Weight Watchers Vs. South Beach Diet

It is really a diets galore for those who are keen to lose weight and get rid of those annoying pounds. It wouldn't be a wonder if one has to really toss and then choose from amongst the number of diets there are in the market. From the seasoned campaigners like Atkins and Hoodia, new additions are being made to the diet factory! Okay! Now I will cut down my sarcasm! I will get to the point. South Beach diet too has been there for quite some time now. There are comparatively new kids (oops I mean diets) on the block. One of them is Weight Watchers diet program. There is a lot of comparison going on regarding these two lately. We thought why not add to the plethora of articles on the same?! On a serious note though, we thought an article comparing these two diets will be useful. So read on!

South Beach and Weight Watchers Diet

Before we move on to comparing these two diets, let us take a brief look at what exactly is South Beach Diet. Designed by Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist, it is based on ensuring the health of your heart. This objective is achieved through seemingly simple process of replacing bad carbs with bad fats and good carbs with good fats. The diet is divided in 3 phases. Weight Watcher's diet program primarily involves developing healthy eating habits by gradually cutting down on fatty and high cholesterol foods. There are points allotted to food items and there is a group counseling. There are almost no restrictions on what you can eat in Weight Watchers diet program.

Now this must have given you a fair idea about what these two are all about. I am sure this isn't to help you make the decision about which one's good - Weight Watchers or South Beach Diet. Hence, here is more on these two.

Pros and Cons of the South Beach Diet

Pros
To begin with, this diet focuses more on healthy, plant-based fats, for instance olive oil, as against saturated fats. Cutting down on saturated fats will automatically lead to a reduction in the cholesterol levels in the course of the diet. Another point which may give it an edge, is the fact that this diet involves cutting down on carbohydrates completely in the first phase. South Beach Diet menu involves introducing good carbohydrates (complex carbohydrates) gradually along with vegetables. Add to this, the convenience and ease of follow-up. You need not get into the hassle of counting calories when you are on the diet. All you have to do is take care and stick to the prescribed list of allowed food items. This leads to people having a choice in experimentation within those food items.

Cons
Now we come to the sort of deal breakers. Some people who have followed this diet feel that it is too restrictive and there is no differentiation between diet for men and women. Exercise is not encouraged too much, which is a major weak link of this diet. Suggestions get repetitive soon if you are looking at making the diet a long term change and for weight loss.

After a look at South Beach Diet, a brief overview of Weight Watchers will help you get closer to the decision.

Weight Watchers Overview

Weight Watchers is primarily based on a point system and group counseling. These two points are in fact the most prominent advantages. Then there is no restriction as to what you can eat, but you cannot go beyond the points allotted to you daily, depending on your weight and height and how much you need to lose. This ensures that dieters do not starve themselves and you also have easy recipes. Group counseling motivates people to get fitter and leaner. It is easy to follow, rather once you get the diet kit, and the recipes, it is almost a no brainer. The price can be a consideration while going for this plan, along with the fact that some people may not really be comfortable with the idea of sharing what they feel in a room full of people. Sometimes there is too much of a focus on the points and the group sessions may actually hamper a person's capacity of self motivation and losing weight.

So is Weight Watchers worth it or you would rather go for South Beach? I am sure now you would be able to decide easily which one to go for and if you can't, go and consult a dietitian and nutrition expert!

All in all, both these diet plans have their good, bad and the ugly. It is completely up to the person as to what is going to suit him or her and decide. Take care!