Diet Shoppe

Diet Shoppe

It can be pretty difficult to stay on top of the latest diets and even more difficult to know whether a weight-loss program actually produces real, lasting results. Having tried her share of crash diets with mixed success, Kim Bensen, former yo-yo dieter and author of "Finally Thin!" weighs in on some of today's hottest diets to help you decide which weight-loss program is right for you. Here is a sampling of the diets she reviewed for her book .

Excerpted from "FINALLY THIN!" by Kim Bensen, Copyright © 2008 by Kim Bensen. Excerpted by permission of Broadway Books, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

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The Mayo Clinic Plan

THE SKINNY: Not to be confused with the fad Mayo Clinic Diet. This program is endorsed by the Mayo Clinic and is based on their Healthy Weight Pyramid. It recommends eating foods with low energy density--those that contain a small number of calories in a large amount of food, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, poultry, fish, and whole grains.
WHAT'S GOOD: Designed by medical professionals from a reputable health institute. They offer personalized menus, shopping lists, meal plans, results charts, and dining-out tips.

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WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: Excellent in diet and exercise, but could be stronger in behavior modification, motivation, and emotional support.
THE COST: Just the cost of the book plus groceries.

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The Special K Diet

THE SKINNY: You may have seen elated women dancing around their cereal bowls on TV. Originally based on the cereal alone, this diet plan now includes a product line of other food items and is being marketed as a legitimate option for weight loss. The Special K Challenge claims that if you eat two bowls a day plus follow their simple dietary guidelines, you will lose up to six pounds in two weeks.
WHAT'S GOOD: The products are nutritious, and the program is a basic low-calorie plan.

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WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: Dieters may find eating the same cereal and bars boring over time. Also, some critics claim it is lacking in balanced nutrition. There is no guidance in exercise.
THE COST: Just the cost of groceries.


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Overeaters Anonymous

THE SKINNY: This is a twelve-step program for people who identify themselves as powerless over food (including compulsive overeaters, anorexics, bulimics, and binge eaters).
WHAT'S GOOD: You take a questionnaire to evaluate your relationship with food. The program provides a set of tools for recovery, which include eating from an eating plan, meeting with a sponsor, reviewing the literature, giving service, and prayer. OA provides six different eating plans.

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WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: Not everyone is comfortable with the philosophy of OA that requires accepting powerlessness.
THE COST: Attendance at OA meetings is free. OA is supported by member contributions. The only cost is groceries.

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Juice Fasts

THE SKINNY: Used by some dieters as a short-term fix, juice fasts eliminate all solid foods and consist of fresh and bottled juices only. Although they provide more nutrition than a total fast, they are not to be used for the longer term.
WHAT'S GOOD: If you've been overeating lots of unhealthy foods, a two-day juice fast can be a cleansing launch to a healthier eating plan.

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WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: You will likely feel weak and dizzy and may experience headaches as you get rid of toxins. You'll also feel hunger pangs for at least the first day or so. It's difficult to eat out anywhere but a juice bar.
THE COST: If you own a juicer, you'll pay only for quantities of fruits and vegetables. If not, a good-quality juicer is more than $200. If you purchase all your juices, you may spend as much for them as you would for regular meals out.

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Shakes/Liquid diets

THE SKINNY: This category includes all programs that encourage you to replace meals with a primarily liquid diet. You may remember that Oprah once lost sixty-seven pounds on a medically supervised diet using Optifast, but ultimately regained the weight. I used the same program, losing seventy pounds in three months and then regaining ninety in the following nine months. These days, most shake centered diets are available over the counter in pharmacies.
WHAT'S GOOD: Shake diets can produce quick weight loss because they sharply reduce calorie intake.

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