The American Dietetic Association has other advice for would-be dieters:

• Some fats are good for you, most notably the fatty acids found in fish.
• When it comes to losing weight, the only thing that counts is calories. Just so you know, about 3,500 are in a pound.
• And as AP so cleverly puts it, it's time to "stop stuffin' it and start huffin' it."

The Ideal Diet

The ideal diet, according to Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the nutrition department at Harvard School of Public Health, consists of lots of fruits and vegetables and healthy protein sources, including fish, poultry, nuts, and legumes. Red meat and high-fat dairy products should be avoided. Carbohydrates are fine, as long as they're high-fiber. Think wheat pasta and brown rice. Avoid refined grains, such as white rice and white potatoes. Also, take a multivitamin daily, do enjoy an alcoholic drink every day, and get regular physical activity.

The Ideal Meal

• Slice of oily fish, such as salmon, cooked in garlic, shallots, onions, and tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Fresh fruit for dessert with a steaming cup of tea

Why is this meal so good for you? Oily fish, such as salmon or mackerel, may cut the risk of prostate cancer in half. Garlic, shallots, onions, and tomatoes also lower the risk of certain kinds of cancer. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain a chemical that kills the bacteria responsible for most stomach cancers. Moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of heart attacks. Tea makes bones stronger and reduces the risk of dying after a heart attack.

Bon appetit!