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The ten best of the best diets
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I always say that if there were one diet that worked - really worked - there wouldn't be hundreds on the market. But who am I to say this when LivingHealth.com put together experts who took 60 diets we all probably have heard of and who were able to narrow this list down to 10! So here are the best of the best diets list:
The Structure House Weight Loss Plan
Author Gerard J. Musante, PhD, has been working in North Carolina in a residential treatment center for obese adults. The program scored high on aspects of healthy weight loss. The plan has a large motivational component (which reminds me of Dr. Phil) looking at why we overeat.
This is what it sounds like - taking steps and it comes with a pedometer, a device that counts your steps.The panelists agree that walking every day along with such things as parking farther away than necessary will burn calories. The Step Diet of course has a "diet" component as well. It is simple: just cut your food intake to 75% of what you eat now.
Weight Watchers 
photo Jo Levy
This is one tried and true diet that out of all the diets (Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, etc.) works. However, it only works if you stay on it. Weight Watchers has the highest motivational marks from the panel of experts who also applaud the healthy eating and exercise areas of WW. One problem with WW is that we are apt to buy into the frozen foods which is just so easy to do and not so healthy.
This diet was founded at the University of Vermont. It focuses on behavioral changes such as figuring out what triggers your eating. (Do you grab a Twinkie when stressed?) It focuses on shopping carefully and exercising.
This plan works on feeling full. How do we do that? We eat energy dense foods such as soups and even low density foods like fruits and vegetables. The key is to feel full. Exercise is not as important in the diet but it is mandatory and a guide comes with the plan.
Best Life written by well known author and trainer, Bob Greene, has three phases leading to slimming, nutritional eating and more activity.
This like others deals with why you are overeating (See the Eating Well Diet). The Solution targets five causes of weight problems: unbalanced eating, low energy, body shame, setting ineffective limits, and weak self-nurturing skills.
This book is by Dr. Mehmet Oz (As in Dr. Oz of the Oprah show) and Michael Roizen. It teaches and motivates about weight loss with humor and fun. You'll find education, menu plans, and information on daily walking, weight training, and stretching.
This is a best selling diet using the Mediterranean style of eating: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish, and nuts.
Dietitian Connie Guttersen's plan has us using a strict 10-day jump-start phase called "Wave One," designed to purge habits of eating sugar and highly processed foods. Other phases like active weight loss and maintenance were thought to be good by the panelists. Exercise is not part of the diet. Sounds to me a bit like the strict beginnings of the Atkins Diet.
This is the well know Dr. Dean Ornish, MD's, newest diet. It has four paths to health -nutrition, exercise, stress management, and personal relationships. It got high marks because it addresses real life issues and diseases.
Some good reads
- Body for Life by Bob Greene
- Phylicia Rashad is the new Jenny Craig spokesperson
- CNN
- MayoClinic.com: Keep the weight off permanently
- MayoClinic.com: Feel full on fewer calories
- Health.com: 5 tips to keep office snacking from derailing your diet
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