The back story: High-protein diets remain popular. Atkins and other low-carbohydrate diets rely on high consumption of protein. Though the Atkins diet has come under fire for being high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables, recent research indicates that a diet rich in lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey and fish, mixed with complex carbs and beneficial fats, may aid weight loss without adverse effects.

Carbohydrates are the persecuted minority of the dieting world. The low-carb, high-protein Atkins diet may not be as popular as it once was, but carbo-bashing is still all the rage. Protein good, bread/potatoes/pasta bad, or so many believe.

New research on rats suggests that restoring the levels of fatty acid in a special region of the brain might treat obesity, a growing worldwide health concern.

PLACERVILLE, Calif., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time to help shed extra holiday pounds or to keep that New Year's weight-loss resolution, Personal Dietitian, a leading online diet company, has launched its Plan-a-Meal(TM) program to guide individuals in choosing healthy foods for their restaurant, packaged-food and cook-at-home dining. The new program, available at www.a-personaldietitian.com, combines the convenience of purchased-food programs like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, the flexibility of online and menu plans and the easy access of diets like South Beach.

"The Sonoma Diet" promises to help you lose weight and stay healthy while eating plenty of satisfying and flavorful foods.