Those are just some of the strategies in the newest crop of diet books hitting the shelves that focus less on meal plans than on eating psychology and strategy. Here are some of the new plans and some perspective from Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
“I Can Make You Thin: The Revolutionary System Used by More Than 3 Million People” by Paul McKenna (Sterling Publishing) The plan: Through the use of psychological techniques, McKenna, a hypnotherapist, reprograms the way people think and act around food so they can conquer emotional eating, eat less and not feel deprived. The book comes with a hypnosis CD.
Some perspective: Changing the way people think about food is important, says Blatner. But people still need to know what to eat, how much to eat, and what to do for exercise. The verdict is still out on the effectiveness of hypnosis for long-term weight loss.
“The 4 Day Diet” by Ian K. Smith, M.D. (St. Martin’s Press) The plan: Don’t get too excited. The diet is longer than four days. But Smith, founder of The 50 Million Pound Challenge, has broken his program into seven, 4 day modules. The book has a list of foods to eat each day and more than 60 recipes.
Some perspective: Four days per module means dieters won’t get bored, says Blatner. But the book only gives a list of foods — not meals. “Most people know what to eat but need help putting together quick and easy meals.”
Joy’s Life Diet: Four Steps to Thin Forever” by Joy Bauer (Collins Living) The plan: L.I.F.E., as in Look Incredible, Feel Extraordinary. Bauer, diet expert for the “Today” show, presents four steps to help people shed pounds, including stripping away negative eating habits and reprogramming your appetite. The book includes daily menus and makeovers for family favorites.
Some perspective: A very well-rounded diet book, says Blatner. But a seasoned dieter won’t find any new information in it, she said.“The 9-Inch ‘Diet’: Exposing the Big Conspiracy in America” by Alex Bogusky with Chuck Porter (powerHouse Books).
The plan: Use a smaller plate. Switching to a 9-inch dinner plate can decrease caloric intake 30 to 35 percent, according to the authors. But there’s more to this than smaller plates. The book attacks the “root problem behind America’s oversized behind: portion distortion.” Some perspective: “We do know that you eat less from smaller plates,” says Blatner. But a good diet includes healthier food in addition to watching portions, she said.
“Your Big Fat Boyfriend: How To Stay Thin When Dating A Diet Disaster” by Jenna Bergen (Quirk Books)
The plan: With studies showing that a woman in a relationship gains weight, Bergen provides tips on how to avoid the extra pounds a boyfriend can bring. The book offers strategies for grocery shopping and cooking with your sweetie, along with active date ideas like salsa dancing.
Some perspective: Research shows obesity may be socially contagious, says Blatner. So the book may be helpful to people who are influenced by food pushers or tempting treats. The downside is the book has no specific meal plans, she said.