A “sustainable diet” is flexible and balanced enough to stick to for a lifetime. Here are 7 that dietitians recommend — each with multiple benefits.
Have you ever started a new diet only to give up because it left you feeling hungry, drained, and defeated? You’re not alone. The truth is there are tons of eating plans out there, but few are sustainable, easy to follow, and effective. A “sustainable diet” is one you will stick with for a lifetime, so it should offer all the nutrients your body needs. It should also bring other benefits to the table, whether that be weight loss, disease prevention, or simply a better relationship with your food, your body, and yourself. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for healthy eating — and some might require a restrictive plan for specific reasons — one of these more flexible, sustainable diets below might be worth a shot.
With so many different diet plans and weight loss programs available, figuring out which ones are safe, healthy, and sustainable can be challenging. Here are a few of the top choices to consider, according to experts.
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true eating plan, look no further than the Mediterranean diet, which is centered on the traditional diets of Mediterranean countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy. “The Mediterranean diet stands out for its emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins, and olive oil,” explains certified sports dietitian Tim DiLeo, RD, CSSD. Not only is the Mediterranean diet popular for its flexible, no-frills approach to healthy eating, but it’s also backed by a long list of possible health perks. Case in point: Research shows that following a Mediterranean diet might stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, protect against cognitive decline, and even help you live longer. If you’re interested in giving the Mediterranean diet a try, the Lose It! app is a great place to start. After setting your nutrition strategy to the “Mediterranean diet” option, you’ll receive personalized health goals and expert-backed tips to help you reach them.
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