LEAWOOD, Kan. -- Have people searching for the so-called miracle diet been looking in the wrong book?

Faith-based diets are growing in popularity. A local woman developed a Bible-based weight-loss program. But are we talking literally eating what the disciples ate? Not necessarily so.

KMBC's Kelly Eckerman reported that a plan called Light Weigh, developed by Suzanne Fowler, is simply a spiritual approach to weightloss.

"What I discovered were these techniques for overcoming temptation that work as well today as they worked then. They've just been forgotten about," Fowler said.

Eckerman reported that the 12-week Light Weigh program includes videos, weekly meetings and workbooks. Fowler said that she teaches people how to fill up on God and spirituality rather than cheeseburgers.

"The whole reason people overeat is a spiritual hole, not a stomach hole," Fowler said. "He can give a peace it can never give you. Food will never help you the way God can."

Eckerman reported that there are no forbidden foods, no special menus, no weigh-ins in the program.

"One of the big lessons of Light Weigh is learning to tell when you're full or about to be full and it's easy to bypass that. I was bypassing that at every meal," said Jane Peck, who lost weight on Light Weigh.

"I feel like I'm a miracle. I never thought I could lose the weight," Fowler said.

But not all faith-based diets are like Light Weigh. Eckerman reported that some approach it more literally. "The Maker's Diet," by Jordan Rubin, is more defined. All foods should be as natural as possible, not processed, and closer to the way they ate in Biblical times.

"I believe most people today, 50 percent of what they put in their mouth should not even be called food. It's a tragedy," Rubin said.

A typical "Maker's Diet" menu looks like this:

An onion, pepper and goat cheese omelet with avacado slices for breakfast.

Oriental red meat salad for lunch

Coconut milk soup, broiled halibut and a green salad for dinner.

Eckerman reported that "The Maker's Diet" is more controversial. It calls for fasting at least one day a week. Health experts said that can be dangerous. The diet also includes taking vitamins from the author's own line of supplements.

Some have accused "The Maker's Diet" of preying on its followers.

"I don't really think we know that what this book is telling us is really what people in the Bible ate," said Tara Geise, of the American Dietetic Association.

Followers of the Light Weigh program believe they succeed while others fail because they find inner peace.

"I think this one works because you address why you're going to food. It's not just another diet," Fowler said.

On The Internet:

Light Weigh Diet

The Maker's Diet