People are continually searching for diets that work. Many go from one diet program to the next thinking this next one will be the one that solves my weight issues. Finding a diet that one can follow and stick with tends to be the real issue at hand versus actually finding a diet that works.

The 46.8 billion dollar diet industry (as of 2005) depends not on people staying healthy and keeping off weight, but rather on people taking an endless yo-yo ride between health and fat. Because the money comes from repeat business, the focus is naturally on methods and products that work for a short period but result in return business.

For example, here is a diet that works. Drink only water, eat only 1000 calories each day, and combine it with 30 minutes of aerobic activity five times a week. It’s a guarantee you’ll lose weight.

But there are two difficulties. First, cravings will likely end the diet. Sooner or later, particularly after intense work outs, those 1000 calories won’t leave you satisfied. It will start with a potato chip or piece of candy, then it’s whole bag of snacks and a piece of pie, and then the diet is kaput. Second, the diet has a finite life prescribed. You will eventually go back to eating the same stuff before the diet and in the same old way. Next season, or, or next vacation, or next big event or simply the next time you try putting on those jeans it will once again be time to go on a diet.

The best diet is one that you follow forever. There are a lot folks that are beginning to steer from the fad diets and now understand that to lose weight, it’s best to make a whole lifestyle change, including exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.

The Sonoma Diet, created by Connie Guttersen, focuses on ten “power foods.” These are almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and whole grains, combined with the cuisine of the Sonoma country, which includes Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean influences. The diet includes a wide variety of real, and enjoyable foods so it’s easy to stay on it.

Want a diet that works? Move your mind from a short term diet to a long term style that’s part of an overall healthy and active lifestyle. That way you won’t put on the pounds in the first place.