Plan Reviews

Venerable Weight Watchers once seemed to have a monopoly on weight-loss planning. Today, even in the face of a tremendous expansion of competition, Weight Watchers remains a leading choice of dieters. With its history of weekly meetings and patented “Points System” to regulate how much you eat, Weight Watchers still provides one of the best chances for success. It’s online system is every bit as up-to-date as any other plan out there. With Web-based support tools, online community, recipes, and exercise demonstrations, you can follow the Weight Watchers program from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Of course, their traditional meetings are still available, so you can take advantage of both approaches.. With Weight Watchers there are no restrictions on what kinds of foods you may eat – only on how much. You learn how to assign points to what you eat. Portions need to be measured and foods must be identified by their fat, calorie, and fiber content. Although Weight Watchers doesn’t offer a meal delivery service, its brand of point-assigned meals are readily available in the frozen section of every major grocery store. The points system doesn’t downplay the importance of exercise in an overall weight-loss plan. Just as you add points for the food you eat, you subtract points as you work off the calories. At $46.90 for the first month and $16.95 each month thereafter, Weight Watchers is very reasonably priced – especially when you consider what a change it can make in your life. Generally, Weight Watchers' promotion is: $5 per week through, 3-month savings plan. Through June 28, 2010, Weight Watchers gives you 2 weeks FREE when you buy a 3-month plan!

eDiets.com is truly a one-stop shop for all your weight-loss needs. There are nearly 20 DIY diets to choose from – including low-fat plans, low sodium plans, plans for people dealing with diabetes or trying to limit their cholesterol. An automated diet profiler helps you determine which fits you best. Food delivery plans are also available, with a selection of over 100 freshly prepared meals ready to be delivered directly to you. eDiets.com provides an extensive online support community – including community boards, private groups, as well as access to certified professionals. Fitness plans, an extensive Weight Loss Store, the Recipe Club, and many more exclusive online features round-out this complete weight-loss center. The cost is $4.49 per week or $17.76 per month for access to the online, self-managed diet center. Food delivery plans are available as 7-day or 5-day plans, starting at $19.95 per day plus shipping.

Ellie Krieger, a celebrity chef, dietitian and author of "Small Changes, Big Results," has put together her healthy weight loss through healthy diet and exercise philosophy in an accessible and friendly online diet program. Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger offers users flexibility that will fit anyone's busy life. Krieger's diet and weight loss mantra is "small changes, big results" and this in itself makes weight loss goals seem much more attainable and do-able. There's no pressure for extreme exercise every day or to stop eating any particular food entirely. The online plan offers you a balanced program of healthy eating (plan your meals with Food Network-approved recipes) and exercise incorporating strength training and cardio (customizable for all fitness levels). Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger's completely customizable weight loss plan let's you enjoy healthy and super tasty Food Network-approved recipes and offers tons of friendly online support tools to help keep you on top of your weight loss plan. Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger's online program could be just what you need if your goals are gradual or you need to ease into changing your lifestyle. Remember: small changes, big results.

Based on the best-selling diet book by Dr Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet is now fully integrated into a Web-based weight loss experience. Personal dieting coach, customized menus, and a host of other support systems help you switch to this “diet for life”. The South Beach Diet leads you through three phases towards a total change in eating habits. Phase One is designed to break your cravings for carbohydrates. Phase Two takes you to your target weight, but with fewer restrictions. For instance, vegetables are now allowed in moderation. Even the occasional glass of wine or beer is okay. Phase Three involves maintaining the good eating habits you’ve learned throughout the rest of your life. Online support creates a fully interactive weight-loss plan, with tools to track the progress towards your goals. Thousands of active members are going through the diet with you through message boards and dieting groups, providing an abundance of encouragement. Membership costs $5 per week, with a four-week minimum commitment.

A full-featured weight-loss portal, DietWatch offers a full host of online support tools, including just about everything you need to pursue your weight-loss goals. The only thing not included is the food itself. DietWatch offers these four plans: the “No Restrictions” meal plan for those who are simply looking to make healthy and balanced choices in what they eat; the “Reduced Carbohydrate” meal plan for limiting carb intake to 40% of total calories; the “Mediterranean/ Heart-Healthy” meal plan, focusing on healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats while limiting saturated and trans fats; and the “Vegetarian” plan for those who don’t eat meat, but who do include dairy and egg products in their diet. Additionally, DietWatch can be customized for dieters using meals by Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, or any other source. DietWatch offers a great deal of information on making good food choices on your own. The “Eat Right” section is a guide to nutrition basics, the “Food Focus” section provides weight loss information, and the “Fast Food Quest” lists calorie and nutrition information from over 40 fast food and chain restaurants. There is even a virtual “Meditation Room” with calming music and inspirational messages. At $2.99 per week, you certainly get your money’s worth from DietWatch.com. You can even save 50% when joining for a full year.

Medifast is a weight-loss plan geared towards those severely obese. A very low calorie diet based on delivered meals and meal substitutes, Medifast aims for a balance between ketosis – where your body is burning fat – and providing just enough sustenance to prevent hunger pangs. Medifast offers individual “5 & 1 Plans” specifically tailored towards men, women, and diabetics. Once you’ve reached your target weight, Medifast provides a common sense guide to aid you through the transition and maintenance phases. Online support includes a meal planner, a weight-loss tracker, online community, and nutrition guides. The food from Medifast includes 70 choices – including shakes, soups, stew, chili, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, fruit drinks, iced teas, hot drinks, bars and puddings. Somewhere between a complete meal-replacement program (where you drink shakes instead of meals) and a full meal-delivery system, the cost is $10-$12 per day, plus shipping costs.