Seven Diet Plans to Help Drop Extra Holiday Chub

Calories Can Be Costly After the holiday rush that is filled with the scent of fresh pumpkin pie, food-fueled office parties and fancy cocktails  tapers off, inevitably one thing seems to linger: a larger waste size. No need to worry about the extra baggage. We give you the skinny on the top-rated diets, according to Consumer Reports.

Jenny This diet plan formerly known as Jenny Craig has a fresh new look and ambassador. Singer Mariah Carey is the new face of the company that offers different plans to help users learn portion control and become more active. All you need to do is stick to eating their branded frozen portioned entrees, snacks and desserts along with approved foods from your own kitchen. Membership Price: Jenny-Set-Go Starter Program $15 (online for a limited time at participating centers)

Slim-Fast This company has a relatively simple approach to losing weight: eat its bar or shake for breakfast and lunch, three daily snacks from its menu and a 500-calorie homemade dinner and viola, the company claims you will be back in your skinny jeans in no time. Membership Price: Track your progress for free on Slim-Fast’s website; Shakes and bars come in multi-packs and vary in price between $35-$11, and are available in many drug and grocery stores and online.

Weight Watchers In 2011, Weight Watchers assigns points to every food  item and recently announced a new scientific-based weight management service called PointsPlus that allows you to eat whatever you want as long as you stay within your daily allotted points. Participants are assigned a daily point allotment based on their age, height and weight. Points are calculated by the amount of fat, fiber, carbohydrates and protein in food.  In 2012, they plan on rolling out five new enhancements to the PointsPlus system. Membership plan with meetings: $39.95 a month (includes website access) Online-only membership: $65 for three months and $18.95 a month thereafter.

Zone This diet claims to help you lose weight by reducing cellular inflammation. The main premise of the program splits your plates and snacks into three sections 30% lean protein, 30% fat (monosaturated, such as olive oil), and 40% low-glycemic carbs (like fruits and vegetables). Membership Price: $179 every two weeks for the full ZoneFast Weight Loss program (includes food, supplements and phone support) or you can just purchase food for $74.50 a week.

Ornish This near-vegan diet plan categorizes foods into a five groups, which include no added sugar and very little fat. The meal plan claims to let you eat more and still lose weight and live longer by preventing or reversing diabetes, heart disease, lowering blood pressure and preventing and treating prostate or breast cancer.   Membership Price: The book costs around $10, varies by retailer

Atkins Created by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, this low-carb eating plan, which was first introduced in 1972, cuts out starchy vegetables, grains, fruits and foods with added sugars.   Membership Price: The website is free;  the official book costs around $13

Nutrisystem This weight loss system delivers meals right to your door. By following the meal plan along with recommend grocery items, the plan claims users can shed pounds by providing a healthy, balanced diet. Membership Price: Basic Plan: $352 Select Plans (includes some frozen entrees):$430