It’s that time of year again. Make New Year’s Resolutions. Although decisions are entirely up to the person making them, most of us tend to make similar ones – especially around us our health. Besides exercising more and trying to lose weight, one of the biggest is eating better.
Finding a diet that works for you can be half the battle; the other half clings to it. There are many strange diets out there and not all of them are good for your body. However, a few science-backed diets are great if you want to improve your health and commit to a lifestyle change.
1. Paleo
The paleo diet is based on what early humans may have eaten before the advent of foods such as dairy products and grains. According to Mayo Clinicthis diet works well for people trying to shed a few extra pounds and prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular risks.
The main foods are:
This diet typically avoids highly processed foods, sugary foods, carbonated beverages, trans fats, legumes, and most dairy products.
Read more: The Paleo Diet: Should Modern People Eat the Way Our Ancestors Did?
2. Whole food, low carb
If you want to lose weight and/or balance your blood sugar, whole food, low carb diet it can help. This diet limits the intake of overly processed foods, especially anything high in sugars and starches, which can be sweets and breads. There are different levels of this type of diet and it should be fine-tuned to individual needs and goals.
Typical foods of a whole food, low carb diet include:
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Vegetables
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meat
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Fish
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eggs
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Nuts
3. Mediterranean
The The Mediterranean diet consists of of some traditional foods from the Mediterranean region — but not all. This is an excellent diet to prevent heart disease and stroke.
Typical foods consist of:
It is another diet which cuts down on refined and processed foods, especially those high in carbohydrates and sugars.
Read more: TikTok is responsible for misinformation about the Mediterranean diet, a new study suggests
4. Vegan/plant-based
The vegan/plant-based the diet eliminates all animal byproducts, including dairy, eggs, and even honey in some cases. This is a good diet to lose weight, balance your blood sugar and keep your heart healthy. There is even evidence that this diet may be beneficial for environment.
Instead of animal protein, many on a vegan diet will replace meat and eggs with beans, legumes, and tofu. It’s certainly not a diet for everyone, but even a few plant-based meals each week can benefit your health.
Read more: Alternative “meats” may be our best climate solution
Something to keep in mind, changes in your health and diet can happen slowly. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t notice changes right away. Think of adopting a healthier diet as an investment in your health and body. If you slip, that’s okay. Improving your health can involve life’s little pleasures every now and then.