Special Diets for Rapid Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss is the goal for many overweight individuals, and there are tons of diets to accommodate. However, many diets that focus on rapid weight loss are unhealthy or unreasonable methods for weight loss. Weight loss is a struggle, and will continue to be difficult for many dieters, despite new fad diets and quick-fix formulas. Long-term weight loss requires persistence and discipline.

18 Pounds in 4 Days

The 18 pounds in four days program was created by James Zeta. The diet concentrates on a special combination of foods for rapid weight loss. A two-part approach is used, requiring the dieter to first lose the weight, and second maintain the weight loss. Zeta claims the dieter will experience better sleep, be more energizes and alert, and eliminate bloating, joint pain and stiffness. The plan is available to order online, and can be downloaded to your computer.

The 80 10 10 Diet

The 80 10 10 diet is offered by Dr. Douglas Graham. This diet proposes to cleanse the body with raw food and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Graham's theory is that the ideal ratio of nutrients to support health is 80 percent carbohydrates, 10 percent protein and 10 percent fat. He also incorporates other lifestyle changes that can improve the weight-loss process. These factors include: proper sleep habits, increased exercise, sunlight exposure and emotional balance.

The Cabbage Soup Diet

The Cabbage Soup Diet is a seven-day meal plan that focuses on rapid weight loss. The original diet is said to be geared toward surgery patients in need of pre-surgery weight loss. But this is not for certain, as it cannot be verified. The diet incorporates a host of vegetables made into a soup. The soup is to be eaten throughout the diet, along with other daily additions such as bananas, skim milk, a baked potato with butter and a serving of meat. These foods are only to be eaten in specific amounts and on designated days. The diet is not meant to be a long-term option.

The Grapefruit Diet

The grapefruit diet plan introduces a jump-start weight loss program with the main ingredient grapefruit. Many versions of this diet are circulating the Web, and while there is some science to back the benefits of grapefruit (a study from a 2006 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" revealed that people who ate half a grapefruit before each meal for 12 weeks lost 3.6 pounds), the weight loss in these individuals may have also been a result of smart food choices and exercise.