Many of us seem to be in the mind frame of eating more cleanly, exercising and being overall healthier and, with that in mind comes a multitude of trendy diets, some fairly simple to abide by while others not so much.  Perhaps this is why meal kit delivery services like Hello Fresh, Home Chef and Nutrisystem have grown in popularity.  They have already done the scientific leg work so we can just open and enjoy.  We are also seeing “trendy” new diets pop up all over the internet, some that help control blood pressure and diabetes, some that encourage things like plant-based or gluten-free eating, but all claim to succeed with losing weight.

With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine the best one for you, especially if you aren’t into monitoring your macros, measuring portions or keeping track of points, so I have compiled some to help out.

 

The Keto Diet

This is a diet that appears to be growing in popularity due to its claim of rapid weight loss and uncomplicated food choices.  It is one that we see many celebrities touting their success with.

The science behind this diet is tricking your body into a state of ketosis by eating low carb (generally less than 20 grams), moderately high protein and higher fatty foods in order to burn fat instead of carbs for energy.  Some physicians have backed this diet for not only rapid weight loss but also in helping with Type 2 diabetes and better overall health.  Other health and nutrition experts warn against the diet, citing its high fat content, especially for people on medications for diabetes or blood pressure.

Fans find Keto an easy diet to do because, although you are giving up carbs like potatoes, bread and pasta, the diet still permits fats like butter and cheese, even alcohol.  Still, many doubt the diet’s long-term use due to its difficulty balancing macros with no cheat days permitted.

 

The Dash Diet

The DASH, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, diet is popular for people who are looking to lower their blood pressure and drop a few pounds in the process.  It focuses on lower sodium foods that are high in nutrients like potassium, calcium and magnesium to lower blood pressure and prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes, among other benefits.

The diet allows up to 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day for the standard diet and 1,500 milligrams for the lower sodium option and encourages fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean, white meats while avoiding red meat, sugar and fats.

 

The Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet focuses on eating whole, natural and fresh foods like our ancestors ingested, which can lead to better health and significant weight loss, especially with a good exercise program in place.

Though there is no real specifics on what foods to eat on the diet, it discourages processed foods, fats, sugar and grains.

 

The 5:2 Diet

This diet is appealing to some because it doesn’t encourage a drastic change in eating habits.  It allows you to eat normally for five days while fasting for two by limiting your calorie intake to 500 to 600 a day.

Some consider this diet to be more sustainable long-term and is popular among avid exercisers since it doesn’t cause any muscle loss.

 

The Whole30 Diet

If you have digestive issues, this diet may be for you.  It permits only protein and vegetables for thirty days while later allowing you to slowly add foods back in to see how your body reacts to each one.

 

The TLC Diet

The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) Diet is popular for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart disease.  Low in saturated fat and cholesterol, it encourages adding more fiber into your diet, thereby lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, especially for those with a family history.

 

The Plant Based Diet

This diet is exactly what it says, plant-based, encouraging lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds while still permitting minimal amounts of lean meats and dairy.  Implementing a plant-based diet can limit health issues like diabetes, heart disease and depression.

 

These are just some of the diets out there today.  There are still many more, like Weight Watchers and Nutrisystem, that have brought forth successful weight loss.  The key is finding which one best fits you and your lifestyle.  Which one is most sustainable for you?  After all, eating well is not temporary.  It is a lifestyle change that can better alter your health and well being.