There are so many diet programs available that it can be hard to decide which to choose. This review of diet programs looks at two of the most popular downloadable diet plans, both of which have become extremely popular recently - Strip That Fat and Fat Loss 4 Idiots.

Strip That Fat

What it Involves

The basic Strip That Fat regime involves eating five meals a day chosen from a wide variety of healthy foods (including a large number of vegetarian options). It includes a Diet Generator, which makes meal planning wonderfully simple - you just select the foods of your choice, and it creates a meal plan based on what you've added. It also provides a shopping list which you can print out, to make shopping fuss-free. Strip That Fat also stresses the importance of exercise, although you can still lose weight by doing this plan without exercising.

What You Get

Strip That Fat comes in two versions: Gold and Platinum. The Gold package includes an ebook that describes the regime in detail, covering food choices, exercise, motivation, why most diets don’t work and more. You also get the Diet Generator software (which you find at the Strip That Fat membership site), and access to free updates for life. For only a few extra dollars you can get the Platinum package, which includes all of the above, plus the 'Calworries' book (a supplemental diet book), a book of easy recipes and a calorie counting worksheet. (BTW, calorie counting is absolutely not necessary to do Strip That Fat - the worksheet is just provided to make things easier for people who actually enjoy it). Both packages include a 60 day money back guarantee, so you can see if Strip That Fat is right for you, risk-free.

Verdict

I follow Strip That Fat's suggestions myself, and like it a lot. It's a sensible, level-headed process that’s extremely simple to follow. The book is clear and well-written, the Diet Generator is very useful, and the diet itself isn't really a ‘diet’ at all, but a set of guidelines for making ongoing changes in your eating habits. Unlike most diets, Strip That Fat enables you to not only lose weight now, but to keep it off for life. And the regime is so fuss-free and the foods so delicious and satisfying, that most people will not feel dissatisfied with this plan. There's nothing earth-shattering (or gimmicky) here, but it works - extremely well.

Fat Loss 4 Idiots

What it Involves

Fat Loss 4 Idiots differs from Strip That Fat in that it involves a more regimented process. It's based on the theory of 'calorie shifting', where you eat a different calorie type (fats, proteins, carbohydrates) on different days - the idea being that this change stimulates the metabolism and leads to quicker fat burning. This is a rather controversial premise, but a large number of people have found success doing the plan. With Fat Loss 4 Idiots, you follow the calorie shifting diet for 11 days, then have three days where you eat anything you choose, then start the 14 day cycle again. You can opt for foods that you enjoy, and there is no restriction on portion sizes, though they emphasise stopping eating as soon as you're satiated, but not stuffed.

What You Get

Fat Loss 4 Idiots features an online Diet Generator, as well as an ebook which explains the system. Like Strip That Fat, it is also protected by a 60 day money back guarantee.

Verdict

Personally I don't enjoy switching between food types on a daily basis like this - I find that my body prefers a more stable, balanced process like that outlined by Strip That Fat. I also think it's rather rigid and more difficult to maintain over the long term, as more planning is necessary, maybe making it more challenging for those who travel or eat in restaurants a lot. However, not everyone will have such issues, and many have experienced really great results with this regime. It's a simple diet, and it absolutely can be healthy and do-able, if you make healthy food choices and don't stuff yourself - and I'd certainly recommend it over a low carb or low fat regime, or any of the unhealthy fad diets that have flooded the marketplace.

Conclusion

Out of these two plans, I prefer Strip That Fat, as it feels easier, more low maintenance and more in tune with my body's needs. However, both diets can be wonderfully healthy and well balanced, and a large number of people have found success with each way of eating.