The Harmony Health Diet was invented by a group of seasoned nutritionists who placed the accent on health rather than body weight. They apply four rules: healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, relaxation, and self-esteem. This weight loss program is destined to last a lifetime. Dieters may lose about half a pound to a pound (.2 kilograms to .6 kilograms) per week. Here are some of the program principles.

Lose weight gradually, according to your needs. Don't center this diet around your bathroom scale. Respect your body and listen to its hunger and fullness signals. Don't count calories except to insure a minimum of 1200 per day. There are no forbidden foods. Keep a daily log of everything that you eat. Eat a maximum of 20% prepared foods. Get support from a nutritionist. Eat whatever you like but don't exaggerate. Manage your stress through mediation, yoga, and other methods. Eat about three meals and two or three snacks a day. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Eat whole grains and foods containing omega-3. Make mealtime pleasurable. For some meals eat Harmony Health plates; they are composed of 50% vegetables, 25% bread, and 25% meat or meat substitutes. Eat organic, local products whenever possible. Practice a sport during 30 to 60 minutes a day.

This diet has the advantage that you will learn to know yourself better. You'll learn that it's possible to be healthy no matter what your weight. A major disadvantage is the cost of nutritionists or other specialists. Some insurance companies are starting to reimburse these fees.

Here are two sample menus:
Menu 1
Breakfast: A bowl of whole grain cereal. A glass of goat's milk. A peach.
The mid-morning snack is an orange, a handful of mixed nuts, and a glass of water.
Lunch: A bowl of vegetable soup. 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of grilled chicken breast. A quarter plate of pasta. Grean beans. 175 milliliters (6 ounces) of yogurt.
Supper: Vegetarian chili. A third cup of brown rice. A kiwi. A yogurt.

Menu 2
Breakfast: A bowl of oatmeal. A plain yogurt. An orange.
The mid-morning snack is a banana, a handful of mixed nuts, and a glass of water.
Lunch: Green salad. A quarter plate of red beans. A quarter plate of brown rice. Zucchini. 175 milliliters (6 ounces) of yogurt.
Supper: 120 grams of salmon. Ratatouille. A third cup of whole grain pasta. 125 milliliters of raspberries. A yogurt.

Some of the information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes more than 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French.