We’re just days away from summer, and that can mean only one thing: bikini season.
For those of you looking to get fit, we take a look at hot summer diets to consider for your weight-loss goal. Here is a quick summary of some new and popular plans out there.
DUKAN DIET
Made famous by: Her Royal Highness Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Jennifer Lopez, Gisele Bundchen, Penelope Cruz
What it’s about: The Dukan diet is a low-fat, high-protein regimen often compared to Atkins. You eat a lot of protein and oat bran to cleanse the system. After you drop the pounds, you’re free to eat foods that you like–as long as you stick to working out and eating a full day of protein once a week.
How long does it take: The length of the diet varies on your weight-loss goal. According to many diet websites, people stay on the plan for at least 10 days.
Pros: Dietitians say it’s good to integrate protein into your diet, as those foods give you the feeling of fullness.
Cons: High-protein meal plans don’t yield long-term results, as local health experts argue. It’s easy for people to gain the weight back after this diet.
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Made famous by: The Mediterraneans
What it’s about: Mediterranean food offers many heart-healthy options. You focus on eating fresh fruits, vegetables and fish; using olive oil instead of butter; you can even drink wine on occasion.
How long does it take: The Mediterranean diet is more of a eating lifestyle than a weight-loss program. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is a heart-healthy plan with lasting effects.
Pros: You’re integrating good fats and fresh vegetables into your diet.
Cons: The diet is praised by many health experts, but some argue it is easy to eat too many fats with this meal plan.
DIET PILLS AND CLEANSES
Made famous by: Beyonce, Kim and Khloe Kardashian
What’s it about: Diet pills and cleanses are a quick fix to losing weight, often opted by celebrities looking to slim down before a big event.
How long does it take: It depends on the products you use, but it can take just a couple days to lose a few pounds.
Pros: You lose weight fast.
Cons: Doctors argue these are some of the riskiest plans. They do not provide any nutritional benefit to dieters.
PRE-PACKAGED MEALS
Made famous by: Valerie Bertinelli, Sara Rue, Marie Osmond
What it’s about: Portion-controlled meals help dieters eat a specific calorie intake.
How long does it take: This is a long-term meal plan, but many pre-packaged meal programs also offer counseling and other services to help reach your weight-loss goal.
Pros: Convenient ready-made meals.
Cons: These plans can be costly. Once you stop using these services, you will have to find a way to recreate these meals.
CAVEMAN DIET
Made famous by: Megan Fox, Elizabeth Hurley
What it’s about: This diet takes us back to the days of the caveman, where people ate lean meats, lots of vegetables, berries and nuts. You only eat foods that cavemen could hunt or pick from tree or plants.
How long does it take: A recent study shows over a three-week time frame, women lost an average of five pounds.
Pros: Avoiding processed foods, sodas and alcohols. It’s believed this diet can reduce the risk for heart disease.
Cons: Doctors say on this plan, you reduce your calcium intake, potentially putting you at risk for osteoporosis later in life.
POINTS PROGRAMS
Made famous by: Jennifer Hudson, Jenny McCarthy
What it’s about: Point-programs value foods at specific “points.” You are allowed a particular number of points per day.
How long does it take: The length of the diet varies on your weight-loss goal. Actress Jenny McCarthy said after the birth of her son, she lost 60 pounds in six months on one point-counting program.
Pros: Program allows you to eat foods you like, as long as you stick to your point allowance for the day. Many programs offer counseling and group support as well.
Cons: These programs can be costly.
THE 17-DAY DIET
Made famous by: Dr. Mike Moreno’s book, “The 17 Day Diet”
What it’s about: This plan is about eating specific foods for rapid weight loss. By eating particular foods, a local dietitian sayd the plan tricks your body into losing weight.
How long does it take: 17 days.
Pros: Rapid weight loss. Some say they’ve lost as much as a pound a day on this plan.
Cons: Health experts say it’s not realistic for long-term goals and could be risky for your health.
For the best long-term results, dietitians say it’s important to pick a diet that you can adopt the rest of your life. They also say exercise is key to staying fit. If you are looking to lose weight, you should talk to your doctor or dietitian to find the best plan to reach your goal.