Consumer Reports survey reveals best diets: Weight Watchers, Paleo win

After a survey of 9,000 subscribers to determine what really works for weight loss, Consumer Reports has released the results: Weight Watchers won for commercial diet programs, while the Paleo diet also topped the list for how people successfully shed pounds, reported ABC on Jan. 2.

Among the commercial diet plans, Weight Watchers won by a landslide, while Jenny Craig came in second and Nutrisystem last, revealed Nancy Metcalf of Consumer Reports. "Among commercial diet plans, Weight Watchers scored much higher - higher than Jenny Craig. It works a bit differently. You don't have to buy their food, and you can eat whatever you want within their points limit," noted Nancy.

However, if you don't want to pay big bucks for a commercial plan, the Paleo diet also proved popular among those surveyed. What you need to know: Following the Paleo plan, which is modeled on what experts say that cavemen ate, requires tossing out dairy and processed foods. In their place: Fruits, vegetables, lean meat and seafood. Try it with these well-researched books:

• "Practical Paleo: A Customized Approach to Health and a Whole-Foods Lifestyle"
• "Well Fed: Paleo Recipes for People Who Love to Eat"
• "The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet"
• "The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram your genes for effortless weight loss, vibrant health, and boundless energy"