With the start of a new year come many new resolutions to get in better shape and lose weight. The first thought of many new to fitness is to buy exercise equipment, and while this is a good start, a healthy diet is a crucial component to losing weight. This can be difficult to accomplish, however, with the multitudes of variants and fad diets floating around, so let us help you find the most effective weight loss diets that will aid you in creating some real results.
The Paleo Diet
You’ve likely heard of paleo before. The basic philosophy of this diet is that you eat the same foods as our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate before agriculture developed. Roleplaying as a caveman is not necessary but highly encouraged.
Anyhow, by eating the same foods as hunter-gatherers, what the paleo diet really means is emphasizing whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds while avoiding processed, sugary, or dairy foods. As a result, you will end up eating fewer carbs, more protein, and 300-900 fewer calories a day. This makes the paleo diet effective for weight loss but eliminates some nutritious foods such as whole grains and dairy products.
Low-Carb Diets
Diets that reduce the number of carbohydrates you eat have been some of the most effective weight loss diets by allowing for unlimited amounts of protein and fats in place of reducing carb intake. When your carb intake is low, fatty acids will move into your bloodstream and transport to your liver where they’ll be turned into ketones. Ketones are what your body uses for energy when there is a deficiency of carbohydrates
This process is called “ketosis” which is a natural metabolic state. This is the process that makes low-carb diets effective for weight loss. The caveat for these diets, however, is that people often react to diets differently. Some people on a low-carb diet feel great, while others feel just miserable. If you fall into the camp of feeling miserable, don’t feel obligated to stick with this diet. There are more options for you to consider.
Intermittent Fasting
The idea behind this diet is that you’ll cycle your body between periods of eating and fasting. This method doesn’t constrict what you’re allowed to eat but instead controls when you eat them so that you don’t overindulge. As a result, it can be considered more of an eating pattern than a proper diet.
This is an effective method of weight loss for those that struggle with giving up some of their favorite foods by ensuring they keep themselves restricted to a healthy calorie intake. Before you consider following this method, consider your circumstances, as you should be healthy and well-nourished before attempting to fast.