GLYCEMIC INDEX

A professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto, Dr. David Jenkins developed the G.I. Diet is a low-carb diet that measures the speed at which foods are broken down by the body to form glucose, the body’s source of energy. Low carbohydrate foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, lean meat/ fi sh and low fat dairy such as plain yogurt and skim milk.

THE MACROBIOTIC DIET

This low-fat, high-fi ber diet involves eating grains as a staple food, supplementing with vegetables and beans, while avoiding highly processed or refi ned foods. The Macrobiotic Diet is a way of life. If you’re drawn to the concept of eating a natural, organic, plant-based diet and embrace a Zen-like spirituality, this may be for you. This diet addresses the issue of over eating by requiring dieters to chew their food thoroughly before swallowing. Great foods for this diet consist of whole grains, vegetables, beans, fermented soy and soups along with small amounts of fi sh, nuts, seeds, and fruits.

ORGANIC DIET

The Organic Diet includes foods that are free of pesticides, preservatives, and sweeteners. Foods included in the Organic Diet are whole grains, fruits and vegetables, chicken and beef, freerange eggs, and hormone free milk. No processed foods containing transfats or artifi cial fl avorings and sweeteners are allowed.

RAW FOOD DIET

The raw food diet is based on the concept that heating food over 116 degrees Fahrenheit destroys its natural enzyme or nutrients. The raw food diet is low-sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, and fi ber. It also contains fewer trans fats and saturated fat than a typical Western diet. But dieters beware; this diet lacks essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, B12, protein and calories. Raw diet foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, grains, unprocessed organic or natural foods.

THE SONOMA DIET

Created by Dr. Connie Guttersen, a registered dietician and nutrition instruction at the Culinary Institute of America, The Sonoma Diet is based on cuisine of the Sonoma wine country. This diet plan combines Asian, Latin American, and Mediterranean style cuisine and encourages eating whole, fresh everyday foods that will naturally improve your overall health, satisfy your hunger and help you loose weight. The Sonoma Diet consists of three different waves (phases) and focuses on the “power” foods. Wave one preps your body with healthy whole foods that lasts for 10 days. Wave two is the major part of the diet, and, best of all, you get to have half a glass of wine with your meal. Wave three starts the day you reach your target weight and have changed your entire approach to eating. “Power” foods include lean protein feta cheese, almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, whole grains and wine.

JENNY CRAIG

Jenny Craig pairs you with a personal consultant and helps build a low-fat, low cholesterol, high-fi ber diet that works for you. Dieters can choose between already created menus or can create their own. Jenny Craig teaches portion control and balance while also establishing sensible eating habits. This diet program also offers work-out programs, support groups, and more! The food, “Jenny’s Cuisine®”, offers a wide variety of nutritious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack items.

NUTRISYSTEM ADVANCED

Founded in 1972, this prepackaged, portion-controlled meal plan is conveniently delivered right to your door. Nutrisystem Advanced consists of low-fat, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and the right amount of protein and fi ber rich foods. It is also low in sodium, saturated and trans fats and includes whole grains. With your order you will receive 28 days of food, a daily meal planner, exercise DVD and a 12 week, self-guided Mindset Makeover™ behavior modifi cation guide. You will also have access to online newsletters and classes, an e-community and unlimited free weight loss counseling and support.

SOUTH BEACH DIET

Also known as the “Food Lovers Diet”, this 3 phase diet plan was created by cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agatson. The diet emphasizes eating good carbs, good fats, and lean proteins. The three phase plan starts with eating fewer carbohydrates except for essentials vegetables, while consuming lean protein. After two weeks, dieters add in more complex carbohydrates including bread and chocolate. The basis of the diet is to teach which foods are nutrient-dense and what are healthy portion sizes.

THE ZONE

The Zone Diet centers on a balanced ratio of calories obtained from carbohydrates (40%), fat (30%) and proteins (30%) to achieve hormonal balance. The concept is to control your body’s insulin production. The Zone diet does not recommend that you eat fewer calories than you’re currently consuming, just different ones.

WEIGHT WATCHERS MOMENTUM PROGRAM

Founded over 40 years ago by Jean Nidetch, Weight Watchers teaches dieters the right foods and portion control. Dieters also have an option of attending weekly one on one support meetings or joining the Weight Watchers online program. There are two plans to choose from: the Flex Plan, which lets dieters eat the foods they want but control the amount with a point system. The Core Plan which doesn’t tally points but consists of only nutritional food.

Still not enough choices, here’s a wacky diet that’s popular with many celebrities. However, it is more like fasting than a traditional diet plan; it is called the Master Cleanse. Introduced in 1940 by alternative health practitioner Stanley Burroughs, the Master Cleanse is used for quick weight loss as well as to detoxify the body of impurities and get rid of many conditions and ailments. With the Master Cleanse, or Lemonade Cleansing Diet, dieters drink a lemonade mixture that consists of maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper for 3-10 days and avoid all other foods during this time.

The staff at Behind Every Bride does not endorse or encourage dieting as a quick, short term, weight loss technique. If you are serious about wanting to improve your health, do your research, fi nd a diet and exercise plan that fi ts your lifestyle and stick with it. And, as with any diet and exercise plan, consult your physician fi rst.