the theory: UK diet guru Rosemary Conley’s best-sellingdiet and exercise plan has been tried and tested by many. Essentially a very low-fat diet,this plan encourages regular meals and high carbohydrate intake.

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The plan:
The principle behind the hip and thigh diet is to drastically reduce fat intake while eating unlimited quantities of vegetables, including potatoes and specified portions of meat and dairy foods. Three meals a day are encouraged, and snacks can be included if the meal quantities are redistributed to accommodate them. A comprehensive exercise programme complements the plan.

Upside:
You do not need to count calories and can eat unlimited quantities of some foods to keep hunger at bay. Weight loss can be impressive, although you are encouraged not just to focus on your weight on the scales, but on inches lost from the important areas such as your thighs.

Downside:
You will need to watch the fat content of your diet to keep within the guidelines. The extremely low fat intake can take some getting used to.

Duration:
Indefinite, if you follow the maintenance diet once sufficient weight is lost.

Checklist:
Restaurants: Possible if you know the foods on the menu and choose the most reduced or low-fat options.
Alcohol: Yes, limited to two drinks per day.
Caffeine: Yes.
Need to buy special foods: No.
Family friendly: A bit too low in fat for children’s needs.
OK for vegetarians: Yes, lots of suggestions for veggie meals.

The pros say:
This plan is a little too low in fat compared with UK recommendations. However, the principles are sound in that it encourages high consumption of fruits, vegetables and starchy carbohydrates.