The Most Successful Diet

Hundreds of thousands of diet plans have been marketed to people trying to lose weight. They vary between the types of foods allowed, specific meal plans, exercise habits and length of time spent on the diet. However, no one diet fits everybody, and what works for one person might not work for you. The most successful diet plan is one that you can follow long-term to achieve sustainable results. Healthy eating habits combined with regular physical activity will help you lose weight and improve your health.

Calorie Reduction

Losing weight is essentially about taking in fewer calories than what you expend. If you overeat or don't burn off excess calories you are eating, it will lead to weight gain, regardless of the types of foods you are eating. A study in the "New England Journal of Medicine" found that dieters on four different diet plans all lost weight regardless of the differences in diets. They attributed this to the one common feature the diets shared with each other: a daily caloric deficit of 750 calories below the initial caloric intakes of participants.

Well-Balanced Diet

The most successful diet plans are those that contain a variety of nutrient-rich foods. A well-balanced diet should consist of complex carbs, lean proteins and healthy fats. Fruits and vegetables should form the foundation of your daily menu plan, as they are low in calories, have little to no fat, contain no added sugars, and are a source of essential vitamins and minerals. Produce also is high in antioxidants, which aid in the prevention of cancers and heart disease.

Avoiding Fad Diets

Diets that restrict food intake severely, or cut out certain food groups, are neither healthy nor sustainable long-term. These types of diets eliminate or reduce important nutrients needed for a healthy body. For instance, very-low-carb diets that restrict carbs, including many fruits, can result in increased lethargy, weakness and difficulty concentrating. Carbs are the body's and brain's main source of fuel and should be eaten through high-quality sources such as whole grains and produce. Whole grains, including breads and rice, are also rich in the B-vitamins needed for energy metabolism.

Physical Activity

The most successful diet plan should include a physical activity component. Adding exercise to a healthy diet plan can boost weight-loss efforts, as it will help you burn off more calories for a deficit. Exercise also reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise is the most important factor in weight-loss maintenance when you are less restrictive with food choices and allow for treats in moderation.