6 Popular Diet Plans For Weight Loss

Considered to be the strictest form of vegetarianism, vegan diet thrives on low fat and high fibre content and helps in losing weight. This plant based diet also has health benefits like lower risk of heart diseases and type-two diabetes. This diet is totally devoid of meat and dairy products. On the flip side: Sans meat, this diet misses out on important nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, iron, calcium and zinc

This protein based diet consists of 100 foods which are divided into four phases - attack, cruise, consolidation and stabilisation. 2-3 kilos are lost through lean protein intake in the first stage. In the second stage, the aim is to achieve the desirable weight of those pursing this diet plan by eating 28 specific vegetables. Sugar and starchy foods are added in the consolidation phase and the objective is to prevent extra weight gain. The last phase is long term and the person can eat whatever he wants provided he follows certain rules. On the flip side: There is a significant amount of muscle and fat loss as the diet requires severe restrictions on calorie intake. It can also slow down metabolism rate.

The focus of this diet plan is to get rid of carbs from the diet and increase consumption of as many proteins and fats. Similar to the Dukan diet, this diet is also split into four phases. In the induction (first) phase 20 grams of carbs is consumed per day for two weeks. In the remaining phases, the aim is to re-introduce healthy carbs. Being a low-carb diet, it can be instrumental in eliminating belly fat. On the flip side: In rare cases, those pursuing this plan can develop health issues like bad breath, insomnia, dizziness, constipation and lethargy.

Apart from shedding those extra kilos, this diet can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve mental and physical health. This plan recommends intake of proteins for one third portion of the diet and the remaining two third of fruits and veggies, with a splash of fat spread over three meals. The low-glycemic loaded diet is filling and prevents excess food intake. On the flip side: Restricts intake of healthy carbs like Bananas, rice and potatoes.

Intermittent Fasting The diet creates a set pattern of consuming food throughout the day. It means consuming calories at specific period of the day and then fasting during the rest. Small portion of fruits and vegetables are consumed in intervals, followed by a full-fledged meal at night. With this pattern, the calories are consumed in fewer proportions and not at once, thereby increasing the chances of weight loss. On the flip side: This ‘fast-and-feast' approach may not suit everyone's body cycle and might be a tough one to sustain.

This diet work wonders for people who are overweight or suffers from metabolic problems. The low carb diet thrives on staple foods like fish, eggs, butter, meat and low carb vegetables. On the flip side: Can cause occasional health issues like increased hunger, nausea and lack of sleep