For many, a slim, strong, healthy body—and the ability to maintain it—is the holy grail. And with Thanksgiving stuffing just past and New Year's resolutions on the horizon, publishers are banking on this interest at a time when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and CBS Sunday Morning notes that Americans spent $60 billion last year in the weight-loss quest. (Said the segment's reporter: "Nobody wants to hear [about healthful eating] when it's so much easier to reach for the latest bestseller."), but books are part of what American's spend their money on, looking for experts with results-oriented plans.

"Because so much information—both sound and suspect—is available online, niche topics have become far less enticing than more comprehensive approaches," says S&S associate editor Kate Ankofski. "And with so many voices competing for authority, platform is vital." Coming next month is The Life You Want: Get Motivated, Lose Weight, and Be Happy by Bob Greene, Oprah's fitness guru and author of the bestselling Best Life series (see our "Why I Write" by Greene, p. 21).

In January Sterling presents The New Sonoma Diet, an update of the 2005 title that's sold more than half a million copies. Author Connie Guttersen, a registered dietitian, says that while she didn't plan to write another book, she was inspired when readers reported a whole-health shift: "While [they] were excited about losing weight, they were most excited about their increased energy levels and their family's improved eating habits," she says. With 50% new information, the update includes recipes analyzed with a weighted glycemic index, which ranks foods based on how quickly they cause a rise in blood sugar. Guttersen has also incorporated a time-saving "cook once, eat twice" strategy.

Another 2010 version of a past bestseller is the revised edition of The Paleo Diet and the new Paleo Diet Cookbook by Loren Cordain, a Colorado State University professor whose plan centers around nonstarchy vegetables, fresh fruit, and lean meats and fish. "Loren's research validates the immense weight-loss and general health benefits of eating the way our paleolithic ancestors ate," says Wiley executive editor Thomas W. Miller. "The word ‘Paleo' has entered the average consumer's vocabulary."

According to Grand Central executive editor Diana Baroni, "Readers want to lose weight and they want to be healthy, but are still searching for simple eating plans and cooking tips that can work for their lifestyles." Coming in April is GCP's The Now Eat This! Diet by James Beard–award-winning chef Rocco DiSpirito, the follow-up to his bestselling Now Eat This! which has sold more than 250,000 copies. DiSpirito offers more than 80 new recipes for popular foods like macaroni and cheese and BBQ pork chops, as well as a two-week plan for dropping 10 pounds.

Dr. Timothy Harlan—chef, Emmy-winning TV personality, and medical director at Tulane University's School of Medicine—is the author of Just Tell Me What to Eat (Da Capo Lifelong, Apr.). Harlan, aka Dr. Gourmet, offers an eight-week plan that includes recipes like seared halibut with basil oil and even fettuccine Alfredo. Says senior publicity director Lissa Warren, "As a doctor, he understands that feelings of deprivation are often the greatest obstacle faced by those switching to a healthy lifestyle and gets that people feel overwhelmed by all the info that's out there about what's good for you and what isn't—and as a chef, he knows how to devise meals that are satisfying and flavorful."

Eating Clean, Green, and Lean

As we broaden our understanding of the nutritional benefits of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, experts are responding to consumer interest in diets that use these foods as a foundation—or even, as in some cases, at the exclusion of all others. "While readers have always looked for the magic bullet or the quick fix," says Avery Books v-p and editorial director, Megan Newman, "I will say that the trend toward veganism and cutting out gluten does point to a greater consciousness toward healthier eating."

Kyle Books's first U.S. foray into the diet and fitness category is The Clean & Lean Diet, designed by James Duigan, a personal trainer who counts supermodel Elle Macpherson among his celebrity clients. "I really thought it would cross over well," says publisher Anja Schmidt. "Everyone believes that supermodels and actors have these secrets that keep them beautiful and in shape, but it's all about clean and lean living."

Mimi Kirk, author of Eat Raw, Stay Hot (Skyhorse, May), was named "Sexiest Vegetarian Over 50" by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Associate publisher Bill Wolfsthal notes that last March's Raw Food has sold nearly 20,000 copies "and we expect Eat Raw, Stay Hot to be even bigger."

In Green for Life (North Atlantic Books), Victoria Boutenko focuses on the benefits of greens and offers 45 of her favorite green smoothie recipes. "We've had continued success with our raw food diet and lifestyle titles, making it one of our top-selling categories," says Talia Shapiro, online marketing and publicity coordinator. "These books continue to sell well, not only into bookstores but also into health-food stores, specialty stores, and even raw foods restaurants."

Green smoothies also star in the Dr. Oz–endorsed The Beauty Detox Solution (Harlequin, Apr.) by Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist to the stars and GMA food and health correspondent. "This program is about feeding your body the right minerals, nutrients, and vitamins," says editor Sarah Pelz. "Your hair grows in thicker, healthier; the dark circles under your eyes fade."

Also focused on beauty from the inside out is Feed Your Face (St. Martin's) by Hollywood dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu, whose advice comes from her experience researching the effects of food on the skin in order to accommodate patients' requests for a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals. "I started to see real results," she says. "Acne cleared, rashes subsided, and skin looked more glowing."

A Diet for Every Reason

Think a diet for your face is a bit too specific? These days, you name it—whether "it" is a medical condition, a stage of life, or even a region of the world—and there's a plan for it. See The Italian Diet, which Kyle Books will introduce to a U.S. audience in February. "Italian cuisine is the most popular cuisine in America, but there are no diet books featured around Italian food," says publisher Anja Schmidt. Author Gino D'Acampo, a British celebrity chef and reality TV star, offers a weight-loss plan that includes fresh fixtures of the Mediterranean region. "People think that pasta, cheese, and dessert are super-fattening," says Schmidt, "but the Italian nation is one of the slimmest in Europe."

The many "once in a while" dieters who scramble to drop pounds before a significant event—wedding plans, e.g.—might welcome The High School Reunion Diet (S&S trade paper edition, Mar.) by David Colbert, M.D.; others turn to weight-loss as a preventive health measure.

"I do think that readers are looking for specific motivation," says Warren at Da Capo, which just published The Pink Ribbon Diet by Mary Flynn and Nancy Verde Barr, a plant-and-olive-oil–based food plan based on a study funded by the Susan J. Komen for the Cure Foundation. "Sticking to a healthy eating and exercise plan is less challenging when you know exactly how it's going to keep cancer cells from growing in your body," says Warren. Coming in May: Eat to Defeat Menopause: The Essential Nutrition Guide for a Healthy Midlife—with 150 Recipes by Karen Giblin and Dr. Mache Seibel.

Since obesity is a chronic disease, many people fail to drop unhealthy extra pounds through diet and exercise alone. Dr. Pamela Smith's Why You Can't Lose Weight: Why It's So Hard to Shed Pounds and What You Can Do About It (Square One, Mar.), says publisher Rudy Shur, "provides direction and guidance for someone who has been on lots of diets and can't lose the weight."

The Mommy Diet (Gallery Books, Dec.) instructs readers how to eat right and exercise before, during, and after pregnancy. "Pregnancy and diet/fitness books are evergreen categories in and of themselves," says editorial director Tricia
Boczkowski. "No one marries the two as seamlessly as Alison Sweeney, mother of two and host of The Biggest Loser."

As Americans' average life expectancy increases, people are looking for diet and fitness strategies for a longer, healthier life. At Atria, publisher Judith Curr says, "There really haven't been many big healthy aging books in several years"—a lack that the publisher hopes to fill with April's The Life Plan: Dr. Life's Guide for Men to Great Health, Better Sex, and a Stronger, Leaner Body by Dr. Jeffrey S. Life. "I think men are looking for quick answers," says Curr, "and while Dr. Life's approach isn't as easy as just popping a pill, it's entirely logical and much easier than what one might think, given the results."

Simplicity is a hallmark of Dr. Mao-shing Ni's bestselling Secrets of Longevity, which Chronicle published in 2006, as well as his new Secrets of Longevity: Dr. Mao's 8-Week Program, out in December. "When change is small, it feels achievable, and so we're willing to change," says editor Kate Woodrow. The book suggests five new habits per week, one of which the reader will adopt and carry through the entire program. According to Woodrow, "The workbook format helps people be specific in their actions, track their consistency, and—most important—hold themselves accountable."

Fitness: Straight Talk for the Time-crunched

Readers also want professional advice that will take the guesswork and injury risk out of exercise, enabling them to get the most out of their time spent. "Our target fitness and nutrition consumer expects more and better information, and expects it to be presented in an inviting and accessible manner," says Richard Hollwedel, trade sales director at sports and recreation publisher Human Kinetics. Next June, in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine, HM will publish ACSM's Complete Guide to Fitness & Health, edited by Barbara Bushman. With 196 color photos, the book offers activities and sample programs for every age and fitness level and has step-by-step instructions for gaining muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility and balance.

"Readers want the most up-to-date information and best practices devised from both new science and the power and knowledge of crowd sourcing," says Touchstone editor Stacy Creamer. "If technology can play a key role in a healthy lifestyle—even better. People want to take advantage of all the tools they have at their disposal in today's world." Touchstone's Body by Design: The Complete 12-Week Plan to Transform Your Body Forever (Jan.) by Kris Gethin, editor-in-chief of Bodybuilding.com, includes the nearly 700,000-member fitness social network BodySpace.

Although fitness is a personal pursuit, collaboration can be empowering. "When we join a gym, we're often given a free personal training session; we all recognize that once the lesson is over, it would be great to have a personal trainer," says Morrow editor Matthew Benjamin. Beat the Gym: Personal Trainer Secrets—Without the Personal Trainer Price Tag offers a step-by-step tour of the typical gym, including advice on how to make the most of machines and free weights and more than 50 workouts to help readers maximize their workout. The tone is straightforward, says Benjamin: "We wanted it to be Eat This, Not That for the gym."

This month Wiley published Fitness magazine's Fitness Fast Track to a Better Body: All-Time Best Workouts to Tone and Trim in 15 Minutes. Denise Austin's Get Energy! which Center Street will publish on January 7, also offers tips for the time-crunched in the form of 90-second "energy breaks," five-minute stretch sessions, and a 20-minute workout routine. "The fact that you need to maintain a balanced diet and get regular exercise to stay in shape doesn't change," says Center Street editor Christina Boys, "but Denise is able to adapt her advice to the realities of our everyday lives."

Perhaps one of the most visible time-savers is Timothy Ferriss, the bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek. His follow-up, The 4-Hour Body (Crown, Dec.) is subtitled An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman. In it, Ferriss details how he has spent a lifetime trying to answer the question, "For all things physical, what are the tiniest changes that produce the biggest results?" His search includes using his own body as a laboratory, logging more than a decade of his own workouts, and interviewing experts, from elite athletes to researchers and doctors. "There's no other book like this on the market," says Crown Archetype publisher Tina Constable. "We see it as a radical category game-changer."n

Healthy Brain, Healthy Body

Toned muscles and a whittled waist aren't the only benefits of weight loss—today, more attention is paid to the link between a fit body and an active brain. "I think the brain/weight issue is a natural evolution of the ongoing fascination with the mind/body connection," says Crown Archetype's Tina Constable. Coming in February is The Amen Solution: The Brain Healthy Way to Lose Weight and Keep It Off by bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen, who was inspired to create his 10-week plan after treating patients for anxiety and noticing that a surprising side benefit was weight loss of up to 30 pounds.

Super Body, Super Brain (HarperOne, Jan.) offers strength-training movements designed to activate the brain. The book was inspired by author and personal trainer Michael Gonzales-Wallace's quest to merge the benefits of playing a sport with a workout routine for clients, and his realization that moves that toned up the body also sharpened the mind and the reflexes and improved balance. "We're engaging the circuits in the brain responsible for intentional movement," he says. "We age because we progressively lose balance and coordination. As we move with intention, we get the brain workout from front to back."

Written by Harvard neurologist Marie Pasinski, M.D., Beautiful Brain, Beautiful You (Hyperion, Nov.) provides diet and lifestyle tweaks that will improve readers' brain function, energy, and even their looks from the inside out. "When it comes to improving memory, Dr. Pasinski specifically talks about diets that are rich in smart fats like omega-3s," says editor Sarah Landis. "Foods with these good fatty acids help improve brain power as well as benefit your physical appearance, such as smoother skin."

Mind on the Middle

There's a reason why it's called the core: for many people, the midsection is top of mind, especially at a time of year that pushes the limits of belt buckles and top buttons. "There's a visceral appeal to the idea of losing your belly, because you can envision what you're losing and what you'd look like without it," says Stephen Perrine, editor-in-chief of Rodale's Men's Health & Women's Health Books. And since abdominal fat is linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other illnesses, the area's importance is not just superficial. Rodale's The Lean Belly Prescription is written by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork, a cohost of TV's The Doctors. "Here's a doctor who was tired of patching people up and sending them back out into the world where they were still at terrible risk for obesity-related health issues," says Perrine. "He decided to write a prescription for people who want to avoid that fate."

A belly-focused book can also give readers a focal point for their diet and fitness goals. "We find that readers are focusing on the details rather than the big picture," says Megan Newman, Avery Books editorial director. "Thus, books with abs in the title are working, whereas books on overall fitness languish." Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove's The New Rules of Lifting for Abs, Newman explains, offers a meal plan and targeted ab exercises: "Like the other two books in the series, this is for the reader who is committed to working hard to achieve a strong, lean body and a strong core—and even the vaunted six-pack abs for those dedicated enough!"

Zeroing in on a specific area can also help fine-tune and injury-proof a workout. Blandine Calais-Germain's No Risk Abs: A Guide to Working Out Safely (Inner Traditions, May) cites the 16 most effective ab moves and examines potential risks. Says editor Laura Schlivek: "Though many people are motivated to work the abs for reasons of appearance—to flatten the belly and narrow the waistline—those who pursue a sustainable abs workout will find that they have less back pain, better digestion, improved aerobics, and better cardiovascular strength."