My husband and I have been on this plan for about four weeks; I have lost 8 pounds and he lost 10 the first week. He wont weigh again until he goes to his doctor tomorrow. The plan is for 4 meals a day and about 1600 calories per day. He gets about 200-300 more calories a day in another snack. We are not hungry and have been able to stay on the plan pretty good. Not perfect though. The calories are protein; monunsaturated fats, fruit, vegetables and carbs (bread, pasta, rice, etc.) You have to weigh and measure but this is not too hard. The plan is through Prevention Magazine and I do not think they would scam. I have been a subscriber of their magazine for about 40 years. I do trust them but I also am knowlegeable about what to put in my body. I just let myself go sometimes. I have been able to stay with this plan so far for my husband and I. You can get some recipes off of WEBMD.COM.