The diet is composed of three phases, including a six-month stabilization period. You'll pay $5 - $8 per week for each week you participate. Be prepared to pay for lots of extras like snack bars and supplements.

While it bills itself as "a unique combination of regular foods" and "personalized one-on-one counseling," this program is not all that different from many others. In fact, it's the same strategy registered dietitians employ when they work with weight-loss clients. Trouble is, these aren't dietitians giving the expensive advice, but counselors who are compensated based on the revenue of the sales of supplements and snack bars at their center. You can't help but wonder about the quality of their advice.

Does the diet take and keep weight off? There are no independent scientific studies. The company reports that dieters can expect to lose up to 2 pounds per week based on internal audits it has conducted for the last 5 years.


Is the diet healthy? Probably. A registered dietitian directs nutrition services for the company, and the balance of protein, fat, and carbs is within recommended ranges. One problem: The 1,100-calorie plan barely meets nutritionally adequate levels. Most health professionals recommend at least 1,200 calories or more per day, preferably 1,500 calories.


What do the experts say? "Dieters do have success if they follow the program to the letter," says registered dietitian Edee Hogan, a Washington, D.C., nutrition and culinary consultant whose clients have tried the program. "They lose weight. But they don't have much wiggle room." In fact, the program is so strict that dieters become lost when it comes to handling special-occasion meals and events not on the plan, Hogan says. Registered dietitian Shannon Crosby finds the diet is essentially "a safe and sound plan," but she takes issue with the fact that counselors make commission on sales of the L.A. Lites bars and supplements.


Who should consider the diet? Dieters with deep pocketbooks.


Bottom Line: Probably OK, but costly. Watch out for hidden costs, such as supplements and snack bars, that can make fees much higher than advertised.