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Trying to Decide on a Diet? Read This First

Get the lowdown, and a nutrition expert's take, on 8 of the most popular plans (17 Photos)

Mallory Gnaegy on Sep 30, 2010 at 1:17PM

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Trying to Decide on a Diet? Read This First

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Atkins

Diet: Atkins
What it is: Atkins emphasizes high-protein, high-fiber and low-carb foods. Followers are only allowed 20 "net carbs" a day (the total carb content minus fiber content of food). It’s not an-all-you-can-eat buffet of steak, like some may think, but it does emphasize eating four to six ounces of protein per meal. You’ll go through four phases, starting by eating exactly 20 net grams in the first phase, 12 to 15 grams of them from vegetables. From there, each phase is a little less restrictive.
Who it’s for: If you like your meat with a side of meat (and don’t mind passing up the bread), enjoy cooking, then this diet is for you.
Sample Meal: Beef Tenderloin and Dijon Greens
Cost: $7.99 to$16.47 for the book, plus the cost of food

Filed Under:
- diet; South Beach Diet; Atkins Diet; Weight Watchers; L.A. Weightloss

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