With so much information out there about dieting for weight loss and new diets being introduced all the time, finding the best option for you can be more than a little confusing. Everyone is different and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most popular diets of the moment and the benefits of each one.
The 5/2 Diet
The 5/2 diet is a form of intermittent fasting. You eat how you usually would for five days of the week and restrict your calories to 500 for two days of the week. This diet significantly reduces your calorie intake over the course of the week and as a result, it aids weight loss. There are no strict rules on what you can and can’t eat but for the best results, make healthy dining choices. Fasting has many advantages and will not only promote weight loss but it will also improve cardiovascular health and reduces blood sugar.
The 16/8 Diet
Similar to the popular 5/2 diet, the 16/8 diet involves fasting for 16 hours per day. Rather than reducing calories, you simply eat your daily calories within an 8-hour window. The diet works by restricting the number of hours that you consume food and there are no forbidden food groups, however, for the best results, it is advised to stick to healthy options. Fasting is synonymous with weight loss and it can also reduce insulin levels bringing with it a range of health benefits.
The Dash Diet
Dash stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This type of diet is designed to lower blood pressure and it also has a positive effect on heart health. It includes protein-rich foods, cutting out refined sugars to aid weight loss, while keeping blood sugar levels on an even keel. Rather than restricting calories or eating at certain times of the day, The Dash Diet works on the principles of opting for healthier food choices and cutting out the empty calories found in processed food.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet focuses on healthy food inspired by traditional Mediterranean cuisine and is mostly plant-based. Food options include fish, vegetables, fruit, olive oil, nuts and grains. This style of diet is associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s so the benefits go above and beyond weight loss. There are no strict rules on portion size or calorie intake but it does have an emphasis on healthy fats and is designed to be implemented alongside a regular exercise regimen.
Improve your chances with a DNA Diet Test
The key to finding an effective diet is to identify one which fits with your genetic makeup. A DNA Diet test can give you a wealth of information, with insights such as lactose intolerance, caffeine metabolism, salt craving and much more.
Discover the inner you today.