How to select a diet that suits your needs, lifestyle

... dislike cooking or find it difficult to prepare meals?

Then you might want to use commercially prepared meals until you can develop some quick cooking techniques. Consider Nutrisystem or the Jenny Craig program — or simply use some of the low-calorie dinners in the frozen-food section of your supermarket. You also might consider using shakes and bars made by companies such as Slim-Fast as temporary one-meal or snack supplements.

... want a program that provides occasional treats or wine?

A plan that offers lots of flexibility might be best for you. You could consider Weight Watchers, which has a new PointsPlus system. Or you might try the best-selling French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano or a Mediterranean diet, which is outlined inThe Complete Idiot's Guide to the Mediterranean Diet by Kimberly Tessmer and Stephanie Green and at oldwayspt.org/mediterraneandiet.

.. enjoy fish and meat more than bread or pasta?

... want to move toward becoming a vegetarian?

Consider The Flexitarian Diet by registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner.

... want some support when losing weight?

Consider the Weight Watchers program, the Jenny Craig program or a website such as sparkpeople.com, or enlist the help of a registered dietitian in private practice. You can get information and evaluation of weight-loss plans on the American Dietetic Association's website, eatright.org.

.. want a quick start but need some structure?

For ideas for meal plans, food lists and tips for meals and eating out, try Your Inner Skinny by registered dietitian Joy Bauer.

.. enjoy preparing and eating savory, filling soups, casseroles, stews and other one-pot dishes?