Staying healthy can be difficult. Especially with all the different diets being thrown at you in this day in age. You’re never really sure which to pick and what half of them are. Well, not all diets are the same. They have the same premise but aren’t meant for everyone.
Some popular diet trends of 2019 have been the Ketogenic Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Mediterranean Diet, and the DASH Diet.
The Keto Diet: This diet is primary used for those looking to lose weight in a quick period of time- typically over a couple of months. The rules of this diet typically include eating small portions of carbs and larger portions of fatty foods, such as butter and red meats. The idea is to burn fat for energy instead of carbs to get into a ketosis state. The ketosis state has been said to resemble flu like symptoms which usually make or break the dieter into either continuing or quitting. Many doctors advise against this diet due to the lifestyle change being so drastic.
The Paleo Diet: This diet was based on the premise of eating like how our ancient ancestors had in Paleolithic times. Meaning eating like a caveman… The diet consists of veggies, fruits, nuts, and meat. No saturated fats, added sugars, or gluten. To cut out artificial additives like these are meant to help reset our bodies and bring our systems back to digesting the basic nutrients that they require to survive. So, no more sodas or chocolate bars for you if you choose this diet. A big con of this diet is the cost of the fresh ingredients and the difficulty to keep a consistent routine.
The Mediterranean Diet: The diet was created based on what the people’s culture and diets are like for those who live around the Mediterranean Sea. The premise was to help individuals lessen their chances of contracting diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The foods typically eaten are fish, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil- trying to limit red meats, added sugars, refined grains, and high sodium. A big con of this diet is the cost of the fresh ingredients and the difficulty to keep a consistent routine.
The DASH Diet: DASH stands for Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. Meaning the diet consists of low sodium, low cholesterol, and leaner proteins. This diet brings out the basics. Focusing on the food groups and limiting based on portions and necessities. Foods that are known to lower the blood pressure with deflating nutrients like potassium, calcium, protein and fiber. A big con of this diet is the cost of the fresh ingredients and the difficulty to keep a consistent routine.
Every diet is different, and there’s no proof that any of them truly work. But what is for certain is that taking care of your body through exercise and eating healthy portions of fresh ingredients will in turn do your body good.