Lots of people need to shed weight,

and lots of people are always on the look out for diets that work. The issue isn't really finding a diet plan that works, but rather locating a diet to which a person can stick. The diet industry is very large. With books, diet food programs, trainers and nutritionists, spas, and all the other elements of the health and diet industry a lot of loot, over 46.8 billion dollars in 2005, is earned not from people becoming healthy or losing weight, but rather from people trying to become healthy or lose weight. Because repeat business brings in the cash, the focus is naturally on methods and products that work for a short period of time but result in return business.

Here's a diet that works. Combine limiting caloric intake to 1000 calories a day with at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week. That diet will result in losing weight. But there are two problems. The first is that cravings are likely to foil the diet. 1000 calories and all that exercise will eventually lead to big hunger and binge eating. First it's a potato chip or piece of cake, then it's an extra hot dog and the whole bag of chips, and then the diet is history. The second issue is what happens after the diet is over? What happens when the weight is lost? What, you'll return to eating the same way you ate prior to the diet? Guess what, then the weight will return. Next beach season, or next fancy dress ball, or next vacation, or simply the next time you glance at a mirror on the way out of the gym it will be once again be diet time.

The best diet is one making a change to overall diet, permanently. A lifestyle change to healthier eating habits and more physical activity is the best way to lose weight and keep off the unwanted pounds. Connie Guttersen created the Sonoma Diet which, as a base, focuses on 10 “power foods.” These are almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and whole grains, combined with the diet of the Sonoma country, which includes Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean influences. The diet includes a wide selection of real, and enjoyable foods so it's easy to stay on it .

Want a diet that works? Shift the focus away from a short term diet to permanent eating habits that go along with an overall healthy and active lifestyle. That way you won't gain the pounds in the first place.