Diet Comparison
Here is a side-by-side summary of Weight Watchers and The Zone to help you compare diets and choose a weight loss plan that will work for you.
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Diets |
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Best for...
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Anyone who is serious about long-term weight loss and thrives on peer support and encouragement.
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Anyone who prefers a higher protein diet but wants to eat more carbs than those allowed on the Atkins Diet.
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Risks
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None noted.
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The prescribed calorie consumption guidelines associated wth this diet may be too low for some, and this may result in feeling low in energy and/or weak. That said, calorie consumption can be increased while still following The Zone's guidelines for food distribution, thereby adressing this risk.
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Basic philosophy / approach
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Teaches the fundamentals of sound nutrition and basic fitness. Emphasizes group support at regular weigh-ins. Uses a point system to help you manage what you're eating and your portion sizes.
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Eat a balanced diet, BUT balanced is defined differently from the well-known Food Pyramid. Limit portions to a reasonable size.
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Foods that are / aren't allowed
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Nothing is strictly restricted. The focus is on dietary awareness and portion size reduction and overall dietary balance.
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The basic idea is to increase protein, reduce simple carbs and processed sugar.
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How much work involved
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Highly flexible. You can eat Weight Watchers prepared meals, cook your own or do a combination. Weekly weigh-ins at Weight Watcher centers.
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Once you understand the basic approach, the diet is flexible and quite simple to follow.
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Cost
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Register for Weight Watchers online for just $14.95 per month for plan, plus a $29.95 registration fee (on-line option).
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While you can purchase some snacks from The Zone's web site, you can follow the diet without buying any prepared foods and/or special equipment.
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Speed to results
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You can expect to lose between 1 and 2 lbs. per week, with a potential initial drop greater than that in the first week or two.
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If you follow the basic plan (800-1,220 calories per day) you may lose weight at a rate significantly faster than the 1-2 lbs. per week average that is generally viewed as a healthy rate.
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Sign Up Online |
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Review
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Our review of Weight Watchers
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Our review of The Zone
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More Comparisons
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