US News has released a list of Best Diets – an evaluation of 20 eating plans that have been rated in 7 different categories, which include – short term weight loss, long-term weight loss, easy to follow or not, safety and nutritional values. The US government endorsed – DASH diet has taken the top spot in this list. Read on if you want to know more about these diets, and out of these eating plans there maybe something that might work perfectly for you!

Methodology behind the rating

Ask anyone who has tried out a diet and they will tell you how easily the pounds came off, and then came on again. Most of these diets are what they call fad diets, which were most probably not nutritionally, sound at all. The promises are plenty, like eat what you want and watch the pounds melt away and such. 

According to the US News’ Health News Editor Lindsay Lyon "The goal of the Best Diets rankings is to help consumers find authoritative guidance on healthful diets that will work for them over the long haul".

A U.S. News team spent six months researching the diets, mining medical journals, government reports, and other sources. An in-depth profile was then drawn up for every diet that explains how it works, whether its claims add up or fall short, and what risks it might pose, along with insights into living on the diet, not just reading about it.

A carefully selected panel of 22 experts in diets, nutrition and specialists in diabetes and heart disease rated each diet from 1 to 5 in seven categories.

These were the findings: Though we’ve only mentioned two in each category, you can find the complete list on the Health News website.

Best overall Diets 

DASH Diet – Given all stars for its nutritional completeness, safety, ability to prevent or control diabetes, and role in supporting heart health. 

Mediterranean diet – An overall healthy diet with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and other healthy foods.

Best weight loss diets 

Weight Watchers diet - Weight Watchers bested all other ranked diets for both short-term and long-term weight loss.

Jenny Craig diet  - What experts loved most about this weight loss diet among other aspects of the program was the value of the emotional support provided by its weekly one-on-one counseling sessions. 

Best Diabetes Diets

DASH diet - Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, edged out several other diets, because of its emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and veggies which match the prescription of doctors.

Mayo Clinic Diet - The Mayo Clinic Diet’s eating guidelines and fitness advice focuses on coaching dieters to develop healthy, lasting habits around which foods they choose to eat and which to avoid.

Best Commercial Diet Plans 

Weight watchers diet , Jenny Craig diet, Slim- Fast diet, Nutrisystem Diet, and the South Beach diet make the top 5 list in the best commercial diet plan category.

This compilation will give you a good idea on how diets are rated in terms of health, and easiness to integrate. 

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