When deciding to put yourself through a diet, researching is key to determine which is the right one for you. As we all know, there is not just one type of diet there are a wide variety to pick from. How unoriginal would it be if we all ate the same diet as one another, not to mention that it is slightly impossible due to certain allergies and what each of our body can handle. If you are unsure about the different available diets keep on reading to see which one of these few listed diets appeal to you the most.
The Vegan Diet
Going vegan means that you avoid everything that has either come from an animal, is an animal, or breathed next to an animal. Your eating habits are like that of a Vegetarian’s, but instead, you go the extra mile. Vegans avoid not only food that involve animals, but this also includes cosmetics, clothing and anything that exists that is connected to any sort of animal. Of course, solid sources of protein come into mind as a concern since everything meat is avoided. Vegans find protein in beans, oatmeal, lentils, chickpea, tofu and much more.
Cooking a healthy meal | Louis Hansel Unsplash
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is focused on consuming less saturated fat than other diets. This diet does not refrain one from eating a certain food group, instead, it is more so choosing a healthier eating habit. This would mean avoiding highly processed food, anything with added sugars and such—anything that screams, “I am not healthy for you” mainly. You will want to stick with vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, eggs, whole grains, nuts and good fats. A simple but healthy way of cooking your meals is the goal.
The Raw Food Diet
Under this diet, you avoid processed and heated foods. The raw food diet is mainly plant-based and any food that is organic is ideal. In other words, you want to consume foods in their natural state. Fruits and veggies will become your best friends as they will be a main source of food, but not your only source. Alongside with fruits and veggies, you want to eat nuts, nut milks, sprouted grains and organic foods. As for protein, unpasteurized dairy-related foods, meat and eggs are the way to go.
The Paleo Diet
Inspired by the Paleolithic era, this diet focuses on consuming foods that are obtainable through hunting and gathering. This requires avoiding foods that are grains (wheat, oats, barley), dairy products, refined sugar and highly processed foods overall. Foods you want to eat are fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and lean meats. Depending on which route you decide to take with the paleo diet, the modern version of it allows dairy and rice but the more traditional version of this diet does not.
DASH Diet
The what diet? The DASH diet—standing for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. As one can assume by the name, the DASH diet is ideal for those looking to treat hypertension, also known as having high blood pressure. Of course, you don’t have to have hypertension to do this diet. Anyone who Is worried about their sodium intake increasing without realizing it’s happening can do the DASH diet. Foods you want to eat are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products. Some foods to avoid are sugary drinks such as soda, cold cuts and cured meat, pastry, salted nuts and candy.
Fresh eating | Sven Unsplash
Vegetarian
The diet that most of us are familiar with. Going vegetarian simply means you are against eating animals. Some health benefits are potential weight loss and stabilizing your blood sugar level. Some foods to avoid are meat, fish, poultry, and refried beans (animal lard is contained in most of them). A few of your main sources of protein are nuts, tofu, chickpeas, chia seeds and quinoa. Eggs are sometimes allowed depending on which branch of the vegetarian diet you choose.
Keto Diet
The keto diet, also known as ketogenic, is all about low carbs but high fats. This diet is designed more for those who are either suffering from obesity or Type 2 Diabetes—so keep in mind that is not just for anyone. The keto diet is mainly known as more of a medical or therapeutic diet, so it stands out from the rest because of this. Benefits of the Keto Diet is that your metabolism speeds up, an increase in muscle mass, and your blood pressure improves.
The list of available foods to eat for each diet above are only just a few of the many that are available in this world. Make sure to do a thorough research before deciding on a diet so you can fully grasp and understand what you can eat, what you must avoid eating, and what to expect overall. Never commit yourself to a diet when you are unsure about its full restrictions and guidelines to follow, and always remember to stay healthy and safe when doing so.
Edited by Julissa Ramirez.