Diet Types

Various diet types, including Mediterranean, DASH, keto, vegetarian, and vegan, aim to structure eating habits and food choices, but they differ wildly and come with potential benefits and risks.

People may choose to put an eating plan in place to lose weight, reduce disease risk, avoid inflammation, manage life with chronic health problems like diabetes, or achieve specific ethical outcomes, as with the vegan diet. The healthiest eating styles tend to be plant-based, emphasize healthy fats, remove simple sugars, reduce salt, and minimize heavily processed foods.

Understanding the restrictions, aims, schedules, shopping lists, and methods of each diet type and having a picture of what mealtime looks like for these diets can help you make the most informed choice.

Common Questions & Answers

What is a ketogenic diet?

A keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that triggers a metabolic process called ketosis. This burns stored fat for energy instead of glucose. It has similar weight loss benefits to other diets that limit food choices in order to restrict calories.

A vegetarian diet may support blood pressure and blood glucose control, reduce a person’s risk of cancer and heart disease, and even help them live longer. Sticking to whole foods and avoiding overeating on a vegetarian diet might also promote weight loss.

A vegan diet might reduce a person’s risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart complications, as well as certain types of cancer and even acne. Proper planning is crucial to avoid deficiencies in nutrients like iron or protein.

The heart-healthy Mediterranean diet avoids limiting foods, instead encouraging people to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, nuts, olive oil, and legumes. It’s based on the foods and enjoyable social eating culture of Italy, France, Spain, and Greece.

Consider your health goals, preexisting health conditions, and lifestyle when picking the best diet for you. Before making long-term changes to diet, consult with a healthcare professional like a registered dietitian.

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Resources
  1. Weight loss: Choosing a diet that's right for you. Mayo Clinic. September 20, 2024.
  2. Diet & weight loss. Harvard Health Publishing. April 4, 2022.

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