Each year, US News ranks the best and worst diets to give consumers information about how to achieve a healthier lifestyle. The Best Diets of 2015 is aimed at helping consumers find a diet that suits their individual needs, whether that is trying to lose weight, control a chronic disease or simply live a healthy life.
Best US News Diets
DASH Diet
TLC Diet
Mayo Clinic Diet (tied)
Mediterranean Diet (tied)
Weight Watchers (tied)
On top of the list was the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, that was developed to fight high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity. The DASH diet uses a diet low in salt and starch, and is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. It emphasises whole grains and is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fibre. It was given the highest rank for its nutritional completeness, ability to prevent or control diabetes, and its effectiveness in supporting heart health. Although the DASH diet was not made to aid weight loss, it has proven to be quite effective on this front too.
Next on the list was the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, or TLC diet, which was created by the National Institute of Health to promote cardiovascular health. Tied for third place were the Mayo Clinic Diet, which focuses on making healthy eating a lifelong habit and was recognised for its nutrition and safety; the Mediterranean Diet, with its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, olive oil and red wine, and associated with a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases; and the Weight Watchers diet, which affords consumers a balanced, planned-out diet based on calorie controlled portions.
Among the offenders for the worst diets were ones requiring dieters to severely reduce their intake of particular foods. Topping the list was the obscure Urine Therapy diet, followed by the widely popular Paleo diet, which cuts out dairy, grains and legumes. Diets asking the consumer to quit sugars (including fruit), and the vegan before 6pm (VB6) diet also ranked low. Rounding out the list was the Clay Cleanse diet, which involved eating a spoonful of clay every day.
Here is the full list of the US News best diets.
Best weight-loss diets
Weight Watchers
(Health Management Systems) HMR
Jenny Craig
Biggest Loser
Raw Food Diet
Best diabetes diets
DASH Diet
Biggest Loser
Vegan Diet
Mayo Clinic Diet
Ornish Diet
Engine 2 Diet
Flexitarian Diet
Best heart-healthy diets
Ornish Diet
TLC Diet
DASH Diet
Best diets for healthy eating
DASH Diet
TLC Diet
Mediterranean Diet
Easiest diets to follow
Weight Watchers
Jenny Craig
Mediterranean Diet
Flexitarian Diet
Best commercial diet plans
Weight Watchers
Jenny Craig
Biggest Loser
Best plant-based diets
Mediterranean Diet
Flexitarian Diet
Ornish Diet
Read more about the best diets at US News.
Read more about the worst diets at Womans Day.
