There is so much information about different diets that you could spend a lifetime researching what someone else thinks you should eat.  Let's see, we have the vegetarian diet, the protein diet, the low fat or no fat diet, low Carb diet, South Beach diet and so on. 

 The vegetarians have a variety of patterns; some say go total vegetarian (they call this the "Vegan" diet) which means only foods from plants: fruits, vegetables, legumes (dried beans and peas), grains, seeds and nuts. A high protein diet will definitely help you lose weight, but is it healthy? 

 A high protein diet with no or low carbohydrates will cause a condition called ketosis, Ketosis - accrues when someone suddenly goes from a high-carbohydrate diet to a low-carbohydrate diet. Not to be confused with Ketoacidosis, Ketoacidosis - is a life-threatening condition commonly associated with Type 1 diabetics and insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetics, not normal dietary ketosis. So with that said, a high protein diet will help you lose weight, feel terrible, and give you bad breath. 

 Also it's a fact that too much protein sucks up the calcium out of our bones, and weakens your skeleton. I believe the medical term is Osteoporosis. 

 And we all should know that too much fat intake causes heart disease, which can lead to many other complications. 

 I'll be the first one to admit, that I really enjoy a good lean juicy medium rare Prime Rib about once a year.  Personally I think one should have balance in their life and not just in their diet.  So I would advise having a balanced diet in mind, body and spirit.  Hundreds of surveys have been conducted and thousands of people have been studied and tested for all different kinds of diets.  

 Now, the answer to "What is the best diet".  There is no one diet that is right for everyone. For me personally, I'll go with my Dad's advice "too much of one thing is not good". Let's all make an effort to keep our minds active and challenged, eat sensible and exercise.  And always on a daily basis give thanks and praise to our creator for all He has done for us. 

For a copy of Chef Nick's cookbook go to
http://chefnickskitchen.com  or 
John's Fine Foods; 88 North Ave, Owego,  Front & Center; 188 Front St. Owego, Down to Earth Whole Foods, 305 Grant Ave. Endicott. E-mail: nfc@stny.rr.com.