A recent study compared various diets -- low-carb, low-fat, et al.

Bookstores often offer as many books about dieting and nutrition as books of literature and serious history.

Individuals with particular health concerns must closely monitor what they eat. Books offering recipes for diabetics are helpful and necessary, for instance.

If the goal is to shed pounds, then one diet probably trumps all others: Eat good foods (and balanced meals), but eat less.

Don't starve yourselves. Just don't order super-size, either.