Top Diets for 2015

BY SOFIA VARGAS

January is over, and it’s getting harder to keep New Year’s resolutions for dieting; trying to find the best weight-loss diet, or maintaining one, can be tedious. Eating is one of the greatest pleasures in life, and choosing the best diet for you may not be an easy task. You may think that eating less is the answer, but it’s not always the healthiest one.

With so many diet options out there, you have to know if what you’re really looking for is a weight-loss program or a healthy lifestyle commitment. Many of the weight-loss diets are not exactly the healthiest ones. Sometimes you can even feel weak while doing a detox or extreme dieting. Here are some sure bets to feed your New Year’s resolution:

5:2, or, Fast Diet 

This diet is the best choice for people who like to eat a lot and never thought they could go on a diet. The idea is to have calorie restrictions on two non-consecutive days of the week. During these two days your eating is extremely low in calorie-intake but highly nutritional. The other five days you can eat how you normally would. This is meant to teach your body how to eat on a regular basis, which means you are going to get to a point where you do the Fast Diet without noticing.

This diet is possible to follow, and restrictions depend on your specific needs and what you want to achieve. Of course, you have to persevere in the beginning to accomplish your goal. This diet can help you lose weight, improve lifespan and brain function.

OTD TIP: We love these recipes.

Paleo Diet

If you want to eat healthier and are trying to escape from processed food, this is a great pick. It’s a low-carb, high-protein diet based on our ancestors—the cavemen. Essentially, you have to look for food that can be hunted, fished or gathered. This means meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits are allowed.

This is not a weight-loss based diet, but a healthy one. It can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and help with weight-loss in the long run. Still not sure if Paleo is right for you? Try weighing the pros and cons.

OTD TIP: Here’s a great resource for recipes.

Dash diet

For those who are combatting hypertension and are looking for a diet low in sodium, sugar and fat, read on!

This option doesn’t restrict any food group, which makes it easy to follow. It’s based on cutting salt, sweets and fat, and targets whole grains, lean meat and fish, food and vegetables. Remember, cutting does not mean eliminating, and anyone can follow this diet in order to have better eating habits.

OTD TIP: Browse here for sandwich, main course, and even dessert recipes.

Regardless of which diet you are going to choose, don’t forget to drink water and exercise regularly. Consulting your physician and making an appointment with a nutritionist are also helpful ways to accomplish your goals. Remember, diets are not only a weight-loss plan—they are meant to help you live better with a healthy body and mind.