One size does not fit all when it comes to diets, says Liz Vaccariello, editor in chief of Prevention magazine. Research shows that to lose weight and keep it off, pick a plan that suits your personality, food preferences and schedule, she says. Vaccariello and the editors of Prevention picked their favorite programs for different types of people:
For fruit-and- vegetable lovers
“Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating,” by Walter C. Willett with Patrick J. Skerrett. Willett’s insightful critique of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Guide Pyramid reveals its limitations, and he constructs an alternative. His ideas are nothing we haven’t read before: Eat more vegetables and complex carbohydrates, emphasize healthy fats, and enjoy small amounts of a variety of foods. But his matter-of-fact delivery and no-nonsense tone earn this a place on Prevention’s reference shelf.
For people who hate to cook
Jenny Craig. It satisfies most dieters’ needs: prepackaged meals and snacks, tracking via private weigh-ins, weekly consultations and a website for additional information and support. Plus, it offers meal plans that you can get delivered.
For people who like to cook
“The South Beach Diet,” by cardiologist Arthur Agatston. This smart-carb, high-fiber plan is an excellent way to reduce your intake of highly processed carbs and increase your awareness of super-healthy and satisfying protein sources such as seafood. The South Beach cookbooks let dieters flex their culinary muscles and enjoy gourmet food, while still keeping calories controlled. Last but not least, because of its high-fiber requirements, this diet is unlikely to leave you feeling hungry.
For people who want a gimmick that works
Slim-Fast. You know the deal: a shake for breakfast, shake for lunch, then a sensible dinner. Numerous published studies show why it works: It’s a simple, but effective, way to reduce your calorie intake.
For people who eat out a lot
“Dr. Shapiro’s Picture Perfect Weight Loss: The Visual Program for Permanent Weight Loss,” by Howard M. Shapiro. If you have trouble telling right-size from super-size when you’re at a restaurant, fast-food joint, coffeehouse or even in your own kitchen, this book will set you straight.
For number crunchers
Weight Watchers. The Flex Plan points program makes counting fun. We like that no food is off-limits. If you choose a food with less-than-perfect numbers, Weight Watchers teaches you how to make it work within your allotted limit. It’s this kind of real-life dieting that makes the program one diet that’s easy to follow.
For people who love science
“You: On a Diet: The Owner’s Manual for Waist Management,” by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz. This best seller explores the hows and whys of weight loss in a friendly, easy-
to-understand way. Roizen and Oz provide an in-depth analysis of how your brain, stomach, hormones, muscles, heart, genetics and stress levels all interact biologically.
For people who enjoy walking
“The Step Diet,” by James O. Hill and John C. Peters with Bonnie Jortberg. The co- founders of America on the Move offer a plan that’s based on one of Prevention’s favorite fitness routines: walking. It comes with a pedometer plus conversion charts and dozens of reduced-calorie recipes. First, use the pedometer to gradually increase the number of steps you take in an average day, then reduce your food intake by a quarter. Simple.
