THE NO CRAVE DIET
by Penny Kendall- Reed and Stephen Reed

The Theory
By controlling physical and emotional factors that trigger cravings—like hunger, stress, low blood sugar, and mood swings— you can dial them down, according to this husband and wife team (he’s an orthopedic surgeon and she’s a naturopath). On this diet, you’ll have three small protein-rich meals (fish, egg whites, poultry, or tofu) per day spaced five to six hours apart with nothing in between. (The Reeds claim eating between meals intensifies cravings, reduces fat burning, and prevents the release of leptin, a feel-full hormone.) Also on the plan: two pieces of fruit daily and as many vegetables (except potatoes, winter squash, peas, and corn) as you like. In the second phase of the diet, healthy carbs are slowly reintroduced, but protein always dominates.

The Expert Take
It’s tough to keep track of how many calories you’re eating on this plan. You choose from a list of dishes, but calorie counts aren’t provided. We estimate they vary widely, so you could get 1,000 calories one day and 2,500 the next. The skipping snacks claim isn’t backed up by science; in fact, there’s more support for the idea that healthy snacking helps you stay satisfied. And while a multivitamin is a good idea, there’s no proof that the other recommended supplements, like L-tyrosine, help with weight loss.

Weight-Loss Trick
Keep meals simple. Having a smorgasbord of flavors in one sitting can overload your senses and may make you more likely to overeat. Use two seasonings max, and when possible, select a “power spice”—one that provides additional benefits. For instance, chili pepper can help you stay satisfied after a meal.