As we head into 2022, somewhere around 45 million Americans are dieting or seriously considering it. And they'll fork over more than $33 billion for weight-loss products, even though research indicates that about 80% of those who go on to lose a good amount of weight will gain some of it back within 12 months, and more than 50% will regain at least half of what they lost within two years.

Diets are not the answer to sustained weight loss. They fuel hunger and don't make you feel younger. What you need is a new way of eating — of buying, preparing, ordering, and thinking about food.

That means adopting a daily meal plan that improves your health.

The just-released U.S. News & World Report ranking of the year's best diets in terms of long-term weight loss, ease of compliance, health risks, and nutritional completeness is out. The best overall was the Mediterranean diet — which really shouldn't be called a diet at all, but an eating style. 

It's simple and direct: Make animal products a side dish and stick with fish and poultry when you do choose them; make plants and whole grains the center of your meals; enjoy a touch of wine, olive oil, and nuts; and opt for fresh, not processed, foods.

Combine that with the What to Eat When plan, and you'll be experiencing a "Great Age Reboot" (my  upcoming book) in no time.