Below i aim to explain about some of the more common types of diets that people, especially teens usually consider when thinking about weight loss. Remember that each diet comes with side effects and it is your own responsibility to research and seek medical advice before starting any type of diet, especially if you are pregnant or on medication.

Low-carb diet

Low-carb diets are usually very strict, the basic rules mean that you replace foods that are high in carbohydrates with food that is high in protein, the aim is that your body goes into a state which is known as Ketosis. This is a process where your body starts to burn stored fat for fuel.

One of the most common types of low-carb diets is the Atkins diet.

Low-fat diet

Low-fat diets are slightly harder to follow then a simple eat healthier diet, this is because the aim is to cut out anything that is high in fat and replacing it with something that is low in fat (especially saturated fats). By cutting down the amount of fats you eat you aim to also decrease your daily calorie intake, less calories in your diet should make it a bit easier to lose weight.

Crash diets

The crash diet is where you pretty much starve your body for a couple of weeks, the aim is to greatly reduce your calorie intake. As well as reducing calorie intake you are also depriving your body of key nutrition.

These diets are often useless because as soon as you start eating again the weight will often return.

Teen Diets Conclusion

All diets will only work if you stick to them, and a lot of diets will restrict what foods you can and cannot eat.

If you wish to lose weight, in my opinion it is more than just going on a diet, you need to change your whole lifestyle, get to know your guideline daily amounts (GDAs) so that you know how many calories, fat, sugar and salt your are recommended to eat each day and build your own diet around that, eating the foods that you enjoy, then gradually swap the foods you like for healthier versions (such as replacing white bread with brown).

If you get the choice of going shopping with your parents then go, this way you can check the food labels and pick healthier foods, plus the extra exercise will be great for your body too.

Diet Foods

Regardless of what diet you go for you have  to remember that your body is still growing and maturing and your body still needs vital nutrients and it is recommended that you continue to eat foods from the following 3 groups; proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Proteins

Proteins are important for your body because they contain amino acids, these acids make up our blood, cells and immune system. Proteins also help to stop sugar spikes from carbohydrates and can also help to cut out cravings. The measurements below are based on average sizes, actual protein counts on foods will vary depending on size and production methods.

Below is a list of foods that are high in protein;

• 1oz Beef – 7 grams
• 4oz of cooked chicken = 35 grams
• 6oz can of tuna = 35 grams
• Pork chops (average size) – 22 grams
• 3oz ham = 19 grams
• Slice of bacon = 3 grams
• Large egg = 8 grams
• 1oz soft cheese = 6 grams
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter = 8 grams

Carbohydrates

These are commonly referred to as brain foods and help to keep you awake and alert (usually because a lot of carbs are full of sugar). Try going for complex carbs (starches) rather than sugary carbs such as sweets, soft-drinks and cakes. Below is a list of good sources of complex carbs;

• Bran
• Wheatgerm
• Barley
• Oatmeal
• Pasta/Spaghetti
• Brown rice
• Potatoes
• Wholemeal breads
• Porridge oats

Fats

Fats are what a lot of people think is what make us gain weight, well it is true but only as true as saying eating too many carbs or eating too much of any food group without proper exercise will make us gain weight.

Fats do tend to be on everyone’s blacklist, however it still plays an important part within our body. It helps protect our organs, helps hair and skin and allows our body to dissolve fat-soluble nutrients.

Eating excess amounts of fat wont do your body any good and eating excess amounts of saturated fats could lead to more than just weigh gain problems. You should also stay away from anything labelled ‘trans-fat’ or ‘hydrgenated’.