The Best Diets for Weight Loss in 2023—Plus the Ones You Should Definitely Avoid
Here’s what experts have to say about the most popular diets of the moment. Going on a diet involves careful planning and plenty of research upfront. After all, you don’t want to find any diet—you want the right diet. And, if weight loss is your goal, you want to go on the best diet to lose weight that also fits within your lifestyle. “Eating a nutrient-rich diet can make us feel better and more energized, and it lets us know we are taking steps towards a healthier life,” says dietitian Amanda Beaver, R.D.N, of Houston Methodist Wellness Services. But when you start researching the best ways to lose weight, your head can start spinning with all the different “miracle” diets out there—keto! paleo! 5-2 fasting! And of course each of these has an army of true believers, who post all over Instagram about how awesome they feel giving up carbs/sugar/meat/dinner. It can be impossible to know which one to try. How to choose a new diet Deciding on a new diet is a big deal, and it can be tricky to select the right one for you. “One must remember that healthy weight loss is a commitment that takes time,” says Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., author of The Small Change Diet. “There is no silver bullet. When choosing a diet, opt for one that is an all-food inclusive and not one that is about eliminating foods, especially those you love.” Amanda Holtzer, M.S., R.D., a dietitian at Culina Health, suggests asking yourself the following question before settling on a new diet: ● Is this diet sustainable for you? “Meaning, can you do it seven days a week, forever?” she says. “Because if not, the second you stop doing it, chances are you’ll gain the weight back.” ● Is this diet overly restrictive? If you’re going to feel deprived, Holtzer says it will be tough to stick with a particular diet. “Eventually, those cravings will take over,” she says. “Oftentimes, this kind of situation leads to overindulgences or even binges.” ● Will you be able to live your life while on it? If you like to eat out with friends, grab ice cream on occasion, and enjoy mimosas at brunch, it’s important to consider if your diet will allow this, Holtzer says. “If you think you’ll have to put your life on hold to execute this diet properly, it ain’t the one,” she says. ● Will you be adequately nourished? Holtzer says this is “the most important” question to ask yourself. “Any diet that prescribes intensely low calories is not the one,” she says, citing diets that want to you to restrict yourself to 1,200 calories. “Remember, the second you stop eating that way, you’ll gain the weight back,” Holtzer says. Ultimately, Gans says, “a good fit will have many parts to it that become part of your lifestyle, not something that you will be counting the days ‘til it is over.” How long should you give a diet before trying something new? Sure, it’s possible to choose a diet the first time that may not be right for you. So, how long should you give it? Holtzer says “not very long.” She recommends doing daily check-ins with yourself to see how you’re feeling on a new diet. A few things to consider, per Holtzer: How well you’ve been able to stick to the diet What you did well What you could have improved on Whether you feel satisfied from your meals and snacks How much you’re thinking about food on the diet How much the diet is impacting other areas of your life “Even if you finish day one of a diet, and the answers to some of these questions indicate that this diet may not be right, I would say it’s time to call it,” Holtzer says. “Life is too short to be on a diet that takes away from it.” (But, she adds, if you feel like daily check-ins are too much, you can reevaluate every week.) Gans agrees that you shouldn’t stick with something that doesn’t feel right. “If you are losing one to two pounds a week, then you are on the road to success,” she says. “However, if you are losing weight, but feel you cannot continue for long because it is so darn hard, the time to switch is immediate.” Overall, Gans recommends keeping this in mind: “The best diet is the one that doesn’t feel like a diet. The plan incorporates all foods groups, teaches you about portion sizes, provides healthy cooking tips, includes dining out strategies, suggest regular physical activity and adequate sleep. The best diet is actually not a diet, but a lifestyle.” We asked a panel of dietitians to sort through some of the most buzzed-about diets, and discuss the good, the bad, and the hungry. Here are their recommendations of the top 15 to consider—and 4 to forget about.
2021-12-01T22:25:21Z
When Do Babies Start Walking? The Answer Isn't as Simple as You'd Expect
As your baby inches closer to their first birthday, you may be wondering when they'll take their first steps. The truth is, there's quite a range: according to the Cleveland Clinic, babies can start walking as early as nine months, but it's also normal for babies to walk much later - around 17 or 18 months. That said, most little ones, on average, will begin to walk around 12 months of age, says Ashanti Woods, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Mercy...
2023-02-07T20:04:28Z
These 27 Foods Could Be Ruining Your Skin, According to Skincare Experts
A dairy break might be an acne game-changer. Skin is the body’s largest organ, yet we often don’t consider how diet can impact its health. The reality is, if a food isn’t good for your body, it’ll rarely benefit your complexion, says Rebecca Marcus, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD. “Food exerts its effects on skin through its capacity to either cause or combat inflammation,” Dr. Marcus explains. Most foods that cause inflammation can be traced to a few common ingredients: refined carbohydrates, sugar, and sodium. Skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis can be exacerbated by these pantry staples, says Dr. Marcus. Conversely, they can be improved by sticking to healthier fare. “For optimal skin health, it’s best to look at the big picture of the entire body, taking care to support the structure and function of our organs and cells, inside and out,” Dr. Marcus says. That said, researchers continue to investigate and define nutrition’s effects, particularly as it pertains to acne, according to the National Institutes of Health. There’s no magic list of foods that offers a fast track to clear skin, as it’s dependent on individual skin health, sensitivities, and additional biological factors. And skincare matters, too, of course. “Sun protection, eating healthy, and staying hydrated are all equally important” says Amir Karam, M.D., a plastic surgeon based in San Diego, California. “However, by themselves, they’re not going to give you great-looking skin.” Keep this expert advice in mind as you check out the below list of the worst foods for your skin.
2023-01-05T15:44:16Z
