When trying to lose weight, it’s crucial that you choose a diet that will work long term. Diets that promise immediate results shouldn’t be followed as these can lead to binge eating and other disordered behaviors, according to Holtzer.
This diet emphasizes whole foods, restricting inflammatory foods like sugar, processed grains and fried food while prioritizing lean proteins and healthy fats for optimal nutrition. This approach may also be particularly beneficial to those living with chronic health conditions.
The Mediterranean Diet
This diet emphasizes creating balanced meals using fresh ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil. Additionally, this diet promotes consumption of fish, poultry, egg whites and red wine; dairy products, red meat and sugary treats should be kept to occasional treats only.
The Mediterranean diet is known for providing essential heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids while restricting both saturated and trans fat intake, both of which can raise cholesterol levels and cause inflammation. Furthermore, it provides plenty of fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients as well as being an eco-friendly eating plan (according to a study published by Nutrients in April 2020).
The Ornish Diet
Dean Ornish, MD created this heart-healthy diet in 1977 to combat heart disease. The plan allows potatoes and bread but only when made from whole grain; red wine (up to two ounces daily); stress management techniques; moderate exercise; and building relationships with loved ones.
Ornish diet is a family-friendly and cost-effective option, requiring minimal cooking skills to prepare. Foods suitable for this diet are easily found at large grocery stores. Unfortunately, however, its long-term effectiveness may be difficult given that its restrictions limit animal proteins and fats which contribute to satiety as well as contributing to deficiencies of certain essential vitamins.
The MIND Diet
The MIND Diet provides an effective middle ground between DASH for hypertension and Mediterranean Diet for wellness, and encourages heart-healthy lifestyle and protection from Alzheimer’s Disease. This plan restricts red meats and whole fat cheese while encouraging several servings of vegetables each day including leafy greens; additionally it encourages berries as well as healthy oils like olive and avocado oil for maximum impact.
As opposed to many other diet plans, this one doesn’t require specific recipes or complex meal planning and is easy to adhere to long term. Studies have linked it with weight loss and reduced risks of heart disease.
The CICO Diet
The CICO Diet is a low-calorie weight loss diet focused on tracking calories and creating a deficit calorie consumption to facilitate short-term weight loss, according to multiple studies. This approach has proven itself in leading to healthy and significant weight loss over time.
However, when following the CICO diet it’s essential to select nutritious and satisfying foods to prevent any nutritional deficiencies. High-quality fats and proteins should be consumed to curb hunger.
Remember, however, that CICO diet may not be appropriate for everyone, including individuals suffering from eating disorders – as strict calorie counting may indicate an unhealthy preoccupation with food.
The Whole30 Diet
The Whole30 Diet is an elimination diet which involves forgoing sugar, dairy products, legumes and grains for 30 days as an attempt to determine which food items cause digestive issues, fatigue and cravings. The program encourages unprocessed meat, seafood, eggs, fruits and vegetables along with natural healthy fats as part of this journey.
Plan is highly stringent and allows no room for deviation; one slip-up could mean starting the 30-day program from scratch again – something many find challenging to follow.
The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet
The TLC Diet, developed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, aims to help individuals lower their blood cholesterol levels through a nutritious eating plan that emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean meats. Furthermore, daily cholesterol consumption should not exceed 200 mg, while harmful trans fats (if applicable) should account for no more than 7% of total calories consumed on this plan.
TLC diets offer an effective approach for losing weight or improving heart health, and have tied with Mediterranean and flexitarian diets in U.S. News and World Report’s family-friendly diet rankings this year.