The diet types are personalized food schedules that help regulate what you eat. The primary purpose of dieting is for weight loss, balanced nutrition, and healthy eating habits.
Diets have health benefits like weight loss, improved heart health, reduced symptoms of conditions like diverticulitis or IBS, and more. There are over 30 different types of diets, most with the main benefit of helping you achieve healthy body weight and eating habits.
A diet classification table is an easy-to-read list of diets that highlights how different types of diets vary from one another. Some diets, like the ketogenic diet, are strictly for health purposes, while others, like a Jain diet, are belief-based as certain foods are limited for religious reasons.
Top 12 Diet Plans
- Dash Diet (Best Diet for Hypertension)
- Ketogenic Diet (Best Diet for Burning Fat)
- Whole30 Diet (Best Diet for Detoxifying)
- Gluten-free Diet (Best Diet for Celiac Disease)
- Diabetic Diet (Best Diet for Diabetics)
- Mediterranean Diet (Best Diet for Heart Health)
- Atkins Diet (Best Diet for Weight Loss)
- Low FODMAP Diet (Best Diet for IBS)
- Optavia Diet (Best Diet for Support)
- Diverticulitis Diet (Best Diet for Diverticulitis)
- Vegetarian Diet (Best Diet for Reducing Cancer)
- Noom Diet (Best Diet App)
1. DASH Diet
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a medical diet that aims to treat and prevent high blood pressure. The goal is to limit your sodium intake to under 2,300 mg per day and reduce your consumption of saturated fats.
The necessity of the DASH diet is to lower heart risk for all people through nutrition. The majority of those on the DASH diet do so to reduce hypertension.
You can see the effects of the DASH diet in the blood in two weeks. However, it is recommended to stay on this diet for a minimum of three months to maximize the health benefits.
The main mistake of the DASH diet is continuing to consume high amounts of red meats.
The DASH diet is not a weight loss diet. However, by switching from processed foods to whole foods, you are likely to lose weight, improve heart health, and have an overall better mood.
2. Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate diet where you eat 70% fat, 20% protein, and 10% carbohydrates. By eating macronutrients in this ratio, you change your body’s metabolism. Instead of producing energy through blood glucose, you create energy through ketones that burn fat with the ketogenic diet.
The primary necessity of the keto diet is to burn fat. It is an effective weight loss diet and has shown effects of improving mood disorders. A common mistake made on the ketogenic diet is to replace carbohydrates with high amounts of protein, which does not put you into ketosis.
The ketogenic diet is most effective for three months or longer, though results may be seen as early as the first couple of weeks. A high-carbohydrate diet can be sensitive to the ketogenic diet, since it restricts intake to 20-50 grams of carbohydrates per day.
3. Low-Fat Diet
A low-fat diet is a weight control diet that restricts the amount of fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol you consume to 30% of your total caloric intake.
The primary necessity of the low-fat diet is to reduce levels of saturated and trans fats consumed and replace them with heart-healthy fats. The purpose of the low-fat diet is to lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of heart injury.
The most common mistake with this diet is only monitoring weight loss on the scale since muscle growth can appear to offset the fat loss. A low-fat diet is recommended until you achieve and maintain your goal weight.
This diet is effective for losing weight. Depending on your starting weight, you can see weight loss effects within two weeks to one month of reducing your fat intake.
A low-carbohydrate diet can be sensitive to a low-fat diet since low-carb diets aim for 70% of caloric intake from fat. Some studies suggest that low-fat diets can have an adverse effect on mood.
4. Low-Carbohydrate Diet
A low-carbohydrate diet is a weight control diet that limits the number of carbohydrates you consume to under 100-150 grams per day. A low-carb diet is not as strict as the ketogenic diet. The primary necessity of a low-carbohydrate diet is to encourage weight loss by altering eating habits.
Like the ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate diet can effectively cause weight loss. Dieters go on a low-carb diet for several months to several years with cheat days throughout the year.
Studies suggest that a low-carbohydrate diet does not adversely affect mood and can help minimize symptoms of depression. The effects of a low-carb diet can be seen after several weeks of healthy eating.
A common mistake made with a low-carbohydrate diet is not consuming enough heart-healthy fats and leafy green vegetables. Those following a belief-based diet can be sensitive to a low-carbohydrate diet since it may restrict protein consumption to plant-based sources.
5. Vegetarian Diet
A vegetarian diet means you do not consume meat products of any sort. It is a belief-based and healthy diet that meets our body’s protein needs without harming animals. The necessity of a vegetarian diet is to reduce pollutants and harmful practices within the animal farming industry.
The most common mistake in a vegetarian diet is not getting enough plant-based proteins from nuts, seeds, and soy products. Vegetarianism can be for life or short periods and has been studied for its positive effects on health and mood.
A person used to a low-carbohydrate diet can be sensitive to a vegetarian diet since many grains are fortified with nutrients needed for vegetarians. A vegetarian diet is not a weight-control diet, but a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is effective for weight loss.
6. Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet is a low-carb diet where carbohydrate intake is restricted to 25-50g until your goal weight is achieved. Atkins is similar to the ketogenic diet in that your body burns fat instead of blood sugar for energy.
Atkins differs from the keto diet because once you achieve your goal weight, you can reintroduce more carbohydrates to your diet up to 100g. The main reason for partaking in the Atkins diet is to lose weight. According to the official Atkins website, the Atkins diet can have mood-boosting effects.
A common mistake with the Atkins diet is not counting net carbs. Dietary fiber can be subtracted from total carbohydrates to calculate the net carbs in foods.
The time length of the Atkins diet is based on your personal weight goals. Experts consider it to be an effective weight-loss diet plan with weight loss seen within several weeks of starting. A person used to a high-carbohydrate diet will be sensitive to the Atkins diet since you must limit your intake of pasta, bread, and sugars.
7. Whole30 Diet
The Whole30 diet is a detox diet where you do not eat sugar, alcohol, grains, dairy, legumes, and preservatives. After 30 days of no ingestion, you slowly reintroduce foods and monitor how each food affects your mood and body.
The primary purpose of the Whole30 diet is to reset your system by eating only natural foods. The length of the diet is 60 days in total with 30 days for eliminating foods and 30 reintroduction days.
A common mistake with the Whole30 diet is sneaking foods back into your diet before the 30 days are up. Doing this puts you back at day one, wiping your gains. You will feel the effects of the Whole30 diet within 30 days and in the following weeks when you slowly reintroduce certain foods.
The Whole30 diet does not focus on weight loss but rather on finding which foods inflame your body. According to the Whole30 official website, this diet plan can help to improve mental health.
Vegetarians can be sensitive to the Whole30 diet since legumes and all forms of soy are prohibited.
8. Gluten-Free Diet
A gluten-free diet is a medical or fad diet that restricts or cuts out gluten consumption. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, triticale, and barley and affects people with celiac disease or nonceliac gluten sensitivity.
The primary necessity of the gluten free diet is to avoid consuming any gluten products to reduce symptoms of gluten intolerance. It is not a weight-loss tool but a lifetime dietary choice to minimize the frequency of flare-ups.
A common mistake with gluten-free diets is the consumption of products with sneaky gluten inside, such as soy sauce and even some medications. Anyone used to a high-carbohydrate diet can be sensitive to a gluten-free diet since many foods with carbs also contain gluten.
Symptoms of a celiac flare-up can reduce within several days, and the intestinal villa can be healed within 3 to 6 months of eating gluten-free. Studies have shown that a gluten-free diet can improve depressive symptom scores in patients with gluten intolerances.
9. Diabetic Diet
A diabetic diet is a healthy diet that controls blood sugar levels in the body by restricting your food intake to foods rich in nutrients and low in fat and sugar. Those with diabetes or prediabetes are recommended to go on a diabetic diet, but this can benefit anyone who wants to maintain healthy blood glucose levels or lose weight. Consuming foods rich in nutrients and low in fat and sugar is known to improve mood.
You should follow the diabetic diet for life, especially if you currently have diabetes. You will see regulated blood sugar levels in about one month to three months following the diabetic diet plan. With healthy eating habits from the diabetic diet and regular exercise, you will see weight loss within the first two weeks.
A common mistake with the diabetic diet is consuming foods with a high glycemic index like white rice or watermelon. A high-carb diet can be sensitive to the diabetic diet because carbohydrates spike blood glucose levels.
10. Very-Low-Calorie Diet
The very-low-calorie diet is a supervised medical and weight control diet where food intake is restricted to 800 calories a day. This diet is considered a crash diet that reduces body weight quickly, predominantly for obese patients. It should only be done for a maximum of 12 weeks and only if a medical professional suggests it.
The very-low-calorie diet plan can be effective for weight loss in the short term. You will see a loss of approximately 1.5-2kg per week. However, it is considered a semi-starvation diet which is unsustainable for long periods. A common mistake with a very low-calorie diet is not adhering to the calorie count without supervision.
A medical diet will be sensitive to a very low-calorie diet because it will be challenging to get all the needed nutrients for balanced health from 800 calories without supplements. Studies are inconclusive about how very low-calorie diets affect mood.
11. Low-Sodium Diet
A low-sodium diet limits your sodium intake to the recommended amount of 1 teaspoon or 2,300 mg per day. This diet is a medical diet designed to help patients normalize their blood pressure and reduce the chances of heart disease, attack, or injury.
While salt is important, especially for those that workout and sweat a lot, a low-sodium diet is recommended for those with higher risks of heart disease. The DASH diet is a popular low-sodium diet.
12. Anti-Inflammatory Diet
All Anti-inflammatory diets are medical diets that reduce inflammation by consuming fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats. Effects of this diet plan can be seen after two to three weeks, but you should continue the diet for a minimum of three to six months.
Inflammation can result in mood disorders, chronic pain, and various other symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet has been shown to improve mood disorders and reduce pain.
A common mistake with anti-inflammatory diets is to consume alcohol, red meats, and processed foods.
Anti-inflammatory foods like leafy green vegetables and foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids instead of saturated fats are effective for weight loss and balanced nutrition.
A calorie restriction diet can be sensitive to the anti-inflammatory diet since some healthy fats are high in calories. Popular anti-inflammatory diets are the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet.
13. Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a healthy diet that mimics the food consumption patterns of the Mediterranean to promote balanced nutrition and weight loss. The Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle diet that is meant to be forever to promote health and improve mental health. For weight loss, follow this diet for at least six months.
Foods like fresh produce, seafood, whole grains, beans, and nuts are recommended. Red wine is also a recommendation for its antioxidant properties. The most common mistake in the Mediterranean diet is overusing oils when cooking or consuming more than one 4 oz glass of red wine for women or two 4 oz glasses for men.
14. Paleo Diet
The paleo diet is for weight control and detox. It is a diet that aims to sustain our bodies on foods our hunter and gatherer ancestors thrived on. This diet promotes cardiovascular health as we rid our bodies of foods that have been changed due to modern food practices.
On the Paleo diet, one should avoid foods such as processed sugars, grains, dairy products, legumes, vegetable oils, trans fats. These foods should be replaced with meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, fruits, and healthy fats.
Paleo is an effective diet for weight loss because it promotes natural foods that are unprocessed or packaged. The Paleo diet is a lifestyle diet that is forever, but weight loss can be seen within two months. Studies show that the paleo diet can improve mood.
The most common mistake with the paleo diet is eating paleo un-friendly foods like green beans or snow peas. A vegetarian diet will be sensitive to the paleo diet plan because it promotes eating meat and fish.
15. Low FODMAP Diet
The FODMAP diet is a medical diet that strives to reduce symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are sugars that aggravate IBS symptoms.
This diet is a short-term diet where for 2-6 weeks, you remove all high FODMAP foods. You should not consume garlic, onions, and wheat products. Low FODMAP foods like broccoli, beef and seafood are allowed.
After the elimination phase, you slowly reintroduce high FODMAP foods one at a time every three days. This reintroduction helps you determine which ones aggravate your IBS symptoms and which ones do not.
Reducing symptoms of IBS through a low FODMAP diet is associated with improved quality of life. A common mistake with the low FODMAP diet is reintroducing foods too quickly. Doing this hinders your ability to determine which ones adversely affect you.
The low FODMAP diet is not a weight loss diet but promotes healthy eating habits, which can be effective for weight loss.
16. Optavia Diet
The Optavia diet is a very low-calorie, weight control diet that limits your food intake to products from their store called Fuelings and one lean meal a day. You are matched with a coach and have Instagram and Facebook groups that support your weight loss journey.
The main mistake while following the Optavia diet plan is consuming more homemade meals than recommended by the plan. Optavia has different diet plan options. The Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan is a 12-week program, and the effects of the Optavia diet can be seen in several weeks of restricting calories.
One study, including the Optavia diet, reports patients losing body weight, waist and hip circumference, and fat mass. However, processed foods are not encouraged by healthcare professionals for balanced and nutritional eating.
17. Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet is a crash diet that removes all other food except animal products from your diet. You consume meat, eggs, bone marrow, butter, fish, and small amounts of hard cheeses. You do not include vegetables and carbs in your daily allowance.
This diet plan has similarities to the keto diet, as it aims to produce ketones and use those to fuel the body instead of blood glucose. It can be effective for weight loss and burning fat in the short term. The carnivore diet is not balanced and is not recommended, especially for patients with any preexisting heart conditions.
The famous American podcaster Joe Rogan lost 7 lbs in 30 days with the carnivore diet but did not recommend it for the long term. Joe Rogan also modified the diet by adding carbohydrates in the form of fruits to help provide energy when working out.
The most common mistake with a carnivore diet is consuming too many saturated fats instead of lean meats like fish. A vegetarian would be sensitive to a carnivore diet because they do not consume meat products.
18. Alkaline Diet
The Alkaline diet is a fad diet made famous by celebrities like Victoria Beckham. The alkaline diet aims to change your body’s pH levels by replacing acidic foods with alkaline foods.
On the Alkaline diet, you reduce acidic foods such as meat, cheese, eggs, grains, lentils, processed foods. These foods are replaced with fruits, vegetables, soy foods, seeds, nuts, and legumes.
The Alkaline diet is not backed in science as food can only adjust the pH levels of our urine and not our blood. Despite this, the Alkaline diet can be effective for weight loss as it limits processed foods and promotes a high intake of plants.
The most common alkaline diet mistake is eating a very low-calorie alkaline diet. It is essential to fill up on nutritionally rich foods when restricting foods.
You should treat an alkaline diet like a fasting diet where you eliminate alkaline foods and reintroduce them for one to two weeks while monitoring how your body responds.
The alkaline diet is effective for weight loss in that it promotes eating more fruits and vegetables and getting protein from plant-based sources rather than ones high in saturated fats. However, there is no correlation that body pH levels affect weight loss.
19. Diverticulitis Diet
The diverticulitis diet is a medical diet that alleviates symptoms of diverticulitis by eating foods rich in fiber. Fiber helps to loosen stool and can relieve constipation for patients with diverticulitis.
Directed by your healthcare practitioner, you begin on a liquid diet and then transition to a low-fiber diet while healing. After your doctor advises, you will switch to a high-fiber diet to ease bowel movements.
The main mistake of a diverticulitis diet is skipping the liquid diet phase and immediately transitioning to a high fiber diet, as this does not give the colon time to heal.
Diverticulitis does not go away on its own, so this diet should be adhered to for life to avoid flare-ups. The diverticulitis diet can help relieve symptoms of flare-ups within a couple of days.
The diverticulitis diet plan is not specifically for weight loss. However, it does help with consistent bowel movements, and improved gut health helps improve weight loss. Improved gut health is also associated with enhanced mood.
20. AIP Diet
The AIP Diet stands for Auto-Immune Protocol and is a medical diet that restricts certain foods for one or three months before reintroducing them to reduce symptoms of auto-immune disorders. By reducing symptoms of auto-immune diseases, an AIP diet can improve the overall quality of life.
The AIP diet is essentially a combination of the paleo and low FODMAP diets. Like paleo, you restrict dairy, legumes, processed foods, grains, and alcohol. You eliminate foods that may flare auto-immune responses like low FODMAP and slowly reintroduce them.
The AIP diet is not a weight loss diet but focuses on specific foods that help reduce symptoms of various auto-immune disorders. It can be effective for weight loss because it eliminates processed foods that lead to an unbalanced diet and weight gain.
The main mistake with an AIP diet is eating too many allowed foods, like honey, which is high in sugar. You should follow the AIP diet for 30 to 90 days and effects can be seen in a few weeks for some dieters.
Vegetarians can be sensitive to the AIP diet plan because certain vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes are not allowed.
21. IBS Diet
An IBS diet is a low-fat or low FODMAP diet. IBS diets aim to identify and reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) by eliminating foods and slowly reintroducing them to your diet.
22. Noom Diet
The Noom diet is a calorie restriction diet that promotes a healthy balanced lifestyle via your smartphone. You log meals, daily exercise, and weight into the Noom app to track your weight loss progress.
The purpose of the Noom diet is weight loss. Foods low in calories are considered green and okay to eat, while high-calorie foods are red and should be limited. The app aims to meet weight loss goals in 16 weeks but encourages a 12-month subscription.
The main mistake with the Noom diet is setting calorie restrictions that are not within a healthy range. The Noom app can be an effective weight-loss tool through coaching and community encouragement for mindful eating.
Medical diets can be sensitive to the Noom diet plan because red foods on the Noom app can alleviate symptoms of medical conditions.
The Noom app also has a Noom Mood app designed to help improve mood and further promote a healthy lifestyle.
23. South Beach Diet
The South Beach diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that is less strict than the ketogenic diet after phase one. This diet aims to shift your macronutrients so that meals are not as carb-heavy as in your pre-diet. Weight loss effects can be seen in as little as two weeks after changing dietary habits.
The main reason for the diet is weight loss which is achieved by restricting food intake to lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, healthy fats, and high-fiber vegetables. For phase one, you reduce carbohydrate intake to 50 grams or less. After phase one, you reintroduce foods while still maintaining your goal weight.
The most common mistake with the South Beach diet is not calculating macronutrients and focusing on calories. You should do the South Beach diet as long as needed to reach weight goals and maintain them as you progress through the phases.
The South Beach diet is meant to be a lifestyle change to make a long-term change to your eating habits, effective for weight loss and overall improved mood. Anyone that follows a high-carb diet will be sensitive to the South Beach diet because the diet restricts intake to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day, in the beginning.
24. Pescatarian Diet
A pescatarian diet is a belief-based diet, as well as a health focused diet that is similar to vegetarianism. A pescatarian diet restricts the consumption of meat to only fish. A pescatarian diet can be effective for weight loss and balanced nutrition since it promotes fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish which are high in healthy fats.
25. Hypothyroidism Diet
The hypothyroidism diet is a medical diet used in conjunction with medication to treat hypothyroidism. Speak with your healthcare practitioner before taking part in this diet for both the long term and short term.
Hypothyroidism is when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Food alone will not help hypothyroidism, and it is not conclusive that food worsens it. Instead, do not eat or drink for one hour before or after taking your thyroid medication.
The hypothyroidism diet avoids soy products, gluten, cruciferous vegetables, sugary foods, fried foods, and processed foods
A common mistake when following the hypothyroidism diet is eating cruciferous vegetables since they can worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Vegetarians can be sensitive to this diet because a hypothyroid diet avoids soy products which are a staple in vegetarian diets.
The hypothyroidism diet can be effective for improving mood and as a weight-loss tool because it avoids fried foods, processed foods, and processed sugars.
26. GAPS Diet
The GAPS diet or Gut and Psychological Syndrome diet is a medical diet that aims to treat symptoms of autism and dyslexia by improving gut health.
The GAPS diet is complex and has six different stages of elimination and reintroduction. A common mistake is introducing foods from other phases too quickly. The primary purpose of the diet is to eat foods good for our intestinal microbiomes, like fermented foods and probiotics.
The first phase of the GAPS diet is 30 days. After the first month, slowly reintroduce foods for up to two years.
A high-carbohydrate diet will be sensitive to the GAP diet because you avoid all grains, sugars, and starchy vegetables. By limiting these high carbohydrate foods and replacing them with healthy foods, the GAPS diet can effectively assist in weight loss.
27. No-Sugar Diet
A No-Sugar diet is also called a sugar-free diet. It is a healthy weight control diet that eliminates added sugars completely from your diet. The purpose of the diet is for weight loss and to remove cravings for sugar. This takes approximately two weeks to begin showing effects.
The no-sugar diet is a lifestyle diet, and it is recommended to limit or eliminate sugar intake for life. Studies on no sugar diet plans show that high sugar diets adversely affect emotions. A diabetic diet can be sensitive to the no-sugar diet as some people with diabetes need added sugars to regulate blood insulin levels.
28. Water Diet
The water diet is a fad and liquid diet that restricts you to only water. The water diet is a very low-calorie diet used for fast weight loss. It is not recommended as a healthy diet option because it is not balanced.
Those following the water diet do so temporarily since it offers no calories or nutrients. The water diet will impact anyone that tries it because it does not offer a balanced and nutritious range of macronutrients.
For an alternative option, the most popular diet types for weight loss are the ketogenic diet, the DASH diet, and other science-based diets aimed at promoting weight loss and healthful living through nutritious dietary choices.
29. Renaissance Periodization Diet
The RP Diet (Renaissance Periodization Diet), is a nutrition program designed around the principles of periodization and tailored to individual goals, be it weight loss, muscle gain, or improved athletic performance. Created by sports scientists, the RP diet emphasizes the timing of nutrient intake, particularly around workout times, to optimize recovery and performance. It focuses on consuming a balance of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) according to one’s body type, activity level, and specific objectives, promoting a structured and scientific approach to eating.
What sets the RP Diet apart is its adaptability and structured nature, offering templates or a mobile app that guides users through various phases of dieting—cutting, massing, or maintenance. Each phase is meticulously planned to gradually adjust calorie intake and macronutrient distribution, ensuring sustainable progress. The diet encourages whole, nutrient-dense foods while allowing for flexibility, making it practical for everyday life.
What Are the Diet Types?
The list of diets has options for all types of diet types. Some of the best diet plans are low-carbohydrate diets like the ketogenic diet, medical diets like the DASH diet, and fad diets like the water diet.
- Calorie Restriction Diets
- Weight Control Diets
- Crash Diets
- Medical Diets
- Detox Diets
- Fad Diets
- Liquid Diets
- Fasting Diets
- High-carbonhydrate Diets
- Low-carbonhydrate Diets
- Detoxifying Diets
- Semi-vegatarian Diets
- Vegetarian Diets
- Belief-based Diets
- Healthy Diet
The most popular diet types for weight loss are weight control diets, calorie restriction diets, and healthy diets. Read more about each diet type below to find the best diet plan for you.
1. Calorie Restriction Diets
Calorie restriction diets limit the number of calories eaten each day. The aim is to reduce your calorie intake by more than one-third of your regular consumption. A very low-calorie diet, the Optavia diet, and the water diet are calorie restriction diets because they restrict consumption to fewer than 800 calories a day.
2. Weight Control Diets
Weight control diets are eating programs designed to help you lose weight and maintain healthy body weight. The low-fat diet, paleo diet, and Optavia diet are all weight control diets. These diets restrict high-fat and calorie foods to promote healthy eating habits that lead to weight loss.
3. Crash Diets
A crash diet severely limits the number of calories or food items consumed. A carnivore diet is a crash diet because it severely limits the dieter to meat and animal products. A very low-calorie diet is also a crash diet because it severely limits the dieter to under 800 calories per day.
4. Medical Diets
Medical diets are science-based diets studied and recommended by health organizations or licensed nutritionists to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle. They are not focused solely on weight loss.
The low FODMAP and DASH diets are both examples of medical diets because they aim to reduce symptoms of IBS and high blood pressure.
5. Detox Diets
Detox diets reset your system to enable optimal body functions. You limit food intake and monitor yourself to reintroduce foods to your regular diet. Low FODMAP and Whole30 diet plans are detox diets because they eliminate foods that cause inflammation. Both diets slowly bring foods back into your meals to see which ones affect your body.
6. Fad Diets
Fad diets take the world by storm, especially when backed by a celebrity. Typically they are programs that incorporate products that dieters must purchase. Fad diets often advertise a get skinny quick solution.
The Octavia diet is a fad diet because it is backed by celebrities and sells products claiming you will lose weight fast.
7. Liquid Diets
On a liquid diet, you consume only liquids. Shakes, smoothies, soups, or water are all that are allowed to promote weight loss and detox. The water diet is a liquid diet where you only drink water. These diets are usually not safe in the long term, and you should speak to a nutritionist or doctor before attempting them.
- Smoothie Diet: The Smoothie diet is a dietary protocol that involves consuming one’s calories through as a liquid through the form of a smoothie. Ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, milk/liquid, and other supplements can be added within.
- Water Diet: The water diet is an extreme liquid diet where one only consumes water for a few days. The water diet is not only a liquid diet, but also a detox, fasting and weight-loss diet.
- Lemonade Diet: The lemonade diet is liquid diet where one consumes three lemon-based drink for ten days straight. These lemon-based drinks consist of electrolytes and flavoring that mimics lemonade.
8. Fasting Diets
Fasting diets require you to fast for prolonged periods to detox or reset the system. The ketogenic diet is often mixed with intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is a fasting diet because you restrict your food consumption time to 8 hours and fast for the other 16. Some examples of fasting diets include the Intermittent Fasting diet, Snake diet and diet.
- Intermittent Fasting Diet: The Intermittent Fasting diet is the blanket term for most fasting diets. The most common protocol is fasting for 16 hours with an eating window of 8 hours. However, the person following this diet can make modifications to the eating or fasting timeframes, which makes it difficult to define.
- Snake Diet: The Snake diet is a fasting diet that mimics the diet of a snake where you consume one large meal in a one to two hour window and then fast until the next day.
- Warrior Diet: The Warrior diet follows the Intermittent Fasting schedule of going prolonged periods of fasting (16-18 hours) with short windows of overeating. The diet also revolves around lifestyle changes such as exercising.
- OMAD Diet: The One Meal a Day, or OMAD diet, is a dietary protocol that consists of eating one large meal a day, and fasting for the rest of the day until your next meal. There is no specific eating window timeframe, but the meal is generally consumed in an hour or two.
9. High-Carbohydrate Diets
High carbohydrate diets consist of consuming bread, pasta, rice, and other carbohydrate-rich foods. A vegetarian diet is a high-carbohydrate diet because carbs like quinoa or beans replace meat products.
10. Low-Carbohydrate Diets
Low carbohydrate diets restrict how many carbs a dieter eats per day, generally below 50 grams. The ketogenic diet, carnivore diet, and diabetic diet are all examples of a low-carbohydrate diet. A ketogenic diet is low-carb because it restricts macronutrients to 10% carbohydrates.
11. Elimination Diets
The elimination diet is a diagnostic method used to identify foods that cause negative side effects for a person due to food intolerances or allergies. The elimination diet involves gradually removing these foods from the diet and then reintroducing them to determine which specific ingredients are causing health issues. This process helps to identify problematic foods and develop a personalized dietary plan.
12. Semi-Vegetarian Diets
Semi-vegetarian diets reduce the number of meat products consumed each day or on days of the week. Meatless Mondays and pescatarians are examples of semi-vegetarian diets. A Mediterranean diet is semi-vegetarian because it promotes fresh fruits and vegetables and limits meat to predominantly seafood.
13. Vegetarian Diets
Vegetarian diets do not consume any animal meat. Instead, you intake protein via nuts, legumes, quinoa, edamame beans, and soy products. Pescatarians are semi-vegetarians because they eat fish but do not eat any other types of meat.
14. Belief-Based Diets
Belief-based diets are diets that adhere to a religion or set of ethics. Many religious diets, such as the Kosher and Buddhist diet, limit their consumption of meat or certain animals due to religious reasons. Vegetarians can be considered belief-based dieters since many find it unethical to kill animals for food.
- Kosher Diet: The Kosher diet is a Jewish faith-based diet that follows Judaism food restrictions outlined in the Torah.
- Vegetarian Diet: The Vegetarian diet is a diet plan that abstains from consuming any meat based products. Vegetarianism is typically followed based on belief, health, financial or ease.
- Buddhist Diet: The Buddhist diet is a plant-based diet that follows in alignment of different spiritual philosophies within three main sects; Mahayana, Theravada, Vajrayana.
15. Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is balanced, based on science, has reasonable goals, and is doable for the long term. Healthy diets strive to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle by reducing processed foods and replacing them with fresh and whole foods.
The DASH diet and Diabetes diet are healthy diets because they have been well-researched and promote healthy eating habits that can sustain long-term weight loss and health goals. Some benefits of a healthy diet are weight loss, reducing symptoms of medical conditions, and promoting overall healthy lifestyles.
- Weight loss
- Reducing symptoms of medical conditions
- Promoting overall healthy lifestyle changes
Not all diets are suitable for everyone, so consult a healthcare practitioner before starting to ensure you meet your weight loss goals without sacrificing your nutrition or health.
What Is the Diet Classification Table?
The diet classification table is a chart that shows which diet types consume which food types. Foods are listed in a column, and diet types are listed in a row. Green signifies foods allowed for that diet type, while red shows off-limit foods. Scan the column and row of your preferred diet to quickly determine which foods are allowed and which ones are not.
Examples from the diet classification table are listed below.
- Omnivores have the entire column green. Omnivores eat anything on the diet classification table, including alcoholic beverages, meat, dairy, and vegetables.
- Fruitarians have two green options: fruit and berries.
- Carnivores can eat half of the listed items on the diet classification table.
What Are the Facts About Diet and Dieting?
Check out the top three facts about dieting below.
- Diets only work if they are realistic: Set goals that are achievable and maintainable for the long term. Some diets aim to lose a significant amount of weight in a short period, which ultimately leads to failure.
- Not all diets are healthy: Not all diets aim to promote healthy lifestyles. Avoid fad diets that suggest you can lose weight fast without exercising or changing your diet.
- Diets are backed by science: Many (but not all) diets have scientific evidence to back them. Check the research before starting your diet to see how your preferred option achieves optimal health and weight loss goals. Dieting statistics are very important in this context.
Is Diet Effective for Weight Management?
Yes, diet is effective for weight management, especially if eating habits before beginning the diet were poor. Weight loss occurs when our bodies use more calories to support our daily functions than our calories.
By limiting or altering food choices, the caloric intake is likely lower than pre-diet consumption. A can of Coca-Cola, for example, has 140 calories, while a glass of water has 0 calories. By making a simple switch, your weight management is more easily obtainable.
Is Diet Important?
Yes, diet is essential. The adage “we are what we eat” remains true. Our bodies need balanced nutrients from the foods we eat to maintain a healthy system. Overconsumption or under-consumption of nutrients can lead to health problems.
Diet plans help reduce your caloric intake, but exercise is the only way to burn calories, tone muscles, and aid your respiratory functions. You should combine every diet with exercises that you enjoy.
Are All Diets Healthy?
No, all diets are not healthy. Some diets suggest restrictions that are not balanced. The water diet, for example, indicates that you do not eat anything but only drink water to lose weight. While water is essential, it is not the only source of nutrients our bodies need.
Healthy diets will suggest realistic options and have health-centered goals rather than focusing solely on weight loss. Healthy diets offer methods for healthy eating for weight loss.
Do Diet Types Affect Athletic Performance Differently?
Yes, diet types will affect athletic performance depending on the nutrients you ingest. Athletes need more calories and nutrients to aid muscle growth and endurance. Bonking is the term for when athletes hit a wall, feel light-headed, or are fatigued. Bonking is due to low glycogen stores from insufficient carbohydrates.
Athletes adapt the ketogenic diet to allow carbs on the day of a workout to reduce bonking, boost the intensity of the exercise, and post-workout recovery. On the other hand, a very low-calorie diet will increase the likelihood of bonking. Athletic performers generally work to find the best diets for athletic performance such as the runner’s diet plan.
What Are the Best Diet Tips for All Types of Diets?
Tips for diets are recommendations to help you achieve your health goals. Diet tips differ based on the intent of the diet. One tip, for example, is to eat more fiber. However, because a carnivore diet does not include fiber, they will not follow that diet tip.
The three main principles and tips for a diet include eating healthy fats, cooking at home and drinking more water.
- Eat Healthy Fats: Healthy fats like Omega-3 and 6, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are significantly better for your cardiovascular system than saturated and trans fats. This fact is true for any gender, age, and diet plan.
- Cook at Home: It is no surprise that eating out can cause imbalances in the nutrients you are intaking. Every diet plan recommends cooking your own meals to control salt, sugar, calories, and fat levels in meals.
- Drink More Water: Replace sugary drinks with water. Drinking water reduces the number of calories and sugars you ingest. Water also helps flush out toxins and keep the systems in your body functioning optimally.
List of All Diets With Names
Several diet types support the overall health and weight goals of varying body shapes, sizes, ages, and genders.
- DASH Diet
- Ketogenic Diet
- Dukan Diet
- Low-Fat Diet
- Low-Carbohydrate Diet
- Vegetarianism Diet
- Atkins Diet
- HCG Diet
- Whole30 Diet
- Gluten-Free Diet
- Diabetic Diet
- Weight Watchers Diet
- Very-low-calorie Diet
- Low Sodium Diet
- Anti-inflammatory Diet
- Raw Food Diet
- Mediterranean Diet
- Paleo Diet
- Fodmap Diet
- Optavia Diet
- Carnivore Diet
- Alkaline Diet
- Diverticulitis Diet
- AIP Diet
- IBS Diet
- Noom Diet
- South Beach Diet
- Pescatarian Diet
- Hypothyroidism diet
- Gaps Diet
- No Sugar Diet
- Water Diet
How Do Diet Types Change Based on Gender?
Both women and men require a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in their diet. So how do diet types change based on gender? It depends on age, weight, height, and activity levels.
All men and women need minerals and vitamins. Some vitamins are more vital than others for functions in different bodies. For example, women under thirty should consume more calcium than men since they have a lower bone density and are more at risk for osteoporosis.
Men
- Calories: 2,500 per day
- Macronutrients: 45-65% carbohydrates, 20-35% fats,10-35% protein
- Foods: whole grains, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fruit, nuts, and legumes
- Minerals: zinc, vitamin D, and calcium
Women
- Calories: 2,000 per day
- Macronutrients: 45-65% carbohydrates, 20-35% fats,10-35% protein
- Foods: leafy green vegetables, fruits, fortified cereals, whole grains, healthy fats, nuts, legumes, herbal tea, extra virgin olive oil
- Minerals: calcium, iron, folic acid
What Are the Best Diets for Men?
The best diets for men include the healthy diet, ketogenic or low-carb diet, Mediterranean diet, Paleo diet, and the DASH diet.
- Teenage males should focus on diets low in sodium and high in healthy fats like the DASH diet.
- The best diet for adult males is the Mediterranean diet which promotes fresh vegetables and antioxidant-rich foods.
- The best diet for elderly males is the diverticulitis diet or anti-inflammatory diet.
Men should consume a balanced diet with lean meats for protein and leafy green vegetables for lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help men stay active.
What Are the Best Diets for Women?
The best diets for women include the ketogenic diet, vegetarian, Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, and low-fat diet. These diets aim for balanced nutrition to sustain weight loss and health benefits.
- Teenage women should focus on diets that promote healthy eating habits like the Whole30 diet, where you learn to listen to your body’s responses to food.
- The best diet for adult women is the Mediterranean diet which promotes leafy green vegetables and fish. Dark green vegetables are high in iron and folic acid, while fish is high in healthy fats, Omega-3 and 6.
- The best diet for older adults is the DASH diet, especially if you have a genetic history of hypertension.
What is the Best Diet Plan?
The best diet plan to follow depends on your nutritional and dietary goals. While some of the best diet plans help to facilitate muscle growth, others help alleviate medical concerns such as heart disease, hypertension and inflammation. Once you know your goals, whether it be health, financial, faith-based, etc. you can narrow down with diet is right for you.
