How should I choose a weight loss diet?

Any weight loss diet will do. As long as it's heart healthy, it cuts back on calories, and you stick to it. In a study of four weight loss plans, the number of pounds people were able to shed didn't differ much -- as long as the diets were fairly low in saturated fat and cholesterol, were high in fiber, reduced people's calorie intake, and included 90 minutes of weekly exercise. Each diet group also experienced better cholesterol, better blood pressure, and better triglyceride levels -- and metabolic syndrome dropped across the board. Jump-start your weight loss efforts now.

The diets in the study had varying amounts of carbs, fat, and protein. So you don't have to pigeonhole yourself to one style of diet. Just make sure it's something you feel you can live with.

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