Consumer Reports is famous for having reliable rankings and estimations of a products quality and value. So when I read that they had published findings on which diet was the best, and which diet book was the best, it definitely peaked my interest to know what they had to say. Here are their results:

The best diet: Volumetrics wins this category as the "best carefully researched diet plan." Based on the research of Penn State professor Barbara Rolls, PhD., it's biggest focus is eating foods with "low energy density," meaning low calories per serving -- things like fruits, salads, and soups.

The best diet book: The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene. It stresses exercise, gives recipes and has suggested eating schedules, plus gives personalized advice.