Over the years, many diet plans have come and gone. Some have been quickly forgotten (anyone remember the cabbage soup diet?), while others have been around since I was a little girl (and that’s a long time!). Recently, some of these “older” diets have been revamped to become more in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. And, keep in mind that the 2015 version of the dietary guidelines stressed the fact that you should be choosing a diet that’s right for you — as long as it’s well-balanced and includes all the food groups. Here are three diets that have recently undergone a makeover:
Weight Watchers
In December, Weight Watchers launched its “Beyond the Scale” program, which is the biggest change in the company’s history. You’ve probably seen Oprah’s commercials endorsing it. The updated plan is a personalized and holistic approach to a happier and healthier life based on the latest scientific research. It not only addresses healthier eating and calorie control using a new SmartPoints system, but also incorporates a new fitness approach that fits a busy lifestyle. Members receive personalized fitness goals and the FitBreak app, which helps them turn those downtimes — when they may be tempted to be a coach potato — into moments they can fit in some exercise.
The newest SmartPoints plans encourage members to move slowly toward an eating pattern that includes more lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and less sugar and saturated fat — all recommendations in line with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Weight Watchers also emphasizes that food should not only be healthy, but also taste delicious and make you feel good. As always, no foods are off-limits.
The organization’s meetings have also gotten a makeover, with a sharpened focus on members’ goals on and off the scale and a more motivating and social environment.
Nutrisystem
This diet plan has always been about prepared foods delivered right to your doorstep. Recently, however, the company reformulated more than 50 percent of its menu to contain no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. A large number of its foods aim to have at least 50 percent of the grains coming from a whole-grain source. Further, fresh, wholesome ingredients like SmartCarbs (whole grains and fruit) and PowerFuels (lean protein and healthy fats) are required daily and encourage participants to visit their local grocery store and learn how to choose healthy foods. Due to customer demand, Nutrisystem now also allows for more flexibility, so customers can choose between grab-and-go and fresh frozen menu options, without any restrictions.
A really nice perk of the program is that trained coaches offer participants 24/7 support. They can help answer simple questions about the plan or offer encouragement. Registered dietitians are also on hand if a question warrants their expertise.
Many diet plans of the past failed because they had no maintenance plan. Nutrisystem has developed several options to ensure that the weight doesn’t only come off, but stays off.
Special K
If you remember the commercials for this plan, it encouraged cereal for breakfast and lunch with a wholesome dinner. Today, however, Special K isn’t a diet per se, but the company has released a full line of foods and recipes that can be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Their Nourish line of cereals, which includes Apple Raspberry Almond and Coconut Cranberry Almond, are made with multigrain flakes containing quinoa. Their line of bars has expanded to include chewy nut bars, cereal bars, protein meal bars and chewy snack bars. The nut bars, a good snack choice, are made of nuts, dried fruit, oats or all of the above. Special K also offers a variety of products that are gluten-free.
Recipes on the Special K website range from a Southwestern Breakfast Burrito Bowl made with their protein cereal to Honey Hot Cocoa Shooters made with their original cereal.
Bottom Line: There are many individualized weight-loss plans to choose from, and they aren’t always the newest on the block. With the recent makeovers of older diet plans, it’s best to always do your research. If you are unsure if a plan is right for you, check out the U.S. News Best Diets rankings or seek the expertise of a registered dietitian who can point you in the right direction.
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3 Diets That Aren’t What You Think They Are originally appeared on usnews.com
