Rating The Diets

Arguing the benefits of various diets can lead to extremeley heated discussions amongst adherents of the many available plans.
I've always felt that any diet works, short-term, because of the calorie restriction, but the only thing that works long-term is a varied, nutritious diet; consumed in moderate amounts, and mixed with exercise. Some people can achieve this on their own, and many others need the guidance a diet plan provides.
Consumer Reports rated seven popular diets last Spring. Their findings took the thinking out of eating altogether, placing the Jenny Craig diet as number one to keep pounds off for the long term.
In Jenny Craig (which garnered 85 out of a possible 100 points), the participant eats pre-packaged, calorie-proportioned meals that are heated in a microwave. While it's simple to adhere to and nutritionally balanced, Consumer Reports felt the taste of the food left something to desire, which possibly could lead to boredom and drop-out.
Slim Fast (63 out of 100) placed second. With it's three snacks, two shakes, and one nutritious meal per day, the simplicity was again key to short-term adherence. Long term, the question was how long people can look at another shake?
The time-honored Weight Watchers system rated third, with 57 out of 100 points. While the variety of food was the greatest of those tested, and long-term adherence
is very feasible, the points system may actually give too much freedom and flexibility for those looking to lose a considerable amount of weight.
The Zone Diet, popular amongst many celebrities, place fourth with 54 points. It's downside: inability to keep weight off for the long haul, because of the precise measuring of the food and work involved in keeping with the program.
Tied for last, with 48 points each, were the Dr. Dean Ornish "Eat More, Weigh Less" low fat, vegetarian diet, and the high-protein, no-carb Atkins plan. Both tested poorly because of their nutritional extremes. The magazine's study rated nutritional value by their adherence to the US Dietary guidelines.
I found the article very interesting, although my own belief is that any formal diet plan is unneccesary to anyone with good, basic knowledge on nutrition. Cut out 250 calories a day (two sodas or beers), burn off 250 calories more (a 2.5 mile walk), and you will have a deficit of 3500 calories after one week. That's one pound. Take it all from there!