The company behind the Atkins diet craze is filing for bankruptcy.

Do you remember when you could drive down the street and see every other restaurant (and espresso stand, for crying out loud) touting their Atkins-friendly menu items? Twas not that long ago, my friends. In fact, last year at this time, I believe. It seems the crazes in America just don't last any more. Even the American Flag craze is dying down.

It certainly didn't help that Mr. Atkins himself died of heart failure. We all look back now and laugh. But, when the next craze comes along, will we say, "this diet is different. All those other diets were fads, but this one is scientifically proven"?

I watched a fascinating Frontline episode on the diet industry, and the reporter suggested that the only diet "business" that had any long-term success was Weight Watchers, because it emphasized the commitment--the change in lifestyle--that keeping weight off requires.

When it comes to long-term solutions to losing weight, is there any substitute for exercising, eating whole foods (like fruits and vegetables) and controlling portion size? If there is, I'd like to hear it. Also, do you have any suggestions for what the next American craze might be?