WHICH DIET IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

We all know that as the new year approaches and we are leaving our holiday baggage behind, "diets" are on every one's minds. Diets come and go and are very trendy. A "live-it" instead of a diet is a more reasonable philosophy. After all, we do have to live with it. What is out there right now?.... the paleo, the zone, the low carb, the detox, the keto. Well, most importantly, eating habits should be chosen according to the nutrients a body needs for growth, maintenance and disease prevention, but that doesn't always happen. Americans want weight loss and they want it quick. What if you can't stick with it?

US News and World Report rated 35 diets and found that the well studied, Mediterranean diet ranked #1 for the third year in a row. Next was the long standing DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension), Flexitarian (vegan with occasional meat added), WW (the re branded name known as Weight Watchers) and MIND (stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.) In the MIND diet, parts of the Mediterranean and DASH diets have been combined with a new goal: reduce dementia and a decline in brain health that usually occurs as we age.

Although the above choice all seem like decent choices, let's talk about the #1 choice. Why the Mediterranean diet? Well, as mentioned earlier, people can stick to it, it is well researched and it is a "whole" diet that tastes good, The Mediterranean diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts and fish, especially omega 3 fish, such as salmon, tuna and trout. The diet discourages processed foods, thus limiting saturated fat, sodium and sugar, but doesn't eliminate any food groups. Meals from the sunny Mediterranean areas have been linked to stronger bones, a healthier heart, a lower risk of dementia and breast cancer, and longer life, along with reduced risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Out of the 35 diets ranked in US New and World Report, the keto diet came in last. The keto diet limits carbohydrates to 20 grams a day which is the equivalent to one piece of fresh fruit. People do seem to lose weight, initially, on the keto diet, but, generally find it difficult to maintain. People complain of headaches and dizziness and there is a concern that the amount of saturated fat long term can cause heart disease and even, gallbladder issues.

So, you decide....which diets work for you?

For more information on the Mediterranean diet, try https://oldwayspt.org/traditional-diets/mediterranean-diet  or https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801. For the information on diet reviews, visit https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/02/health/best-diet-worst-diet-2020-wellness/index.html.