Wok away the pounds with The Rice Diet. As hokey as it sounds, the Rice Diet Program is actually far from a sham. The program dates back to 1939 and is affiliated with Duke University.

According to their website, the diet prevents diabetes, obesity, heart disease, hypertension, renal illness and other ailments. There is actually a Rice Diet Clinic in Durham, North Carolina that's supervised by a staff or doctors, dietitians and nurses.

Anybody interested in following the program without checking into the residential program can invest in a copy of The Rice Diet Solution.

Through the book, readers learn how to rely on nutrition, exercise, meditation, yoga and journaling to lose those extra pounds. There are also plenty of resources to improve physical and emotional health. In addition, the book is chock full of resources to improve physical and emotional health. In addition, there is an online forum where followers of The Rice Diet can receive additional support.  
 
Ironically, the diet doesn't have much to do with rice at all. During Phase I of the 12-week program, participants dine on grains and fruits. They recommend you do not try this at home. In Phase 2, you're allowed to consume vegetables, beans and other carbohydrates, in addition to the grains and fruits.