modern diets and provides practical eating patterns. It provides quick weight loss at the beginning and a steady weight loss continues until you reach your ideal weight. With this diet the weight is more likely to stay off.

Also see:
South Beach Living Meal Replacement Bars, 2.11-Ounce Bars (Pack of 12)