The Internet has changed the way we look for information, especially for everything related to the fields of health and nutrition. No longer do we have to wait in line at the pharmacy as we order products on the Internet. The abundance of online information makes it easier who those feeling more comfortable sharing intimate details from their living room.
This is why online diet services have been in vogue for the last few years. Soon-to-be dieters can spare the embarrassment of being seen at a weight loss franchise, or avoid the shameful weight-in before a group of strangers.
Online weight loss diet programs give you the ability to get your own customized programs for diet and meal plans, even browsing extensive recipes databases.
Plus, the Internet as a large community makes it easier for diet members to communicate between themselves through message boards and chat systems. This is good for your motivation, and learning about what works and what doesn’t.
After all, we have to admit: it’s much easier to bump into a fellow dieter through an online diet service than mustering the courage to do so in a local reunion.
Online diet: A competitive field
The Internet’s shift toward user communities also impacted the weight loss diet services industry.
Think of MySpace and YouTube, only it is people gathering for the same goals: lose weight and improve their health.
The competition is ferocious. The future dieter has the power of choices, as there is a good dozens of online diet services, all trumpeting their own advantages over their competitors.
So where do you start? Which programs for diet are good for you?
Star Reviews thoroughly reviewed the 5 biggest names in the online diet industry, and compared them against each other on the most important aspects of online dieting.
- Features: As a paying subscriber, you expect a decent selection of features that will help you reach your fitness objectives. Here are our most-rated for the features category:
- 1st place: eDiet: The giant weight loss service boasts more than 20 different programs for diets,
- 2nd place: South Beach Diet: This program offers quality online tools, making it easier to track your progress. Plus, the beach buddies system is a great motivating tool in your weight loss diet!
- Pricing: Of course, the price is an important aspect of your decision. A membership to an online diet service is generally reasonable, although the following providers stand out from the crowd:
- 1st place: Denise Austin: At $3.00 a week over a limited time, Denise Austin wins the palm of the cheapest membership.
- 2nd place: eDiet: Get access to a myriad of programs for diets for only $3.99 a week. You can also add quality add-ons to your service, such as the recipe club or hiring a mentor.
- Customer Support: Customer support acts as the bridge between their services and your appreciation. Of course, certain providers are just better than others at handling your request:
- 1st place: eDiet: They offer a 1-800 number, online chat and a great e-mail system through which you can contact customer support.
- 2nd place: South Beach: We received an answer to our e-mail inquiry within 48 hours, and the 1-800 hot line is quick to get through
- Online Experience: What defines a great online experience? An intuitive navigation scheme, a pleasant design and most certainly the efficiency of the service. Here are the providers that offered the greatest online experience in our reviews:
- 1st place: Diet.com: This weight loss diet service offers a basic free membership, a rare fact in this industry. You can build send messages and consult a ton of recipes without spending a dime!
- 2nd place: eDiet: Even if the layout is a bit aggressive, this provider offers more than 100 message boards though which you can consult nutrition and fitness experts.