As the name suggests, you say a fond farewell to sugar, adding a whole new dimension to the phrase to “parting is such sweet sorrow.” Sugar supposedly produces insulin, and insulin blocks efforts to lose weight.

Instead, you’re encouraged to follow a strict sugar busters diet plan that’s 30% protein, 40% fat, and 30% carbohydrates. Red meat, poultry, fish, nuts, and dairy are allowed, and whatever you eat, you need to cook it in olive oil. That’s not such bad deal, as olive oil adds a light flavor (just don’t cook with high heat; it burns away the nutrients).

Unfortunately this weight loss diet removes pasta, white bread, potatoes, and white rice from the table. You can replace it with oats, whole grain bread, and whole-wheat pasta.

The diet, which lasts 14 days, is relatively easy to follow since you don’t have to drastically divert from the meals you’re used to. It’s the sugar you’ll miss—and studies are unclear as whether or not insulin can cause weight gain in the first place.

• The Verdict.: Even if the insulin premise is a little faulty, it won’t hurt to cut back on sugar anyway. Many sugary foods are high in calories. Many of its dietary suggestions are actually nutritionally sound. Whole grain bread and whole wheat pasta are high in fiber and feel heavier in the stomach, so you’re less likely to binge. Even if you don’t decide to follow the diet in its entirety, you can benefit from some of its suggestions.
• The Category: long term, low maintenance, personalized, body
• Feedback: “I had a few sugar withdrawals but it wasn’t as bad as I thought since I could take red meat and fish. Made a lot of sandwiches!” Christina, (STATE).