Fact Sheet
It can be hard to know what works and what’s healthy. Everyone wants a diet that promises to take weight off quickly. But the best kind of weight loss is slow and steady—about 1/2 to 2 pounds a week. You’ll want to find an eating plan you can live with for the long-term and that keeps the pounds off permanently.
This resource is about three diets that have been proven to work:
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that’s common in Greece, Spain, southern Italy, and southern France. Traditional foods in those areas include fish, vegetables, fruits, beans, breads high in fiber, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil. Nuts are part of the diet as well.
The Mediterranean diet is low in red meat, cheese, and sweets. Many of the meals are vegetarian. A moderate amount of wine can be included daily. This type of diet can help lower your risk for heart disease, prevent type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and lower cholesterol. Some researchers also claim that this diet can prevent depression, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
This diet, similar to the South Beach diet, promotes the use of lean protein foods and high-fiber, nutrient-rich carbohydrates, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The diet also includes some types of fat (healthy unsaturated fats) and low-fat dairy products. It excludes white flour products and most starchy carbohydrates like potatoes, rice, and pasta. In general, this type of diet is healthy and can result in weight loss. This diet will also help you lower your blood sugar levels since carbohydrates break down into sugars when digested. You don’t need to count calories or do other complicated calculations to follow this diet. Nor do you need to deny yourself regular meals. Cooking for this diet is fairly easy. You can also modify the food choices if you are vegetarian or vegan.
A vegetarian diet generally excludes animal products. But some vegetarians do eat small amounts of animal products; for example, some vegetarians eat milk and eggs along with fruits, vegetables, and grains. Other vegetarians might include fish but no meat. A vegan diet is a diet that excludes all animal products. People who follow a vegan diet need to take vitamin B12 supplements and include protein, such as nut butters, beans, and nuts, to make sure they get all the nutrients they need. Most vegetarians eat fewer calories than non-vegetarians. A vegetarian diet can help fight heart disease and high blood pressure.
Also consider eating bean-based products instead of wheat-based pastas which are more "starchy".
A pescatarian diet is a vegetarian diet but includes fish and seafood. It is rooted in a plant-based diet of healthy fats, whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Seafood is the main source of protein in a pescatarian diet. But, some pescatarians choose to include dairy and eggs in their diet. Many pescatarian diets vary based on the individual. A pescatarian diet may lower an individual’s risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Also, including seafood in a plant-based diet will provide nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin B12, calcium, and zinc.
Some fish are known to accumulate pollutants and should be eaten sparingly, especially by pregnant and lactating mothers. Larger fish such as the King Mackerel, Shark, Swordfish and Tilefish have high mercury levels, while larger bottom dwelling river fish such as catfish and carp can accumulate other environmental contaminants.
A paleolithic, or paleo, diet is based on foods that were eaten during the Paleolithic era, which took place over 10,000 years ago. A paleolithic diet focuses on foods that were obtained by hunting and gathering. This includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Dairy, grains, and beans are not included in the paleolithic diet. People on this diet also prioritize drinking water and being physically active. The diet also avoids refined sugar, salt, potatoes, and over-processed foods. People may follow this diet to lose or maintain a healthy weight. As with the low-carb diet, the paleolithic diet helps lower blood sugar levels since it excludes carbs.
First, answer the questions above. Think about what works for your family or the people you live with. Then, meet with a registered dietitian for personalized advice. Seeing a dietitian will help you reach your weight-loss goals. If you have a medical condition, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any kind of diet or exercise program.
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