Every year, people embark on new diets in hope of achieving their desired weight loss and health goals. With the abundance of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Here, we have compiled a list of the best diets of 2015, based on various factors such as effectiveness, safety, and sustainability.
The DASH Diet
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, initially developed to lower high blood pressure, has been consistently ranked as one of the best overall diets by experts.
The diet encourages the consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting salt, saturated fats, and sweets. Several studies have shown that the DASH diet not only improves blood pressure, but also aids weight loss and reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet, inspired by the eating habits of people in Greece and Italy, emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
The diet also includes moderate amounts of fish, lean meats, and dairy, as well as healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. The Mediterranean diet has been found to lower the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, and promote longevity.
The Flexitarian Diet
The Flexitarian diet, as the name suggests, is a flexible and plant-based diet that encourages the consumption of vegetarian meals while allowing meat and animal products in moderation.
The diet emphasizes the importance of whole, unprocessed foods and limits processed foods, sugar, and refined grains. The Flexitarian diet has been associated with weight loss, improved heart health, and reduced rates of chronic diseases.
The Weight Watchers Diet
Weight Watchers is a popular diet program that assigns point values to each food based on its calorie, fat, and fiber content. The program encourages the consumption of whole foods and emphasizes portion control and regular exercise.
Weight Watchers has been shown to be effective for weight loss and promotes long-term weight management through lifestyle changes.
The Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that promotes the consumption of protein and fat, while limiting carbohydrates. The diet follows four phases, starting with a strict low-carb phase and gradually increasing carb intake over time.
The Atkins diet has been associated with weight loss and improved cholesterol levels, although experts caution that the high intake of saturated fats from animal products could increase the risk of heart disease over time.
The Vegan Diet
The Vegan diet is a plant-based diet that eliminates all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. The diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
The Vegan diet has been associated with lower rates of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer, and environmental benefits through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption.
The Paleo Diet
The Paleo diet follows the eating habits of our Paleolithic ancestors and emphasizes the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables.
The diet eliminates all grains, dairy, and legumes, and limits processed foods, sugar, and salt. The Paleo diet has been associated with weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and reduced inflammation, although some experts question the sustainability and nutritional adequacy of the diet.
The TLC Diet
The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet is a low-fat, high-fiber diet that emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting saturated fats and cholesterol.
The diet was developed by the National Institutes of Health to lower cholesterol levels and is effective for improving heart health.
The Ornish Diet
The Ornish diet is a plant-based diet that eliminates all animal products, as well as processed foods, sugar, and refined grains.
The diet emphasizes the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and soy products. The Ornish diet has been associated with improved heart health, weight loss, and reduced rates of chronic diseases.
The Biggest Loser Diet
The Biggest Loser diet is a calorie-controlled diet that emphasizes the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, while limiting high-calorie and high-fat foods.
The diet encourages regular exercise and behavioral changes to promote sustainable weight loss. The Biggest Loser diet has been shown to be effective for weight loss in the short-term, although some experts caution that the restrictive nature of the diet may lead to rebound weight gain.