The Supermarket Diet Weight Loss Program
Pros and Cons of Good Housekeeping's Diet Plan
Oct 25, 2009
Based on sound nutritional principles, Good Housekeeping's Supermarket Diet focuses on consuming more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthier versions of prepackaged foods, controlling portion sizes, and participating in regular exercise. While labeled a "diet," which usually means a program that one "goes on and off," the Supermarket Diet actually provides useful strategies for keeping weight off long-term.
How the Supermarket Diet Works
The Supermarket Diet involves three phases of dieting with varying caloric intake:
- 1,200 calories (Boot Camp)
- 1,500 calories (Keep on Losing)
- 1,800 calories (Stay Slim Maintenance)
The idea behind the Supermarket Diet phases is dieters consume only 1,200 calories the first 2 weeks to jump-start weight loss. After 2 weeks, dieters consume 1,500 calories per day to continue losing but at a healthy rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week. Once a dieter reaches her weight loss goal, the maintenance phase involves consuming 1,800 calories per day. The Supermarket Diet also places great emphases on regular exercise.
Pros and Cons of the Supermarket Diet
The benefits of the Supermarket Diet are:
- The boot camp phase can produce quick weight loss, motivating dieters to stick with it.
- Dieters who follow the plan will learn how to make healthy foods choices, what correct portion sizes are, and will increase activity levels.
- The diet plan focuses on inexpensive meals made from everyday foods found in any supermarket.
- Good Housekeeping's is family-friendly weight loss program as no special meals or drinks need to be purchased.
- The Supermarket Diet leaves room for an occasional indulgence.
- Free online weight loss tools such as grocery shopping lists and sample meal ideas.
Potential drawbacks of the Supermarket Diet include:
- Although the first 2 weeks consist of eating healthy meals and snacks, the boot camp phase is low-calorie, which may leave some dieters feeling hungry.
- Losing 1 to 2 pounds per weeks is considered a safe and healthy rate of weight loss; however, dieters may become frustrated with losing only 1 to 2 pounds per week.
- While meals are nutritious and quick to prepare, those who do not like to cook may not enjoy preparing most of the suggested meals.
- Once a dieter loses weight, the calorie recommendations may be too low for maintenance, especially for those who are physically active.
Although there are potential drawbacks to the Supermarket Diet, dieters who can make it through the boot camp phase may find that the benefits are worth it since controlling portions and engaging in regular exercise are both key to long-term weight loss and maintenance. Once weight loss goals are met, those who continue to use the strategies learned during the diet and also remain physically active may want to consider eating more than 1,800 calories per day.
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