Overview:
Best if you don't want to prepare foods or count calories, or weigh portions. This program has a lot going for it. It's very user-friendly; you simply log in on-line, decide upon a plan, order the food and you're on your way. All of the nutritional information and calorie counting is accounted for, and it's very convenient, private and easy to follow. There's a vast array of menu items to select from, providing the necessary variety for weight loss success.

Advantages:
With 7 different programs to select from (Women, Men, Over 60, Diabetic, Vegetarian), there's something to fit nearly everyone's needs. On-line ordering offers ultimate convenience, and live counseling is available 24/7, both on-line and via telephone. There are also various other on-line tools offered to provide support and motivation, with no membership fee attached.

Diet & Expectations:
The system is built with foods that are low in fat, heart-healthy and based on the Glycemic Index, which ranks carbs by their effect on blood sugar levels. After an initial weight loss, clients can expect to lose 1-2 lbs per week.

Cost & Commitment:
Approximately $81.59 for a week's worth of meals and snacks. Discounts apply for auto-ship plans, and promotions are available regularly.

South Beach Diet

Overview:
This diet teaches you how to choose good carbs (whole grains, certain fruits and vegetables) and how to avoid bad carbs. Good fats and lean proteins are also highlighted. You begin by doing a free on-line profile that shows you how the diet can help you reach your goals.

Advantages:
This is an excellent opportunity for people looking to lose weight quickly and affordably. Customized meal plans, over 1000 recipes, tools to track progress and goals, 24 hour on-line support all assist in providing a terrific weight loss plan with measurable results. There is also a strong on-line community to offer support.

Diet & Expectations:
There are three distinct phases to this program.
Phase One- Allows normal sized portions of lean protein, reduced or non-fat dairy, and a variety of vegetables for two weeks, with absolutely no carbs allowed.
Phase Two- Reintroduces the "right" carbs until you reach your goal weight.
Phase Three- Teaches you to maintain your goal weight and make good food choices.

Cost & Commitment:
$5.00 per week with a 4 week minimum. Weight loss depends upon individual profiles, but after initial weight drop, clients can expect to lose 1-2 lbs per week.

The Sonoma Diet

Advantages:
This is a plan that you can incorporate into the rest of your life. It is comparatively inexpensive, and if followed, the ideas behind this system can stay with you for the rest of your life. There are customized day-by-day plans available, as well as meal planners, over 500 recipes, shopping lists, a food diary and an on-line support community, for support. You will learn how to eat the right foods in the right amounts.

Diet & Expectations:
The plan is broken up into 3 "waves".
The first wave is only 10 days, and is made up of full meals, with plenty of whole grains, lean meats, fish and vegetables.
The second wave is the major component of the diet. You will stay on this wave until you reach your goal weight. It's all about appropriate portioning, and each wave teaches you how to fill your plate.
The third wave means you've reached your goal weight! You are now on your way towards a healthy approach to eating.

You can expect to lose 1-2 lbs per week on this plan.

Cost & Commitment:
The plan costs $5.00 per week, with a five week minimum. This is a very affordable plan, especially given the weight loss expectations.

Atkins Diet

Overview:
This is a very popular plan for those looking for rapid results and a lifestyle change. Acceptable foods are primarily protein and fats with severely limited carbohydrates and processed sugars, and portion size is not an issue.

Advantages:
There is no calorie counting or portion control. Staying below the daily carb intake limit allows you to eat until satisfied, providing you�re eating the allowed foods. These include unlimited amounts of meats, cheeses and other high protein foods. Carbs and processed sugars are strictly regulated. There are many Atkins bars and shakes to augment the diet, but clients are not expected to purchase prepared meals. It�s a very simple, yet potentially drastic lifestyle change for many people.

Diet & Expectations:
There are four phases to the program:
Phase One (Induction) A 14 day process, with leafy greens and other non-starchy vegetables being the primary source of carbs.
Phase Two (On-going weight loss) Now begins a gradual addition of specified carbs. Breads and rices are not suggested at this phase.
Phase Three (Maintenance) Carb intake is increased, as long as you are continuing to reach your weight loss goals.
Phase Four (Lifetime maintenance) You now continue eating in the manner that helped you to reach this point. In this phase, many dieters feel they have made appropriate lifestyle changes that they can hold on to.

There is typically an initial dramatic weight loss, and after that, clients can expect (and shouldn�t exceed) a 1-2 lb weight loss per week.

Cost & Commitment:
Through the Atkins website, there is are 24/7 live discussion groups, newsletters, recipes and lists of recommended foods. Clients can sign up with www.eDiets.com for a customized eating plan. These plans start at $3.00 per week, and include weekly "Print & Go" Atkins menu lists, as well as on-line nutritionists.

The Zone

Overview:
The Zone Diet can best be described as a moderate-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, moderate fat diet that has approximately one gram of fat for every two grams of protein and three grams of carbohydrates. This plan is based upon the belief that a diet should be healthy, delicious and convenient. You will be expected to eat 3 meals and 2 snacks daily.

Advantages:
Staying within the Zone will increase energy levels, keep insulin levels stable and improve overall health. Basic plan includes on-line support, recipes, meal planners and shopping lists, as well as an on-line nutritionist. You will learn about "good" fats and carbs, low-fat proteins and how to maintain a healthy balance.

Diet & Expectations:
Portions are controlled to a reasonable size, with no more than 5 hours passing without eating. Every meal or snack begins with a low-fat protein, and then "good" carbs and fats are added. This program is great for those serious about changing their lifestyles and attaining healthy eating habits.

After an initial greater drop, clients can expect to lose 1-2 lbs per week.

Cost & Commitment:
The basic on-line program costs $4.00 per week, with a 4-week minimum. Specials are often available on Zone products and snacks.

Jenny Craig