It’s a New Year, and for most of us that usually means a strong commitment to a healthier way of life. Just in time for those resolutions, U.S. News & World Report has put out its list of the best diets for 2015. Topping the list for best overall diet? The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet, which focuses on eating heart-healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy.
Research shows that the DASH Diet can lower blood pressure, increase “good” HDL cholesterol, and decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol. What’s more, the DASH Diet falls in line with the dietary guidelines given by the American Diabetes Association. And even better, DASH doesn’t eliminate any food groups, making it easier to stick with long-term and allowing anyone with a restricted diet (i.e. vegetarian, gluten-free) to get on board.
Other “best of” diet winners include: Weight Watchers for the best weight-loss diet, the best commercial diet plan, and the easiest diet to follow; the Ornish Diet for the best heart-healthy diet; and a tie for the Biggest Loser Diet and the Dash Diet for the best diabetes diet.
Where there’s a winner though, there is always a loser. Falling into the bottom two positions of the “best overall diet” category are the Dukan Diet and the Paleo Diet. There is little research to prove that either diet results in weight loss, increased cardio-vascular health, or prevention/control of diabetes. Long-term health risks are also unclear. And due to restrictions of various food groups in both diets, they can be difficult to maintain in the long-term.
Check out all of the U.S. News & World Report diet reviews here to find the best approach for you in 2015.
