The GI Diet doesn't need to cost anymore than you are already spending on groceries. You will need to consult with lists and numbers but will eventually get to know the good carbs from the bad. This diet is good especially if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Eating the lower index foods will keep you fuller longer than other diets. The reason we chose this for the Editor's Pick is because the Glycemic Index Diet isn't a diet at all. It is a way of life. It is the building of positive eating habits over time, in which you pay attention to the overall nutritional value of the food, rather than some prescribed diet plan that says you'll lose X-amount of pounds in X-amount of days.

The Mediterranean Diet is a delicious and healthy diet but it does encourage high carb foods, so diabetics may want to stay away from it. This diet is a way of eating healthy, and because you are eating healthy, weight loss automatically follows.

The South Beach Diet can be a little costlier than the others, but it offers the most convenience and ease of use. Many meals and snacks are pre-packaged and available for $2.50 to $3.50 each and many times they are on sale. You can also learn what foods you are allowed and cook from scratch. This diet is also diabetic friendly.

The Atkins Diet gets five out of five stars because it works. Plain and simple, despite all of the controversy, despite the fact that it "shouldn't" work according to many nutritionists - It just works. This is the diet professional bodybuilders use when preparing for a contest where they have to be down to as little as 3% body fat while not losing all of their muscle. If that doesn't convince you, I don't know what will. But the problem with this system is that it is a "diet". Nobody can keep up this level of protein-to-carb ratio for long periods of time.

In conclusion, if you want to lose weight and keep it off, change your eating habits and pay attention to the nutritional value, including the Glycemic Index, of your food. If you're looking to drop a bunch of fat real quick (for a wedding, prom, etc...) the most effective fad diet we've found is the Atkins Diet.