There is a profound absence of scientific evidence to support the claims of most of the popular weight-loss programs. Most diets can guarantee that if you eat 1,200 calories or less a day and exercise moderately, you will lose weight. It would also probably be safe to guarantee that you cannot sustain this regimen. Brooks Carder, a scientist with a businessman"s focus on the bottom line, made a firm decision never to go on a calorie-restritive diet again. Yet he was facing health problems and needed to lose weight. Dr. Carder"s salvation began with his love for Italian food and his introduction to the Mediterranean diet--not an actual diet, but a set of dietary principles focusing on whole foods that have been proven to promote health. When he began to lose weight without deprivation or discomfort, his scientific curiosity was piqued and he began to read the scientific literature on obesity, weight loss, and diets to understand what was happening. "The Laguna Beach Diet" is the culmination of these findings. This book presents an eating and exercise plan for sustained weight loss, along with the science that backs it up. It conforms to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, yet is also adapted to the cusines of Asia and Mexico, representing the ethnic diversity of Southern California, where the Laguna Beach diet originates. Unlike most diets, it is not necessary to buy special meals, weight portions, count calories, or anything of the sort. Followers of the plan must simply keep the principles in mind and make the best choices he or she can, according to the ingredients on hand. Recipes for simple, delicious meals are included with tips on how to stay with this eating style when dining out or ordering in. When you understand the dynamics of diets and weight loss--and the futility of iron willpower and the importance of working with the body not against it--the solution for losing wight and keeping it off is really surprisingly simple. Let "The Laguna beach Diet" show you the facts, the good food, and the fun of lsoing weight, and staying healthy.