U.S. News recently came out with its Top Five Diets. We asked nutrition expert Amy Jamieson-Petonic to weigh in on this list.
“My first recommendation for any lifestyle change is to meet with a registered dietitian before you begin,” she says. “The RD can really help you determine a road map to learn how to get the best outcome with the safest guidelines from any program. The RD can also be your coach along the way, which can really increase the likelihood of success now and in the long term.”
1 DASH
“Safe, healthy and offers a number of healthy options to choose from while reducing sodium, fat and increasing fiber and potassium, which many people do not get enough of from their diets,” Jamieson-Petonic says.
2 TLC
“This program offers a plan to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and provides more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, soluble fiber and plant stanols, if needed,” she says. “It provides vital nutrients as well as fiber to help improve lipid profiles. As for cons, it be more challenging to follow this long term if you are unsure of how to continue with additional meal plans.”
3 MAYO CLINIC DIET
“This offers a number of healthy guidelines on how to lose weight and keep it off. The diet includes fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean proteins,” she says. “It also offers to help change behaviors by reducing unhealthy habits that tend to lead to weight gain (How many people really snack on carrot and celery sticks with a glass of water watching TV?) as well as increasing exercise each day to at least 30 minutes. They suggest habits that will help promote long-term weight management, which is really important. As for cons, it may be difficult to follow in the beginning, and people might have a difficult time counting servings of various food groups.”
4 MEDITERRANEAN
“I love the idea of eating foods based on a healthy lifestyle, including fresh foods, extra virgin olive oil (which has amazing anti-inflammatory benefits) and enjoying a small piece of dark chocolate with a glass of wine,” Jamieson-Petonic says. “There are many foods on this diet which reduce inflammation at the cellular level. The Mediterranean lifestyle teaches us to eat more family meals, buy local, fresh ingredients and take time to slow down and enjoy your food.”
5 WEIGHT WATCHERS
“A very safe and healthy program that offers a wide variety of foods that promote health and satiety,” she says. “Long-term research supports the fact that people who follow this program lose weight and tend to keep the weight off better than other commercial programs. The group support and accountability can also have a very positive impact on helping people meet their goals. As for cons, there is a cost with program, and this may or may not be a barrier for people as well. The group environment may not be the best method for everyone, but Weight Watchers also offers an online program for these folks.”
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