What Diet Is Best For Your Resolution?
There is no question, the number one New Year’s Resolution-every year-is to lose weight/get into shape. Debbie and I have gained and lost the same 50-60 pounds at least twice…
NETANYA, ISRAEL – FEBRUARY 22: A meal of fried sardines with tehina sauce, fresh pita, a cucumber and tomato salad, olives and pickles is served in a restaurant in the local produce market February 22, 2006 in Netanya in central Israel. Fish, which the American Heart Association says have important health benefits, is a regular feature on regional menus. The Mediterranean diet, a term used to broadly describe the eating habits of the people of the area, is widely believed to be responsible for the low rates of chronic heart disease in the populations of the 16 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. (Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images)
David Silverman / Staff-Getty Images
There is no question, the number one New Year's Resolution-every year-is to lose weight/get into shape.
Debbie and I have gained and lost the same 50-60 pounds at least twice apiece in the last 15 years, and each year this is our resolution.
This year is no different (maybe you can tell how miserable we are for the first week or so). We've done several different "diets" over the years. Debbie and I both had GREAT success with "The South Beach Diet," but the problem with low carb, high protein diets is they are not sustainable (in our opinion) for life. I mean are you REALLY gonna deprive yourself of bread, cake, and pie for life? Please.
About 10 years ago, I (Charlie) had TREMENDOUS success with a client of the radio station "LA Weight Loss." If was a plan based on portion control and WAS sustainable...I just lacked the discipline to sustain. <g>
Look, the only way it will work is if you find something YOU believe in. Period. For me, it's "eat less, move more."
If you're looking, here are the top 5 diet plans, in terms of popularity, as we enter the new year:
5. Weight Watchers. It's been around forever. Debbie's mom had great success with it. Oprah is a major stockholder <g>
4. Volumetrics. This diet categorizes foods based on energy density
3. Flexitarian Diet. This one encourages mostly plant-based foods while allowing meat and other animal products in moderation.
2. The DASH diet. This is a portion control diet
1. The Mediterranean diet. This one involves eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil. Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods. Lots of fish.
So, pick one you like and stick to it. And good luck.
We're in this with ya!
