A good diet plan should fulfill such basic criteria as providing balance, proper nutrition, suitability and variety. Unfortunately, diet plans often are severely imbalanced or restrictive--such diets may do you more harm than good. Talk with your physician or a registered dietitian before starting a new diet to ensure it will meet your needs.
Nutrition
The best diet plans provide enough variety and balance on a daily basis so people who follow it can meet all nutritional requirements. MayoClinic.com recommends most adults get about 55 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates, 20 percent from protein and 25 percent from fat. Choose a diet plan that focuses on nutritionally rich sources of each substance, such as complex carbohydrates, lean and low-fat proteins, and plant-based oils.
Balance
One of the most basic diet plans, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's food pyramid, was designed with balance in mind. When people eat according to the pyramid, they generally make healthy choices and get all the nutrients they need because the plan emphasizes variety. Choose daily selections from each of the pyramid's five food groups--grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Types
While the food pyramid plan is a helpful guide, it isn't suitable for everyone. Other diet programs that prioritize complete nutrition and healthy foods also are wise choices. With sensible selections, such balanced eating plans as a vegetarian diet, vegan diet, whole foods diet and Mediterranean diet can all produce positive results.
Suitability
When weighting the pros and cons of various diet plans, MayoClinic.com encourages people to keep their lifestyle considerations in mind. For instance, if you're on the go all the time, you may not cook very often, while a limited budget may prevent you from buying fresh or organic foods every week. The most effective and suitable diet plan is one that fits your budget, schedule and preferences while still including healthy foods.
Tips
Most people limit their considerations to food choices when evaluating potential diet plans. However, you also should think about how you eat, as well as what you eat, recommends HelpGuide.org. Chew your food slowly and deliberately, taking time to appreciate your meals and snacks. Share your mealtimes with friends, family members and coworkers. Eat only as much as you need to feel full. Such steps may make a big difference in the effectiveness of any diet plan.
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