Weight Loss Diets Examined

Fad Diets & Dieting Fads: Do they work?

Reality TV Diets

It finally happened. Reality TV has entered the diet phenomena. Shows like the Biggest Loser and Celebrity Fit Club have Americans fascinated by watching people lose weight. These shows are very popular and their diet secrets are available to the public (for a fee, of course) – through an online diet program.

The Celebrity Fit Club diet has helped celebrities Tiffany and Carnie Wilson lose weight over a 14 week period. It's really the Fat Smash Diet written by Dr. Ian K. Smith. And it is not meant to be a “diet” but rather, a change of lifestyle. The diet consists of four phases. The first phase is very restrictive and is considered a detox mode, where basically, you can eat all the fruit and vegetables you want, as well as oatmeal, beans and tea. That is it. This detox phase lasts for nine days. After that, in the following phase, you gradually start including other foods.

For example, in Phase 2 you can include lean meats, seafood, cheese, and cereal (not those loaded with sugar.) In the final phase, alcohol and white starches along with some sweets are re-introduced to your diet, but in small quantities.

With the Biggest Loser Diet, you have to stick to a specific calorie range. You count your calories but it's not hard. Because the program is done online, most of the work is done for you. You are provided with meal plans, recipes and a weekly shopping list. You can customize this diet to suit your preferences. Let's say, for example you want low sodium, or vegetarian, you can adapt it. The diet itself consists of healthy fruits and vegetables. You avoid high fat and high-calorie foods. This diet manages portion control and you're taught to distinguish good fats from bad fats.

Both, Celebrity Fit Club diet and Biggest Loser diet insist on exercise. Follow either program and you'll find yourself exercising most days. With the Celebrity Fit Club you will be exercising at least 30 minutes or more five times a week, and between 30-60 minutes on Biggest Loser diet.

There is a difference in the maintenance phases of these two diet plans. If following the Celebrity Fit Club diet, be prepared to continue its eating and exercing routine for the rest of your life. On the other hand, Biggest loser diet does not require you to follow a specific maintenance plan but you will have to continue adhering to your new eating habits and not relapse into your old ways.

Both these television shows attracted large audiences. However, it appears the Biggest Loser attracts a larger audience and might have more followers due to the shows popularity and the dramatic results the players experience.