Debunking the Top 5 "Best Diet" Plans

I always remind my clients that "Diets" don't work. If you're looking for a way to lose weight, the only diet plan that works is the one that teaches you healthy eating and fits well into your lifestyle and schedule so that you can follow for life. A panel of 22 experts in nutrition was recruited by U.S. News & World Report to rate the popular diets for Healthy Eating. They focused on nutrition and safety. The Five diets that earned the ''best'' ratings include DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet, the TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes), the Mediterranean Diet, the Mayo Clinic Diet, and the Volumetrics Diet. DASH Diet is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, DASH is meant to prevent high blood pressure. It's heavy on produce and low in saturated fat and salt. TLC Diet is developed by the National Institutes of Health to help lower cholesterol. It's high in fiber and calcium and low in saturated fat. Mediterranean Diet includes lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, salmon, and ''heart-healthy'' fats such as olive oil. Red wine in moderation is encouraged. Mayo Clinic Diet developed by Mayo Clinic experts includes foods with low energy density, such as fruits and vegetables. It allows dieters to eat more while eating fewer calories. Volumetrics Diet is another plan that's based on low energy-dense food, Volumetrics focuses on fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nonfat dairy, and lean meats. If you're interested in adopting any of these diets, the best way to do it is to get a Registered Dietitian's help. She will analyze your health conditions and lifestyle, and design the best eating plan that suits your needs. In my clinical practice, I use a combination of the above diets based on the client’s personal and medical needs, I also take into consideration of the clients' ethnic background when tailor make meal plans for weight control and for health improvement.