Follow in-the-know celebs and kick-start your new year's resolution with the latest and greatest diet books.
Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
Skinny Bitch's straight-shooting style pulls no punches. The rules are easy (no science degree needed), but dedication is a must.
- What do skinny bitches eat?
The good news is you can eat all the bread, pasta and rice you want and still lose weight — but the catch is that there's no meat, dairy, sugar, refined flour or artificial sweeteners.
- How long does it take and how much weight will I lose?
This book focuses more on healthy vegan eating rather than actual weight loss, so it may disappoint those hoping to drop a few quick kilos.
- Celeb following
The 'tough love' title got instant global exposure after Victoria Beckham picked up a copy at Hollywood's trendy Kitson boutique. "She never bought the book," said the store's owner Fraser Ross. No need — after a few paps snapped Posh flicking through the pages it was already on its way to the top of the bestseller list.
- Expert opinion
UK nutritionist Amanda Ursell says that while the book's no-nonsense advice is good, the actual diet itself is "vegan" — and could be difficult to stick to. "Your average woman would have to be dedicated."
How to Eat Like a Hot Chick by Jodi Lipper and Cerina Vincent
The tone of this diet bible is fun (more like talking to your girlfriend than being taught the healthy eating do's and don'ts) and the principles are simple — everything in moderation.
- What do hot chicks eat?
The philosophy is that if you want to look like a hot chick, you need to start thinking like one. That means not obsessing about food or your weight. So there's no need to pass on the pasta, just order napolitana over cabonara. Going out for cocktails? Try swapping your margarita with a caprioska (minus the sugar). Get the idea?
- How long does it take and how much weight will I lose?
Again, this is more of a long-term solution than a quick fix — and it is at times more self-help than weight loss. The concept is simple, but how much weight you lose and how quickly the kilos come off is up to you.
- Celeb following
This just-released book is yet to garner the interest of the celeb circuit — although with its catchy title and "a little bit of everything" approach, it's bound to be a hit.
- Top tips
Loaded with calorie-controlling tips like, "Don't eat cereal straight out of the box" (who does?!), this book will not only help you to shed the kilos, but will also have you smiling as you turn the pages. Oh, and for those who struggle with the dreaded over-eating after a break-up, there's also a bit of self-help thrown in.
The Zone Diet by Barry Sears
There's a reason this cult fave has been big news since the mid-'90s. The rules may be strict (and sometimes hard to follow), but the results speak for themselves.
- What do you eat when you're 'in the zone'?
The Zone is based on the idea that insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels, makes us fat. So, by regulating blood sugar levels and keeping insulin levels 'in the zone', the body will burn fat more efficiently. This can be done by eating the perfect balance of carbs, proteins and fats. The hard-fast rule is that every meal should contain 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fats.
- How long does it take and how much weight will I lose?
You'll drop at least 2.2kg in the first two weeks, and then about 0.5kg every week after.
- Celeb following
Jennifer Aniston and ex-hubby Brad Pitt put the Zone Diet on the map in the '90s, and since then other A-listers including Sarah Jessica Parker, Demi Moore and Sandra Bullock have also become devotees.
- Expert opinion
The American Heart Association issued an official warning about the 'high-protein' diet amid concerns it is lacking in essential nutrients and is not a long-term weight-loss solution.
The French Diet: Why French Women Don't Get Fat by Michel Montignac
Eat what you want, when you want, and wash it down with a glass of bubbles or a good drop of red — diets don't get any better than this!
- What do French women eat?
For the always-svelte Parisians it's all about eating for pleasure, savouring every bite, and choosing the freshest, best quality foods. Eating food in the correct order is also important — pairing low-GI foods with good fats (like olive oil) and eating them in a specific order is how the French have been eating for decades.
- How long does it take and how much weight will I lose?
This is another long-term approach so you won't see a big difference immediately. According to author Michel Montignac, "The French diet is not really a diet — it's more of a lifestyle."
- Celeb following
Kylie Minogue and fashion designer Christian Lacroix are both fans.
- Expert opinion
Professor Jean Dumesnil from Quebec University says it's not only an effective weight-loss program, but it also prevents cardiovascular disease.
The 5-Factor Diet by Harley Pasternak
Perfect for people on-the-go, this A-list fave will see you dropping the kilos in no time. And you're allowed to cheat!
- What can you eat?
The theory behind this wonder diet is that you lose weight by preparing five-minute meals that contain only five ingredients (low-fat protein, healthy carbs, 5-10g fibre, healthy fats and a non-sugar drink). Eat these meals five times a day and you're on your way to a new you! You can also have one cheat day a week.
- How long does it take and how much weight will I lose?
Get results in only five weeks! Maximise your weight loss by incorporating the 5-Factor Fitness Workouts — just 25 minutes a day will see big results.
- Celeb following
Eva Mendes says the diet changed her life — "I feel better, [and] I can have guilt-free pizza anytime." Kanye West also follows the 5-Factor program while on tour.
- Expert opinion
Dietician Susan Finkelstein says that while the 5-Factor recipes "were simple, creative and easy to prepare", she felt there wasn't enough emphasis on portion control.
The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agatston
If you want to lose weight fast, this celeb favourite is the way to go.
- What can you eat?
In the first two weeks the choices are limited — carbs and fats are both restricted. But get through the hard yards and the second stage, which focuses on slow, on-going weight-loss, is much easier. Low-GI carbs are introduced, as well as fruits and low-fat milk and soy products.
- How long does it take and how much weight will I lose?
In the first two weeks the weight-loss is dramatic and you can lose between 3-6kg. In the second stage you should lose around 0.5-1kg per week.
- Celeb following
Bill Clinton, Oprah, Bette Midler and Nicole Kidman have all given the South Beach Diet a go. Jessica Simpson is also a fan — "I tried Atkins [diet] but felt I was depriving myself, so I switched to the South Beach Diet, which is more of a lifestyle approach."
- Expert opinion
Australian nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton says she doesn't agree with banning foods, particularly healthy ones like fruits and grains. "The reason carbs are banned [in the first two weeks of the South Beach Diet is because] this results in a loss of the body's supplies of glycogen in muscles. Removing these stores gives a good result on the scales, but is worse long term."
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