Diets A to Z

The Low-Down on Popular Weight Loss Plans

You can't open a magazine, turn on the TV or even talk to a friend these days without getting word of a new diet plan that promises to help you drop pounds. Get details on some of the more popular diets out there so you can start gathering the information you need to make a decision about which one may be best for you.

>90/10 Diet
Author Joy Bauer puts a unique twist on traditional diets by allowing you "fun foods" that you can enjoy as long as you follow healthy eating guidelines 90% of the time.

>5-Factor Diet
The 5-Factor Diet is a book written by fitness trainer Harley Pasternak. It requires eating five meals, made of five ingredients, daily.

>Atkins Diet
Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, by the late Robert Atkins, MD, is one of the most well-known and popular low-carb diets.

>Best Life Diet
The Best Life Diet is a book authored by fitness trainer Bob Greene (of Oprah fame). It focuses on making healthier choices, such as choosing whole grains over refined carbohydrates, and controlling calories.

>Carbohydrate Addicts Diet
The authors of this diet say the rise of insulin caused by certain foods actually induces the "carbohydrate addict" to eat even more carbs, resulting in weight gain.

>Jenny Craig
The Jenny Craig weight loss program involves eating pre-packaged, portion-controlled meals and regularly speaking to a counselor.

>Nutri/System
Nutri/System offers pre-prepared food you order through the mail. The plan is based on the Glycemic Index, which rates foods according to their effect on the blood sugar.

>The Schwarzbein Principle
Dr. Schwarzbein's program focuses on the connection between insulin levels and carbohydrate intake, and encourages the consumption of high-protein foods (such as meat) while limiting carbohydrates.

>Somersizing
Actress Suzanne Somers has penned several health and diet books; among them is one that encourages combining foods and eliminating certain "funky" foods, referred to by the author as "Somersizing".

>The South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet, by Arthur Agatston, MD, focuses on eliminating or limiting your intake of certain carbohydrates while increasing good fats.