For more about the Atkins Diet, read my review in Diets A-to-Z.

2. Strive for variety
The Zone plans are the most moderate of the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet genre. Striving for a 40-30-30 ratio of carbohydrate, protein and fat at each meal and snack can help people learn to choose a variety of different foods. The emphasis on choosing high-fiber foods and monounsaturated fatty acids will also help promote a healthy heart while you lose weight.

For more on the Zone, read my review in Diets A-to-Z.

3. Beat sweet treats
Eliminating foods high in sugar and refined white flour as suggested by plans such as Sugar Busters and Somersizing will often lead to weight loss. If you replace those foods with vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources, your health will also benefit. When we learn to avoid high-sugar, high-calorie foods on a regular basis, we're bound to lower our daily calorie intake and lose weight.

For more on Sugar Busters, read my review in Diets A-to-Z.

For more on Somersizing, read my review in Diets A-to-Z.

4. Soup up your diet
I don't recommend the famous Cabbage Soup diet, but there is certainly something to be said for increasing the amounts of vegetables we eat! Vegetables provide fiber, vitamins and many phytochemicals essential for health. They also help fill up that empty hole in our stomach. Instead of following the Cabbage Soup plan to the letter, simply start lunch and dinner with a hearty bowl of low-calorie vegetable soup. It'll take the edge off your hunger and boost your nutrition at the same time!