i've never done any of the specific popular diets. i came up w/ one on my own that helped me lose 41 lbs over a yr ago. i ate healthier & smaller portions. i worked out a minimum of 1 hr at least 5 days a week. i cut red meat almost completely from my diet, except for maybe once a month. i also cut soda & alcohol completely. i've never been a super big sweets eater, so after about 2 or 3 weeks, i stopped craving sweets almost completely. i've started this diet again, b/c i've gained back most of that weight, & have already dropped a few lbs.