These days, there are so many diet plans, it’s almost impossible to keep them all straight. Any diet book that becomes a blockbuster inevitably spawns variations as publishers seek to capitalize on a trend—until the next big idea comes along, and throngs rush to embrace yet another new approach. Each diet is different, yet it seems to be accompanied by a raft of testimonials and purported science, showing why it is the ultimate diet for weight loss or health—or both. Adding to the confusion are media reports of research studies that claim to “upend everything we thought we knew about nutrition.” Claims like these have launched countless diet books. But when you see such dramatic claims, remember that the science of nutrition doesn’t turn on a dime, and massive paradigm shifts don’t happen overnight. Rather, new evidence gets added to existing knowledge, and the overall consensus about optimal nutrition—based on many, many studies—evolves. You might wonder if so many nutrition“experts” disagree about how to eat; who’s right and who’s wrong? The truth is that there’s no one right way to eat. There are actually many ways to eat for health, but not every diet out there is one of those ways. This Special Health Report will help you sort through more than three dozen diet plans, so you can make the decision that’s right for you. You’ll learn about the common denominators of all healthy diets and see plenty of examples of which diet patterns get it right and which ones miss the mark. You’ll also learn why the quality of the foods you eat matters more than choosing the “right” ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. For each diet we cover, we provide specific information—including any research that’s been done on the diet, how it meshes with nutrition research in general, whether it provides a good balance of nutrients, and whether it’s affordable and easy to follow. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another. How will you know when you’ve found the right diet for you? It should provide balanced nutrition, appeal to your tastes, and be compatible with your cooking ability and schedule. Your diet should make your life healthier, not more complicated. Although making dietary changes can take time, effort, thought, and planning—as does any new healthful habit—a diet plan that works for you will gradually feel normal, and some of your healthy behaviors will even come to feel effortless. It’s this report's job to help ensure that whatever diet you choose, it’s one that’s good for you.
It’s no secret that America has a weight problem. According to the CDC, nearly three-quarters of us are overweight or obese. Yet more than 160 million Americans are on a diet at any given time, and we spend more than $70 billion each year on commercial weight-loss plans, supplements, and other pound-shedding measures. That suggests that losing weight is not easy, but it is entirely possible. There are two keys to success when it comes to weight loss. The first is to find an approach that works for you specifically, one that makes you feel good and keeps you motivated. The second is to take your time—sustainable weight loss happens slowly but steadily.
Before you set out on your effort, make sure you know exactly what you’re trying to achieve. Ask yourself, "How much weight do I need to lose to be healthy?" Then set personalized goals in achievable increments and introduce lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off gradually. Be prepared to adapt your lifestyle as necessary to maximize your chances of success.
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