KICK-START GOOD HEALTH
Experts size up different approaches to weight loss
THE RIGHT DIET, RIGHT WORKOUT,
One diet doesn’t fit all. Research shows that some people do better on one type of eating plan while others do better on a different one.
Here are some ideas for diets based on your eating style and personality type from Heather Mangieri, a registered dietitian in private practice in Pittsburgh and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formerly the American Dietetic Association, and Judith Rodriguez, the author of The Diet Selector, which has reviews of about 70 diets. She also is chairwoman of the department of nutrition and dietetics at the University of North Florida.
If you want support:
Consider Weight Watchers or the Jenny program (shortened from Jenny Craig), or get counseling from a registered dietitian in private practice or at a local hospital or medical center.
“Weight Watchers suits a lot of personality types,” Mangieri says. “It offers group support and education — two things that are very helpful for long-term success.”
Mangieri, who counsels people on weight loss, says registered dietitians can tailor programs to your lifestyle and teach you strategies that help overcome the obstacles in your life.
If you want a practical approach:
Rodriguez suggests the government’s My Plate program (choosemyplate.gov), which is based on the idea of a plate divided into four components: vegetable, fruits, grains, protein foods with low-fat dairy. It’s an easy guide, and all healthy family members can use it, she says.
Mangieri recommends The Small Change Diet: 10 Steps to a Thinner, Healthier You
If you’re a culinary magician:
There are many excellent healthful cookbooks available, Mangieri says. “I like the cookbooks that offer simple recipes with less than seven ingredients.”
Adds Rodriguez: Many weight-loss books also contain recipes. Make sure the recipes are ones you would enjoy and contain ingredients that are readily available to you, she says.
If you love ethnic food:
Try the Mediterranean, Latin American, Asian and African heritage diet pyramids developed by the Oldways Preservation Trust (oldwayspt.org), Rodriguez says. These guides show how to include cultural foods in a healthy eating plan.
If you’re cooking-averse:
The Jenny program or Nutrisystem might work for you; both include prepackaged meals that you buy from the companies, not at the grocery store, Rodriguez says. Or simply use the low-calorie dinners in the frozen-food section of your supermarket. It’s important to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables while you’re eating these foods, she says.
If you’re watching sodium intake:
Try The Secret to Skinny by Tammy Lakatos Shames and Lyssie Lakatos. This book focuses on simple low-sodium swaps to use if you are trying to both lose weight and cut back on salt or sodium, Rodriguez says.