Forget about those fad diets. Here are popular weight loss programs that really work.

Many of us, particularly women, will try just about any diet to lose that excess poundage. We might try those short term fad diets. They restrict calories severely. The weight usually returns rapidly after the diet. Let's face it. Most fad diets are not for the long term. Included here are weight loss programs that are actually quite reliable. If you follow the plan precisely.

Jenny Craig
This weight loss program basic strategy is to build the foundation of the program around carefully packaged nutritional frozen meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, that you must purchase regularly. You are allowed to supplement the prepackaged meals with fresh produce. The good points are that there are counselors along for the ride to guide you in losing weight. And meals are prepackaged. The negative aspects are that the program is not free. Prepackaged meals can cost up to $200 per week. Many in the Jenny Craig Program complain that once they stop eating the prepackaged meals the weight returns.

Slim Fast
The Slim Fast diet is very popular and very nutritional. The diet is built around consuming the Slim Fast shakes and diet bars. The diet requires that you consume two shakes or bars pa day, plus three 100 calories snacks and a 500 calories lean protein dinner. The good points are that those who strictly stick to the diet plan do lose some weight. The plan is very easy to follow. The downside is that the diet shakes and bars can be costly, and many report the the meals are not very filling and constantly feeling hungry.

Weight Watchers
The Weight Watchers program has enjoyed success with dieters for several years.The weight loss program covers all aspects of dieting by providing a nutritional meal plan, exercise, and motivation. The weight watchers plan can be customized for those with special sensitivities to certain foods like gluten. Weight watchers also hold group meetings and an on-line support team to guide and motivate dieters. Dieters must keep detailed records of all the foods they eat. And each food is given a point value. The best thing about this program is that it is very nutritional, has great support system, and a high success rate with dieters. On the downside, the program is not free. It cost about $20 to join and there are weekly fees which quickly add up.

The Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet is based on reducing carbohydrates consumption which helps regulate the amount of insulin in the body and lessen the amount of insulin that circulates. This is thought to reduce the amount of fat stored in the body and end food cravings. Thousands report a very significant weight loss. There is a prescribed diet plan to follow and menus. The good news is that the book is readily available and easy to follow the diet plans included. In addition, many report astounding weight loss without any food cravings. On the downside, research shows that the diet might be too dangerous for some people because of the high amounts of proteins. (Book Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution)

The Zone Diet
The Zone Diet was popularized by Barry Sears, a former bio technology researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In his popular book Enter the Zone the dieter is shown how to change the metabolism with a diet that is 30% protein, 30%fat, and 40% carbohydrates. The books author contends that following the diet reduces the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. The diet does not suggest reducing calories, but consuming more nutritious and healthy calories. On the plus side the diet is easy to follow. On the downside, the Zone Diet has received criticism on the books theories and labeled a fad diet.

And remember to consult your health care provider before attempting to lose weight or joining any weight loss program.