TOP 3 DIETS +1

"I EAT, THEREFORE I DIET" is my mantra.  The instant food touches our lips, we are on some sort of diet: "see food" diet, vegetarian, restrictive, permissive, raw, whatever we choose to eat is our diet.  Some are healthier than others and, in spite of their marketing, some don't make my list because I consider them unhealthy, bogus, or downright dangerous.

So, here is my list of top diets.

1 - The South Beach Diet. Although I'm not a big fan of commercial diets, I think the SBD is appropriate for those who want to lose weight with guidance. The South Beach Diet stresses lean carbohydrates, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy oils, and promote heart health… and exercise.

2 - The DASH diet: Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension - Free program, with meal plans at dashdiet.org, the DASH diet also promotes heart health through low-sodium meal plans (you can actually choose your sodium level), low-fat dairy, lean protein, and fruits and vegetables.  Really similar to the South Beach Diet, but self-conducted and free… with physical activity.

3 - The Mediterranean Diet - Another free nutrition plan.  I like the wide variety of foods available and am a big fan of it.  Because of the variety, it's never boring, it is colorful, versatile, sure to please vegans, meat-lovers, fish-lovers, followers of the Jewish Kosher as well as Muslim Pareve tradition… and eating meals in a relaxed atmosphere.

 BONUS - The USDA PYRAMID.  The mypyramid.gov website is a fabulous resource for nutrition information, personalized needs and targeted meal planning… and stressing physical activity.   It's like having your own nutritionist on line.  Take time to check it out, decide what your calorie level is, and plan your meals.  If you're cool with counting calories or servings, you'll love MyPyramid: a great tool, totally ignored by the general public.  Sad: your tax dollars paid for it.  USE IT!