I've been thinking a lot about diets lately, mainly because I went on a big effort for a 'lifestyle change' last year. I say lifestyle change because i intend on it being permanent and making tweaks to improve all the time. A lot of diets have the suggestion of getting support from someone else. Funny thing, several family members are dieting, so they would be a likely choice. But the diets they choose are so different than what I'm doing, it's hard to even compare. I've read a lot of different diet books and one reason I've chosen the changes I have is because my goal is to reduce my cholesterol by decreasing fats and increasing fiber (more fruits and veges, integrating whole grains). And exercise, of course. The end goal really seems to make a difference in the diet chosen, and some of the diets seem easier in the short term but less sustainable. Not that it's all bad to use a plan that's short term, I just have further to go with changes that couldn't be made in a month or two. I still haven't seen enough of a change from my actions and it's a daily challenge. But I am pretty sure it's going to make a difference in my life now and in the future, so I keep trying -and reading a lot about health and new ideas for recipes to keep up with my goals.