General features
            A Diet Plan is sound if it:
          Provides recommendations that are safe 
           and are supported by scientific evidence.
          Suggests receiving a physician’s approval 
           prior to initiating the plan.
          Improves overall health and shows 
           positive changes in lifestyle.
                         2009                    2
            Nutrition
               A Diet Plan is sound if it:
            Meets nutritional needs.
            Includes a variety of foods
            Emphasizes low fat foods
            Includes adequate fluids ( 8 glasses a day 64 
              oz).
                                 2009                           3
          Nutrition
            A Diet Plan is sound if it:
           Encourages eating smaller portions of nutritious 
            foods but minimizes hunger or fatigue.
           Doesn’t exclude entire classes of food items.
           Considers individual food preferences.
                         2009                    4
           Nutrition
              A Diet Plan is sound if it:
            Includes reasonable amounts of fiber and complex         
                              carbohydrates.
            Reduces caloric intake to no lower than 1000 Kcal/d.
               At this level, one should consume fortified foods 
                and/or take multi vitamin-mineral supplement.
            Recommends losing in the range of 1/2 to 2 pounds a 
             week.
                              2009                        5
            Nutrition
              A Diet Plan is sound if it:
            Avoids requiring special or costly supplements and 
             foods
            Incorporates readily obtainable foods.
            Avoids making claims about the superiority of the plan 
             or a particular food or supplement.
            Promotes reshaping food habits and lifestyle to 
             maintain weight loss.
                                2009                         6