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Many claims have been made about the benefits of apple cider as helping to weight loss. However, the jury is still out, way out, as to whether or not the properties of this acidic solution that is produced by fermenting apples is really valuable at all. Supposedly, putting together acidic vinegar with fruit pectin creates a fat-burning effect.

While recent studies show that pectin does lower cholesterol, there's no real proof that there is any correlation with weight loss. But you better have an iron stomach if you're going to follow the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet. You will have to consume up to three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before every meal. It is recommended that you start with just one teaspoon and work your way up. And more is not better. Do not surpass the three-teaspoon mark.

As far as what you should be eating, the only guidelines are to consume moderate portions, avoid snacking, and wait for the apple cider vinegar to reduce your hunger and food cravings. Do not forget to down your apple cider vinegar 15 to 20 minutes before each meal.

For your convenience, there are now apple cider vinegar tablets or small medicine bottles with an eye dropper on the market for when your bottle of the good stuff is not within reach.

It would be a carb lover's dream -- a diet rich in bread, pasta, rice and other foods you assumed you had to swear off to lose weight. All whole grains, of course. It is the anti-Atkins. This plan actually tells you to eat up to 12 pieces of bread a day for women and 16 for men.

Olga Raz, author of the Bread For Life Diet, explains that by eating carbohydrates you increase serotonin levels, thereby reducing cravings and hunger pains. The most beneficial part: the Israeli nutritionist says you will lose between 10 to 20 pounds in two months.

The science behind it goes something like this: the carbohydrate content of bread causes the body to release, tryptophan, an amino acid which helps produce the chemical serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that curbs food cravings, elevates your mood and boosts energy levels.

For the carb fanatics, the diet sounds like the nicest thing since sliced bread, which can be topped with butter, cottage cheese or cream cheese. Along with bread, followers get one serving of fruit a day, three or four eggs a week, two to three tablespoons of olive oil daily and water. Dieters will also eat as much lean meat and fish as they want for three meals during the week. However, carb intake should be reduced by two to four slices that day.