Can you hear the silence? We're in a lull between diet fads. Enjoy it while it lasts, because the next hot diet will probably appear within months, killing off the previous rage and, unfortunately, any sound nutritional advice it might have contained.

In the wake of fat, carbs, proteins, and zones, the next contender is likely to be a low-glycemic-index diet. But as fads go, this one actually has the potential to be good for you. The diet, which focuses on maintaining steady blood-sugar levels, prescribes more whole foods and less added sugar. It has a balance of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and it's high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In other words, it's a move toward healthy, balanced eating—the same old program with a new wrapper. So, before the hype drowns out any important information, here are some diet tips that never go out of style:

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1. Switch to dark breads that contain whole wheat, seeds, and nuts (sunflower, flaxseed, walnuts).
2. Stock up on high-fiber, boldly colored fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, raspberries, and blueberries.
3. Cut down on sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
4. Fast-burning, high-glycemic carbohydrates—like those in bananas, energy gels, and PowerBars—are great during workouts. Aim for 30 to 60 grams per hour during exercise.