Why don't diet books work?

I don't think it's necessarily the books that don't work as the diets. Most diets are too restrictive - for instance, they tell you you can't eat any carbs, or any sugar, etc. And those foods aren't evil, they should just be consumed in moderation. For instance, level 1 of the South Beach is so restriction of carbs, you can't even eat fruit for two weeks. Personally, I eat level 2 South Beach most of the time (not strictly, but just as a general rule), but level 1 is very extreme, especially for people trying to diet on their own. I definitely think that having in-person dieting advice helps (especially for women) because it gives you someone to report to, someone who's going to hold you accountable.

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I agree with Raina--most popular diet plans tend to be overly rigid, at least at the beginning. And sensible eating and exercise, they're hard! Most gimmicky lose weight quick plans are destined to failure.

I think face-to-face counseling can be helpful, but if it's just one visit, then people may end up slacking later down the road just as they do with their diet books.

Figuring out a way to get ongoing support--either a therapist or a group or a website or a buddy or a spouse--can go a long way to keeping people motivated when the novelty of a new dieting approach wears off.


(Gosh, speaking of which, Crabby happens to know of a weird little health and fitness blog where people can come commiserate about healthy eating and exercise...
(sorry!) She's terrible about promoting http://crankyfitness.blogspot.com/ but she just can't seem to help it!)

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I really like instant gratification, and I have'nt found that in a diet book, I did find it at "The Whole Food Farmacy" http//:www.farminabag.com

Now; I am eating, and losing. ha-ha.

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I have to agree that it is the diets, not the books that don't work. So many diets set unrealistic eating expectations of the dieter that cheating or falling off the diet completely is inevitable. I have found only one book and one diet that works for just about everyone I have spoke to who has done it including myself. "The Fat Smash" diet by Dr Ian K. Smith is the first and only diet that has worked for me as well as tons of others. It outlines a healthy way of eating without being so restrictive as to make you fall off track..it helps teach you a better, healthier lifestyle. Most diet books and diet plans do not do that. They restrict everything from ALL carbs to making the dieter eat only cabbage soup etc.. Who wants to work THAT hard to prep meals and then have to eat meals that are basically unenjoyable? It only makes failure inevitable. We are all human after all.

I also have to agree with Crabby Mcslacker that finding a support group of some kind helps keep you motivated and on track.

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