The British Dietetics Association (BDA) is a professional body for dieticians in the United Kingdom, committed to promoting the science and practice of dietetics.

Every year, the BDA releases a list of the most popular diets based on their effectiveness, nutritional value, and sustainability. This article explores the top diets that gained significant popularity in 2015.

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods consumed in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

It emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, along with moderate intake of fish and dairy products. This diet is known for its heart-healthy benefits and is associated with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Low Carb, High Fat (LCHF) Diet

The Low Carb, High Fat (LCHF) diet gained popularity in 2015 due to its focus on reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing the consumption of healthy fats.

It promotes the body’s utilization of fat as the primary source of energy instead of carbohydrates. This diet has shown promising results for weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased satiety.

Flexitarian Diet

The Flexitarian diet is a flexible approach to vegetarianism that allows for occasional meat consumption. It encourages a predominantly plant-based diet while still allowing for animal products in moderation.

This diet appeals to individuals looking to reduce their meat intake for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. It emphasizes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

The DASH Diet

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet was developed to help lower high blood pressure.

It focuses on consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products while limiting sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars. The DASH diet is known for its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure, promoting weight loss, and improving overall heart health.

Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based diets gained considerable attention in 2015, with various forms such as vegetarian, vegan, and raw food diets gaining popularity. Plant-based diets center around the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

These diets are associated with numerous health benefits, including weight management, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and improved nutrient intake.

The Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet is based on the presumed dietary consumption of early humans during the Paleolithic era. It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods while excluding grains, legumes, dairy products, and processed foods.

The Paleo diet aims to replicate the eating patterns of our ancestors and has gained widespread popularity for its potential weight loss benefits and improved overall health.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of fasting with periods of regular eating. This eating pattern has gained attention for its potential weight loss benefits, improved insulin sensitivity, and lowered inflammation levels.

Different variations of intermittent fasting include the 16/8 method and alternate-day fasting.

Juice Cleanses and Detox Diets

Juice cleanses and detox diets gained popularity in 2015 for their alleged ability to cleanse the body of toxins and promote weight loss.

These diets typically involve consuming only fruit or vegetable juices for a set period, often ranging from a few days to a week. However, it is worth noting that the body has its built-in detoxification system, and these diets may lack essential nutrients.

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers is one of the most well-known and longstanding weight loss programs. It uses a points-based system to track and control food intake.

The program encourages the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods while promoting portion control and moderation. Weight Watchers gained continued popularity in 2015 for its emphasis on balanced eating and sustainable weight loss.

Atkins Diet

The Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet that gained popularity for its potential weight loss benefits.

It emphasizes the consumption of meats, fish, eggs, and low-carbohydrate vegetables while limiting carbohydrates, particularly refined sugars and grains. Critics argue that the diet may be less sustainable and could lead to nutrient deficiencies if not carefully planned.

Conclusion

In 2015, various diets gained significant popularity.

From the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet to the flexible Flexitarian diet and the low-carb High Fat (LCHF) diet, individuals had a wide range of diets to choose from based on their specific goals and preferences. It’s important to remember that while these diets may have gained popularity, it is always recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.