Is there a perfect diet? While there's no surefire equation to the perfect eating plan, we know that size does matter

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, April, 2003 by Joe Weider, Betty Weider

earlier this year, Newsweek ran a cover story entitled, "The Perfect Diet--Beyond the Fads: What Science Tells Us About Food & Health." The article pointed out something we've known for decades--there is no surefire right way to eat for everyone. The best diet embraces a variety of healthy foods while discouraging excess consumption.

In the pursuit of your fitness goals, whether they're to drop 20 pounds, compete in a fitness competition or run a marathon, food is an important part of the success equation. Finding the perfect ratio of carbs, fat and protein to meet these goals is almost as tricky as a college chemistry class.

No matter how many letters we receive asking us to provide diets and meal plans, not every diet will work for everyone. Food is a matter of trial and error. You might be one of those people who feels better on a high-carbohydrate diet than a high-protein one, while your best friend finds the opposite to be true.

Ultimately, if you feed your body well it will do good things for you. The important thing is not to get too much of a good thing (which was the basic premise of the Newsweek article). Foods like rice, potatoes and pasta aren't necessarily bad for you when consumed in the appropriate portion sizes. Unfortunately, a common perception of a portion is 2 cups of pasta or rice--the equivalent of four servings!

That's why M & F HERS has based its lose-10-pounds diet plan (page 64) on portion control. We know that you already follow a healthy diet and are consuming lean protein and vegetables. It's difficult for us to improve upon your diets if they're already clean. Use our guide as a reminder, or pass it on to friends who are wrestling with their nutrition programs. When it comes to healthy eating habits and food, size really does matter.