This diet plan falls on the other side of the spectrum from the high-protein diets. This diet is very low fat (10% of the total calories) and is a high-carbohydrate, vegetarian-based diet.

The concept of this diet is based on dietary fat being responsible for weight gain and its related diseases. Dr. Ornish did publish a study on this type of food plan demonstrating that it can reduce and possibly reverse heart disease in some individuals. It is unlikely that anyone could argue that the suggested foods are not healthy. Epidemiological evidence supports the health benefits of such foods and the replacement of dietary fat with carbohydrates (grains, fruits and vegetables) will significantly increase the volume of daily food intake while maintaining equal calories.

The Downside

Ironically, the recommended foods are the obstacle to maintaining the program. Most Americans do not consume or desire fruits, grains and vegetables all day, therefore the diet becomes more like a prescription than an acceptable food plan.

Although the book cover reads Eat More, Weigh Less, the average diet for a typical day adds up to approximately 1,200-1,350 calories. Removing too much fat from one's diet has its own limitations, just as removing too many carbohydrates can. Dietary fat helps with fullness and palatability.

If one was able to adhere to this program's boundaries, it would probably not be because it was "all they could eat" but, more likely, all they could tolerate. This condition would lead the dieter back to the less healthy staples of the American diet that are so ingrained in our habits.

There may be a benefit to a small portion of the population in which the vegetarian fare compliments their digestive physiology. However, based on the results from the National Weight Control Registry, the majority of the population that has successfully maintained weight loss consumed an average of 55% carbohydrate (CHO), 20% protein, and 25% fat made up of the more palatable foods Americans are accustomed to.