So, the new year is here and you're looking for the perfect diet to kick-start your new healthy lifestyle. Look no further, we're here to help! US News & World Report has just released the 2014 list of best diets. These diets were ranked based on how easy they are to follow, nutrition, and how safe and they are for weight loss and overall health. According to U.S. News, these are the top five:
#1: The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) Diet was developed to fight high blood pressure, not as an all-purpose diet. But it certainly looked like an all-star to our panel of experts, who gave it high marks for its nutritional completeness, safety, ability to prevent or control diabetes, and role in supporting heart health. Though obscure, it beat out a field full of better-known diets.
#2: Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, or TLC is a very solid diet plan created by the National Institutes of Health. It has no major weaknesses, and it’s particularly good at promoting cardiovascular health. One expert described it as a “very healthful, complete, safe diet.” But it requires a “do-it-yourself” approach, in contrast to the hand-holding provided by some commercial diets.
#3 (Tie): With its emphasis on fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish, and other healthy fare, The Mediterranean Diet is eminently sensible. And experts’ assessments of it were resoundingly positive, giving this diet an edge over many competitors.
#3 (Tie): The Mayo Clinic Diet is the Mayo Clinic’s take on how to make healthy eating a lifelong habit. It earned especially high ratings from our experts for its nutrition and safety and as a tool against diabetes. Experts found it moderately effective for weight loss.
#3 (Tie): Weight Watchers is a smart, effective diet. It surpassed other commercial diet plans in multiple areas, including short- and long-term weight loss and how easy it is to follow. It’s also nutritionally sound and safe, according to experts. Among its pluses: An emphasis on group support, lots of fruits and vegetables, and room for occasional indulgences.