One size does not fit all... and neither does one standard diet.

The key to lasting weight loss lies in finding a customized plan that's designed specifically for your body shape, which is precisely what the L.A. Shape Diet does.

The 14-day program was designed by Dr. David Heber, Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at UCLA. Not only did he create the program to assist in his own weight-loss endeavors, Dr. Heber also used the diet to help housands of patients lose their extra weight.

Their overwhelming success motivated Dr. Heber to write the L.A. Shape Diet. The diet expert prefers to think of his approach as a personalized protein prescription. The diet is low in calories and requires dieters to cut back on their sugar intake. In fact, the calorie level is below 1,100 calories a day, which is a drastic reduction by anyone's standards.

The L.A. Shape Diet places a big emphasis on physical activity, meditation and motivation.

The first step is determining your body type. Individuals with an apple shape are encouraged to use a different approach than those with a pear shape. There is a big focus on the consumption of protein in order to build muscle. In building muscle, dieters can burn an extra 14 calories a day. The ratio of the diet is 29 percent protein, 20 percent fat and 51 percent carbs.

The trick is to find the exact amount of protein needed based on your body shape and your BMI.

The L.A. Shape diet is broken down into two phases. Phase one is a 7-day program that is based on drinking an Empowering Shake for breakfast and for lunch. Dinner is a combination of lean meat or fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. During phase two, dieters are encouraged to consume the shakes, along with seven servings of fruits and veggies as well as 25 grams of fiber.

Supplements are also an integral part of the program. Dr. Heber endorses herbals, green tea extract and antioxidants.