Which Plan is Best for You?

In a way, I'm thrilled that the Northeast hasn't seen any consistent signs of Spring yet. It means I get to wear a jacket a little longer and cover up the extra winter weight.  The clock is ticking and I can't hide forever. So, I needed to know the best plans for losing this over-baked muffin top I've got....you know, adopt a life changing eating routine. I hate the word "diet". Makes me feel like I'm under microscope. Anyway, we did some research here at Neero & Ana and found the most popular weight reduction plans out there, according to the Consumer Search group- an independent consumer rating & review company owned by the New York Times. Here are their top picks based on consumer & expert reviews as well as their in-house testing:

1. BEST DIET BOOK:  "The Best Diet Life", by Bob Greene

Bob was Oprah's personal fitness coach. The book has received high marks from a lot of industry folks and  you can get it for as little as $6 buck on Amazon.com. It provides lifestyle changing food selections, emphasizes whole grains vs. processed & fried foods and incorporates fitness routines into the book. Bob Greene also has a website that provides healthy choices mirrored in his book. The problem for me when visiting the site is that you can only access certain information for free. If you want a personalize diet plan or take advantage of the other "goodies" Bob has to offer, you have to pay for it. He manufactures packaged foods and encourages purchases of his brand. mmmm......Check out  his website: www.thebestlife.com
   2.   BEST PREPACKAGED DIET PLAN: Slim Fast
Slim Fast has been around for a while and has been applauded for it's convenient and guaranteed weight loss just by drinking the shakes. It's convenient, but short term. Who can just drink all day. I need to chew something at some point!  So, while many received immediate results and success, it has a high fall-off rate of success for long term dieters. Naysayers  think the plan may get costly and lack variety.  Find out if this plan is for you ...  http://www.slim-fast.com/
  3.   BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM OVERALL: Weight Watchers
 Weight Watchers has been touted as a "weigh of life" by many. The plan teaches portion control, gives you millions of food choices and helps you lose weight naturally. With every plan, staying on plan is key. Look at Jennifer Hudson...from size 18 to a size 6! I've been a Weight Watcher groupie a few times myself and it does work...if you work it. The weekly support groups can be helpful for those who want to listen and learn from a live audience, so to speak. And sometimes we need to connect and commiserate with others. You know, share binging stories or something like that. Sign up to get started:  www.weightwatchers.com
  4.   BEST ONLINE WEIGHT LOSS COMMUNITY: Spark People.com
Spark People has been rated  as the best FREE online web support site for users that want to learn more about customizing diet plans. They say it's a highly motivated site, where folks are completely engaged. We found the site to offer a lot (and for FREE!). You can devise your own meal plan, get recipes, fitness routines and connect with a whole community. You feed their online survey with your current situation and weight loss goals and you get a report of what's needed to help you reach your goals. I actually like this program a lot - the interaction from other members, suggestions, inspirational messages and so much more.  I believe you'll find value here... www.sparkpeople.com