Quick-Fix Diets

Sometimes we need a prolonged diet plan to get gradual results over a period of several months. Other times, we are looking for a quick fix to either jump-start the fat loss process, break through a plateau, or just shed those last 5 to 10 lbs. before beach season. Quick-fix diets come in a variety of flavors, but two quick-fix dieting techniques may help you meet your goals.

Carb Cutoffs

The fastest, and perhaps most effective, quick-fix technique is instituting a "carb-cutoff" into one's pre-existing plan of nutrition (even if that "plan" is no plan at all). If done properly, this will result in rapid fat loss and increased energy for the dieter, which will in turn spark newfound motivation to continue with one's fat loss efforts. A carb-cutoff is merely a time of day after which the dieter will cease consuming any products that contain carbohydrates, with the exception of fibrous green veggies like spinach, broccoli and cucumbers.

The mechanism by which the carb-cutoff causes such dramatic fat loss is simple. The body's primary use for carbohydrates is to meet its quick energy needs. On the whole, carbs are rapidly digested and can easily be used to fuel grueling workouts and other training pursuits. The problem is that many people continue feeding their body carbs long into the evening, when the body's need for carbohydrates has come to a halt. If the body continues receiving carbs while it is no longer in full energy-burning mode, it will look to store these extra calories as fat, which is the result a dieter wants to avoid at all costs. Therefore, it makes sense to feed the body carbs only during the day, when it needs them most, and then shut off the supply before the body starts shuttling carbs into fat storage.

Although the proper time for a carb-cutoff can vary depending on the individual's activity level, a good time to begin your carb-cutoff experiment is around 6 p.m. If you are in the habit of eating a late dinner and this means you have to go carb-free for your final meal of the day, so be it. Your body will thank you in the form of less fat retention in your trouble areas.

V-Diet

Another alternative for dieters looking for something a bit more regimented is going on a 28-day fat loss blitz in the form of the Velocity Diet (V-Diet). The V-Diet is an all-liquid diet that, on average, causes between 10 and 20 lbs. of fat loss. The advantage to performing your quick-fix in the form of a liquid diet is that its regimented nature makes it far less likely that you will cheat. With carb-cutoffs, for example, it is tempting to skirt the spirit of the diet by having a massive carb meal minutes before the cutoff is set to begin. However, attempting to cheat on a liquid diet requires a greater deviation from the "plan," with less opportunity to mentally justify the act.

For those concerned that a liquid diet requires near-starvation standards, fear not. The V-Diet suggests five shakes a day (six on workout days!), for a total of around 1,200 to 2,000 calories, depending on the dieter's body weight. This higher caloric intake will keep the dieter satisfied longer and feeling energetic. Another advantage to the V-Diet is that it comes with an accompanying workout plan to accelerate fat loss further.

Overall, if you perform better on a regimented weight-loss plan, consider the V-Diet over carb cutoffs. However, if you enjoy freedom with your quick- fix diet, the carb cutoff is the way to go.