" She acknowledges that most fad diets, such as Atkins, The Zone and South Beach, can help us lose weight in the short run. But, as you probably guessed, we tire of eating the same foods and regress to poor choices and monster portions. "

" Giancoli says the majority of fad diets are based on three staples ? fat, protein and carbohydrates. "

" "They're the only nutrients that provide energy, that provide calories," she says. "We just keep reincarnating them into diets. There's only so much you can do with them." "

" On the subject of reincarnation, the American Dietetic Association recognized an Atkins-like low-carb diet as early as 1825 and another in 1863. Other versions followed. "

" Giancoli believes that the message about proper, nutritious eating habits is sinking in, despite the outbreak of obesity. "

" "The lifestyle fix is becoming more popular; they're talking about it now," she says. "It's a slow process. Knowledge is not behavior, but the message is starting to get out." "

" "They keep me employed," says Giancoli, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, which advocates proper nutrition and a healthful lifestyle. It also reviews popular diets at www.eatright.org. "

" As a debunker of diet myths, Giancoli's workload doesn't figure to poop out any time soon. "

" "If all these diets worked long-term, we wouldn't have an obesity problem," she says. "That magic pill, that magic diet doesn't exist." "

"A Paleolithic-inspired menu of nuts, berries, fruits, vegetables and meat is recommended. Sometimes referred to as "early" or "prehistoric" Atkins because of its emphasis on protein and fat. "

"Sleeping Beauty diet: Elvis Presley's idea of dieting: Zonk out on sedatives for a few days to lose weight. Can't binge while you're unconscious, right? "

"Cigarette diet: Cigarettes as dieting aids boosted Lucky Strike sales
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