Ever since the digital bloom enabled us access to unlimited sources of information, nutritionists from all over the globe have began sharing their ideas and research online. Add to that the health revolution that has reshaped our mindset several times over, and you now have what can aptly be called a conundrum, caused by so much conflicting information that it’s impossible to keep track of it all.
Still, several of the most prominent scientific minds and consequently nutrition movements have managed to rise to the top and remain steadily there for all to hear and learn about. Of course, before you jump into any one of the following five favorites, it’s best to consult your doctor and see if some of them would suit your health and fitness needs. Without further ado, let’s delve deeper into the five diets that will outlive any fad diets to come.
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The Mediterranean diet
Ever since we’ve been flooded with the famous news reports and stories regarding this region’s healthy people, the notion of their uniquely diverse and rich diet has earned it the title of one of the best diets in the world. Researching Italian centenarians who have greeted their unusually old age with mental vigor and a staggering level of physical independence opened up new possibilities to people who wish to change their lives for the better – through changing their daily menus.
Much like any other diet, the Mediterranean diet is more a lifestyle than a temporary adjustment. It is based on consuming locally, seasonally grown produce, fresh fruits and vegetables, an abundance of seafood, and very little meat. What adds to the value of their diet is the fact that most of these people grow and tend to their own gardens of food, which gives them plenty of exercise while they work for their every meal.
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The DASH diet
Since the majority of the world’s population suffers from hypertension, and a growing number of people are diagnosed with obesity and its many accompanying health issues, it’s no wonder that we are in need of a diet to target this specific problem. Enter the DASH diet, which stands for “dietary approach to stop hypertension”, and it has been used for years by many people with various heart issues and weight management problems.
This approach to eating focuses on whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible, and living in a world of fast food and junk food makes it all the more difficult to pursue. You’re encouraged to eat the rainbow, so to speak, through a variety of fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. While meat is allowed, the preparation process is what helps it make the cut, and the amount should be kept to a minimum. The main focus is on eliminating unhealthy fats and replacing them with healthy fat sources, much like those found in the Mediterranean diet.
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The keto diet
Loved both by athletes, fitness experts, and people who wish to lose fat more efficiently, the ketogenic diet is the king of all low-carb diets. It’s highly effective, easy to follow, and it comes with a slew of perks for those who choose to cut their carb consumption, which is the main way most of us gain the extra weight we so desperately wish to get rid of.
The essence of the diet is to teach your body to burn fat to produce energy, instead of its primary energy source, glucose. At this point, you’re likely wondering what are ketones and what role do they play in this fat-burning process? They are byproducts that your body produces as soon as your glucose storage is depleted, so your body is forced to start burning fat for fuel. This is achieved by switching to a healthy fat-rich diet and eating more protein, while keeping your carb intake low.
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The flexitarian diet
As the very name suggests, this eating system called “the flexitarian diet” comes with a level of flexibility most diets aren’t known for. It’s ideal for people who cannot settle for a strict regime of eating that cuts out entire food groups or focuses on a single source of macronutrients. Simply put, it’s flexible, while still inspiring you to bring the healthiest of munchies to your plate.
Flexitarians consume primarily plant-based foods, while they try to limit their intake of meat and dairy, making them predominantly vegetarian, with the freedom to still stay their omnivore self. The many perks include the ability to keep your weight in the healthy range, and focus on nutrient-dense ingredients of high quality.
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The Weight Watchers diet
A well-known gem among diets that focus on healthy weight loss, the Weight Watchers regime is a tried-and-tested diet with many happy customers to support its promises. It comes with a strong support system that helps those who are struggling to shed weight and keep it off for good.
By combining their app for keeping track of your daily food consumption, adding exercise to the equation, and cutting calories by cutting unhealthy foods, this diet is another one to prove that fads can never compare to an eating system that doubles as a lifestyle change for the better.
Author Bio
I’m a fitness and health blogger at Ripped.me, and a great fan of the gym and a healthy diet. I follow all the trends in fitness, gym and healthy life, and l love to share my knowledge in this field through useful and informative articles.
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