The fad diets

With dieting high on the agenda, millions of people have started one of several new fad diets. Chain restaurants have even started including low carbohydrate meals in their menus. Coke and Pepsi have also joined the bandwagon offering their customers a low carbohydrate alternative.
   Atkins Diet -- A four-phase diet, in which the first phase restricts the consumption of carbohydrates to 20 grams. During subsequent phases, small amounts of carbohydrates can be added but only in the form of nutrient-dense foods. This program is considered to be a lifetime program and used in conjunction with exercise.
   South Beach Diet -- A three-phase diet that claims to be neither a low-fat diet or low-carbohydrates diet, but teaches the right carbohydrates and right fats to eat. The first phase requires a dieter to have three balanced meals a day and keep hunger satisfied, but cuts out items like potatoes, pasta and rice, which are added in slowly as the diet progresses. This is also a diet for life that should be used in conjunction with exercise.
   The Zone Diet -- A diet that focuses on keeping insulin levels at a certain degree to curb hunger and shed pounds. This is done by carefully regulating carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
   Sugar Busters! -- Labels sugar as the enemy because of its relationship with insulin and is then stored as fat. Refined sugars are eliminated from one's diet.
   Dr. Phil's Diet -- Dr. Phil's keys to weight loss focus on thinking and self-control. Healing feelings are the key to emotional control and mastery over impulse eating. "Intentional" exercise and Dr. Phil offer dieters a way to choose healthy foods while dining out.
   Before starting any diet, you should consult your physician.