The best diets for 2018 as reported by U.S. News & World Report are The DASH, Mediterranean, Flexitarian diets and Weight Watchers. Ranking #1 is The DASH diet, primarily known for its ability to reduce hypertension as the acronym indicates (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), has also become a useful diet for managing weight. The DASH diet, is one that I use frequently to educate our patients with Hypertension (can be found in our Nutrition Care Manual), focuses on lowering sodium, while increasing calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as lowering saturated fats and increasing dietary fiber. Tied for #1 is the Mediterranean diet, which promotes the use of healthy fats, such as Omega 3 fatty acids (found in many fish) as well as monounsaturated fats (excellent sources include nuts and olive oil) along with a high amount of fruits and vegetables. The Flexitarian diet ranks #3 and promotes a vegetarian diet primarily, although allows for some meat for those who just don’t want to entirely give it up. Ranking #4 is Weight Watchers, a diet that has been around for many years still is a good choice, as it uses an easy to follow number system, lower numbers for good choices and higher number for calorically dense empty calorie foods.

If your new year’s resolution is to lose weight or begin to make healthier choices, these diets are a good place to start!

Shawn McGinty-Rufo, RD, LDN
Clinical Nutrition Manager
Eagleville Hospital