Just for Moms: 8 Diets for the New Year

The holidays have come and gone, but the figgy pudding and eggnog have elected to stick around (my waist, that is).  New Year's resolutions are announced each year with great determination and are usually abandoned soon after, much to one's chagrin. This January, instead of resolving to "lose weight" or "get healthy," resolutions that are much too vague, take pen to paper, decide on a specific weight loss goal, and make it attainable. Here are some diets that can help you achieve your goal this time.

Diet: South Beach

How to follow: It's the "Good versus Bad" diet - eliminate the bad carbohydrates and fats from your daily consumption in three stages, each becoming more liberal. Daily exercise and snacking is encouraged!

Calories per day: No calorie counting here; just be sure to eat the right carbohydrates, right fats, and lean proteins.

Suggested results: Lowers the bad cholesterol (LDLs) and raises the good ones (HDLs) while reducing the amount of triglycerides in your blood, lowering blood pressure and sugar levels.

Good for you if: You want to kick up your metabolism and like to snack.

Diet: The Mediterranean Diet

How to follow: There are a number of variations to the Mediterranean diet (there are 16 countries bordering this body of water) but all have a combination that emphasizes more fruits, veggies, breads and cereals, potatoes, beans, and nuts while limiting consumption of dairy, fish, and poultry. Eggs and wine are consumed in low amounts. Olive oil is the primary source of good fat. Keep portion sizes small and get daily exercise.

Calories per day: To lose one pound per week, reduce caloric intake by 500 calories each day and/or increase physical activity.

Suggested results: Expect to lose five pounds per year and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Good for you if: You enjoy eating delicious fresh foods in smaller portions and a nice glass of wine, and can stand to live without red meat.

Diet: Jenny Craig

How to follow: Meet regularly with a weight loss and physical counselor at a local Jenny Craig Centre in order to completely change your lifestyle and eating habits. Not to worry if there isn't a Jenny Craig nearby, you can have phone meetings with your consultant! Initially, members eat the prepackaged and frozen meals created for Jenny Craig, then transition to creating meals on their own following the same principles.

Calories per day: Determined according to your calculated calorie level based on age, gender, height, weight, and activity level.

Suggested results: Loss of about one to two pounds per week can be expected.

Good for you if: You would rather have someone else cook your meals for a while!

Diet: Weight Watchers

How to follow: On the Momentum Plan, members follow the Points System-each food is given a number based on its calorie, fat and fiber content. To get to your weight goal, a total number of points per day will be allotted according to your height, weight, activity level, and age.

Calories per day: Based on the personalized Points System.

Suggested results: Average weight loss of one to two pounds per week.

Good for you if: You can't seem to break ties with your favorite not-so-healthy foods and like having a whole team of support.