I frequently get asked my opinion about the latest fad diet book to hit the shelves.  And before I write anything further I should state that I do not think all diet books are the same.  Some have scientific merit while others offer little more than anecdotal evidence from a genetically blessed Hollywood star.  But my general take-away about fad diet books is that most of them offer eating plans that are not sustainable for most people.  First off, the modern idea of a diet is a flawed concept.  A diet implies a relatively short time period during which someone radically changes what they eat, how much they eat, and or how often they eat it.  Now, I have stood in line behind enough people at the gas station buying high calorie processed snacks that hardly resemble real food, to know that some people need radical change in their diets and lifestyles.  So how's this for a radical change…do the basic things well!  Adopt sound lifestyle habits that are healthy and sustainable over the long haul.  Here are some examples:

• Eat a balanced diet consisting of high quality whole foods
• Focus on smaller portion sizes at lunch and especially dinner
• Eat breakfast every day within 45 minutes of waking
• Get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night
• Add small nutritious snacks at mid-morning and mid-afternoon
• Exercise 3-5 days per week
• Limit consumption of grain based carbohydrate
• Limit consumption of processed foods
• Drink more water and eliminate high calorie drinks
• Eliminate artificial sweeteners and flavorings
• Stay active, even on non-workout days
• Floss your teeth at least once per day

I am not suggesting that doing these basic things are easy, they will require planning and discipline, but if you do them and make them habits you will never need a fad diet book.