Lots of folks need to shed some weight, and lots of people are forever searching for diets that are effective. The issue isn’t really finding a diet that works, but rather locating a diet to which a person can stick. The 46.8 billion dollar diet industry (as of 2005) depends not on people staying healthy and keeping off weight, but rather on people taking an endless roller coaster ride between health and fat. Because the money comes from repeat business, the focus is naturally on methods and products that work for a short period but result in return business.

Here’s a diet that works. Drink only water, eat only 1000 calories every day, and combine it with 30 minutes of aerobic activity five times each week. It’s a sure bet you’ll shed weight. Only two small problems. #1 cravings will likely end the diet. 1000 calories and all that exercise will eventually lead to big hunger and binge eating. One piece of cake, or just one bag of chips, or one extra hot dog will soon steer you to end the diet. #2 the diet eventually ends. You eventually go back to eating the identical old way. Next spring, or next time to wear that dress or tuxedo, or next vacation, or simply the next time you look into a mirror on the way out of the gym it will be time to return to a diet to lose the unwanted pounds.

The best diet is a forever diet. More and more people now understand that to lose weight it’s best to change lifestyle, including healthier eating habits and more exercise. Connie Guttersen created the Sonoma Diet which, as a base, discusses 10 “power foods.” The power foods are almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and whole grains, eaten in conjunction with the cuisine of the Sonoma country, which includes Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean foods and dishes. The diet is full of real food, and real portions, combined into enjoyable dishes to help encourage someone to stay with it .

Want a diet that works for healthy weight loss? Move your mind from a short term diet to a long term style that’s part of an overall healthy and active lifestyle. That way you won’t gain the pounds in the first place.