There are so many diet plans out there that it can sometimes be hard to know which one to choose. The best approach to picking a healthy diet plan is to choose one that is based on scientific research and endorsed by reputable health organizations. Eating well-balanced meals rich in vitamins and nutrients can help you not only lose weight but live a healthier life.
MyPyramid Plan
The "MyPyramid" plan was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and it is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans report released every five years. It focuses on well-balanced meals and nutritious foods, while limiting sweets and saturated fats.
DASH Diet
Designed for those suffering from hypertension, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet is a low-calorie approach to dieting. It focuses on high-fiber meals that help you feel full longer. It is endorsed by multiple health organizations, including the USDA and American Heart Association.
American Heart Association
The AHA recommends a heart-healthy diet consisting primarily of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and limited fats and sweets. Their so-called No-Fad Diet plan, found at Heart.org, offers free recipes, weight-loss resources and tips on how to eat healthy.
Mayo Clinic Diet Plan
The world-renowned Mayo Clinic offers up its approach to losing weight in the Mayo Clinic Diet. This diet program is based on healthy lifestyle changes. It focuses on the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid, which is somewhat similar to the USDA Food Pyramid, explaining the types and quantities of foods you should be eating each day, such fruits, veggies, carbohydrates, protein/dairy, fats and sweets.
SlimKids
Created by a former overweight child herself, Laura Kraemer RN, CPN, designed SlimKids to help kids and teens maintain healthy body weights. This diet plan uses a low-calorie approach to dieting, and it teaches kids about portion control and healthy food choices. Many of kids' favorite foods are included in this program, but only in limited quantities.
Vegetarian
The vegetarian lifestyle can be a long-term, healthy approach to dieting. Vegetarian diets are typically low in calories and high in nutritional value. The Mayo Clinic cautions vegetarians to make sure they are getting enough calcium, iodine, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins B-12, zinc and vitamin D in their diets. When done right, however, a well-planned vegetarian diet can be a healthy choice, and it is even endorsed by many different health organizations, including Mayo Clinic and the American Dietetic Association.
Nutrisystem
This popular diet plan offers the advantage of shipping prepackaged meals directly to your home. For someone who is not a good cook, or who doesn't have time to cook healthy meals, this may be a good choice. The meals are low in calories and include all of the major food groups.
Weight Watchers
This diet plan has been around for over 40 years and is still a popular choice. The advantage of Weight Watchers is that it offers flexibility when it comes to eating. Dieters are able to eat a wide variety of foods, as long as they stay within the limits of the Weight Watchers point system.
Jenny Craig
The Jenny Craig diet plan is an all-around approach to living healthy, including dieting, exercise and motivation. There are personalized plans available for men, women and teens. Each participant gets his own health consultant to help stay motivated on the journey to losing weight.
South Beach Diet
Developed by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatson, the South Beach Diet was created to help overweight patients lose weight and live longer, healthier lives. It was voted the best overall diet website by "Good Housekeeping" magazine.
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