As we enter a new year, many of us are eager to set new goals and prioritize our health. One of the most popular resolutions is to adopt a healthier diet. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best diets recommended by U.S.News & World Report.

1. Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is consistently recognized as one of the healthiest diets to follow. It is inspired by the traditional eating habits of countries like Greece and Italy.

This diet emphasizes whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry. It encourages the consumption of healthy fats like olive oil and nuts while limiting red meat and processed foods. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and weight management.

2. DASH Diet

Developed to lower blood pressure, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet also ranks highly on U.S.News & World Report’s list.

This diet focuses on increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products while reducing sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars. Studies have shown that the DASH diet not only helps lower blood pressure but also promotes overall heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

3. Flexitarian Diet

The flexitarian diet is a flexible approach that encourages plant-based eating while still allowing occasional consumption of animal products. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh.

Reducing the intake of meat and prioritizing plant-based foods is associated with various health benefits, including improved weight management and a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

4. WW (Weight Watchers)

WW, formerly known as Weight Watchers, is a weight loss program that has evolved into a comprehensive wellness approach. It utilizes a point system to encourage the consumption of nutritious foods while promoting portion control and physical activity.

WW offers flexibility, as no foods are completely off-limits, making it easier to sustain in the long term. The program also provides support through its online community and personalized coaching.

5. Vegetarian Diet

The vegetarian diet eliminates meat, poultry, and fish while prioritizing plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy or dairy alternatives.

This diet can be customized to individual preferences, with variations such as lacto-vegetarian (including dairy), ovo-vegetarian (including eggs), and vegan (excluding all animal products). When well-planned, a vegetarian diet can provide all the necessary nutrients, promote weight management, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

6. Vegan Diet

The vegan diet takes the vegetarian diet a step further by excluding all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Instead, it focuses on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

When properly planned, a vegan diet can be nutritionally adequate and offer various health benefits, including lower cholesterol levels, reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and potential weight loss.

7. TLC Diet

The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet is designed to help individuals lower their cholesterol levels. It emphasizes healthier food choices, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limited saturated fats.

The TLC diet is recommended in conjunction with regular exercise and lifestyle modifications, making it a well-rounded approach to heart health.

8. Nordic Diet

The Nordic diet is based on the traditional eating patterns of countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. It focuses on consuming locally sourced, seasonal, and minimally processed foods.

The diet emphasizes whole grains, berries, root vegetables, fatty fish, and rapeseed oil. By incorporating the Nordic diet, individuals can benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties and positive impact on heart health.

9. Mayo Clinic Diet

The Mayo Clinic Diet aims to help individuals adopt healthy habits for long-term weight management and overall wellness.

This diet places an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while reducing the intake of added sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods. The Mayo Clinic Diet provides practical guidance, including portion control strategies, recipes, and an activity plan.

10. Engine 2 Diet

The Engine 2 Diet is a plant-based diet that eliminates animal products and highly processed foods. It focuses on whole, unrefined plant foods and encourages individuals to follow a low-sodium and low-fat approach.

The Engine 2 Diet promotes weight loss, improved heart health, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases when combined with regular exercise.