Everyone knows about the really popular fad diets such as the host of low-carb plans, including Atkins, Paleo, South Beach, and Dr. Dukan’s French low-carb diet. Then, there’s the cabbage soup diet. And the 3 hour diet. And the master cleanse. The list goes on and on. While many people would have to admit that at some point in their lives they have resorted to one of the more extreme fad diets, at least temporarily, very few can say they have achieved lasting results from such extreme restrictions. There are some diets out there that work really well, however: instead of banning entire food groups, they support a whole foods sensibility that encourages eating in a more balanced, healthful way that leaves no one permanently deprived of anything. They also don’t require hiring a personal trainer or even a home security team.  The result? Let’s have a look.

Diets such as Weight Watchers and even Slim Fast seem to provide the desired results with the most sustainable long term rewards when followed correctly. The infographic below puts Weight Watchers at the top of the list of the most successful diet plans, but incorrectly lists under “Cons” that it requires weekly meetings and public weigh-ins: I would like to point out that one can also sign up for Weight Watchers Online, the Internet-only version of Weight Watchers in which participants weigh themselves weekly and track everything online without ever setting foot in a meeting.