This new diet promises an added bonus ... as you lose weight you'll look younger too!

Are you looking for weight loss and glowing skin? Dr Nicholas Perricone could be the expert to turn to! The American dermatologist and skincare guru has branched out into the diet market and has been getting great results with his book The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet (Penguin, rrp $29.95), which promises to dramatically reduce fat and wrinkles, and to boost energy. Celebrity devotees of his eating plan and anti-ageing products include Jennifer Lopez, Kim Cattrall, Courteney Cox and Oprah Winfrey.

The 28-day eating plan advocates foods that reduce inflammation and stabilise blood sugar, such as salmon, yoghurt, eggs, salads, fruits and vegetables, organic unsalted nuts, grains and legumes, and the healthy fats found in avocado, olives and olive oil. The plan also promotes the use of spices and healthy, tasty herbs like oregano and basil to add flavour to foods. The book takes a holistic approach to weight loss by incorporating herbal supplements that contribute to better sleep and less stress.

"A diet centred on breads, baked goods, snack foods, sweets, and other sugary, starchy foods results in unwanted weight gain and great difficulty in losing the weight," Dr Perricone tells Woman's Day. "My research has shown that the chief therapeutic intervention to prevent weight gain is the anti-inflammatory diet. I have observed significant weight loss in thousands of individuals who follow the simple formula of avoiding foods that are pro-inflammatory and choosing in their place foods with anti-inflammatory properties."

Over two decades working with patients in a dermatology practice, Dr Perricone observed that the foods that made his patients' skin healthier and younger-looking also helped them drop unwanted kilos. "The same foods that fight many diseases, ageing, skin sagging and wrinkling also cause significant weight loss — and they are safe for everyone, children and adults alike."

The Perricone diet ditches kilojoule-counting in favour of long-lasting energy foods that keep the blood sugars from spiking — a principal of the Low GI Diet. "It is not the caloric value of the foods causing the weight gain. In fact, a rice cake only has around 40 calories [167 kJ]. However, because it is rapidly converted to sugar in the bloodstream, resulting in insulin release, it will cause you to store body fat," Dr Perricone says.

Keeping the blood sugar stable has the added bonus of staving off hunger pains. Dr Perricone says his diet plan is suitable for anyone wanting to look and feel better, regardless of age. "It's a healthy diet for everyone — especially those who wish to lose weight and keep it off without going hungry. It is not about deprivation. This is a way of life — a lifestyle that works for everyone."

Sample diet plan

Breakfast
2 poached or soft-boiled omega-3 eggs
2 slices turkey bacon (or vegetarian bacon)
½ grapefruit
Green tea or spring water

Lunch
1/2 cup chicken or crab salad (with chopped celery, lightly tossed with olive oil or mayonnaise)
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds served in half an avocado
1 pear
Spring water

Snack
2 oz sliced turkey or chicken breast
Small apple
3 olives
Spring water

Dinner
Poached or grilled salmon (about 200g raw weight)
Steamed asparagus
1 cup of salad (dark green lettuce dressed with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice to taste, topped with 2 tablespoons chickpeas)
5cm wedge of cantaloupe
Spring water

Bedtime
¾ cup plain yoghurt topped with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, ¾ cup berries
Spring water

The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet, Penguin, $29.95