As is typical for the start of the year new diet books are in bookstores to help people kick off those New Year's resolutions. A couple diet books are already topping the New York Times bestseller list. You: On a Diet by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz is at #1 and The Best Life Diet by Oprah's trainer Bob Greene is at #2. A Reutersnews story says a trend in this year's diet books is a welcomed move towards common sense and away from fab diets.
Publishers traditionally target the post-holiday period in early January to release diet and fitness books, and 2007 is no exception with a bewildering array of fat-burning tips, suggestions and statistics to help people get back into shape.
But several commentators noted a shift away from extreme regimes to a more common sense approach to weight loss as obesity becomes a growing problem although nutritionists warn not all bookshelf advice is worth the money.
"I think what is important for people is to spot the fad diets," said Dr. Toni Steer, a nutritionist at Britain's Medical Research Council.
Diet books have also been featured on the big talk shows. Oprah had her personal trainer Bob Green on to talk about The Best Life Diet.
Also highlighted in the media in recent weeks have been "Japanese Women Don't Get Old or Fat" by Naomi Moriyama, "The Best Life Diet" by Oprah Winfrey's personal trainer Bob Greene and "Feed Your Tiger" by Letha Hadady.
In Britain, Audrey Eyton, author of the bestselling "F-Plan Diet" in 1982, returns with "The F2 Diet".
For those seeking enjoyment and relaxation with health, Roger Corder, professor of experimental therapeutics at the William Harvey Research Institute in London, recommends a moderate daily intake of red wine in "The Wine Diet".
And Cherie and John Calbom say not sleeping enough raises the risk of obesity, diabetes and other complaints. The publisher's tagline for "Sleep Away the Pounds" is "You snooze, you lose".
If more red wine helps you sleep more could that be extra beneficial? You will have to consult the health experts for an answer to that question. It is good to see some more rational approach to dieting to start off the year. But 2007 is just starting and a new fab diet craze could emerge at any time.
As is typical for the start of the year new diet books are in bookstores to help people kick off those New Year's resolutions. A couple diet books are already topping the New York Times bestseller list. 