Discussion: Popular Diet Trends

Discussion: Popular Diet Trends

Discussion: Popular Diet Trends

A distant cousin approaches you at your family reunion and says, “Great to see you! I heard you are a nurse. My friend is having success with the (insert selection from list below) and I am wondering what you think about it? Should I give it a try?”

Choose one of the following to consider in your response:

• Paleo Diet
• Anti-inflammatory Diet
• Mediterranean Diet
• Vegan Diet
• Ketogenic Diet

In your discussion post, please include the following information:

1. Briefly describe the diet you have selected to consider.
2. Share how you would respond to your cousin. Please include questions you would ask, and your advice/recommendations.

   Here’s what to know about the most popular diet trends this year:

   The Ketogenic Diet

   The  is responsible for some impressive weight loss transformations, but is also notoriously difficult to follow.

   The main premise is that by greatly lowering carb intake, you’ll force your body into a state of ketosis, which means it burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. Only about 10 percent of your daily calories will come from carbs, while roughly 80 percent comes from fat, like avocado, nuts, and oil. Obviously, this means bread is out, many starchy vegetables, oats, and fruit are also off limits. It’s so restrictive that many dietitians generally advise against following the plan and instead finding something that’s more sustainable long-term.

   The Paleo Diet

   This popular diet shares similarities to keto, but the “caveman diet” . Proponents of paleo say that  and consuming plenty of veggies can reduce inflammation in your body. Inflammation has linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and arthritis, and , like soda and refined carbohydrates, have been linked to an increase in inflammation.

   Whole30

   Developed as an elimination diet to help people figure out how foods impact them physically and mentally, the main premise is to eat nothing but veggies, fruit, nuts and meat for 30 days. That means, like honey, or alcohol. At the end of the 30 days, advocates claim you’ll feel transformed. But is it doctor recommended?

   DASH

   This doctor-backed diet was developed to prevent and lower high blood pressure, hence its name: Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH). The plan is heart healthy and may help you lose weight and lower heart disease, risk too. And the best thing about it is that there are no crazy rules, according to Jennifer Koslo, R.D.

   “No food groups are eliminated,” she tells Men’s Health. “It’s just a very healthy diet overall.”

   Mediterranean Diet

   This diet gets a lot of hype, and some of he praise was called into question last June when the New England Journal of Medicine  that claimed the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke. That’s because the 2013 research did not meet the standards of a randomized, control trial, so there wasn’t enough evidence to support the study. However, that doesn’t mean this diet isn’t still worth following. Learn why it’s still one of the healthiest overall plans.

   Of course, you have to figure out another hurdle after picking the best diet for you: cooking. Depending on your level of comfort in the kitchen that can add yet other frustration to those you’re already undergoing from all the changes these diets require.

   Don’t sweat. We have your back. And your gut, and your biceps, and your general health and well-being too. We’ve done all the heavy lifting to decode the trendiest diets and figure out the health benefits.

   Sort through the options below to determine  may help you make the transformation you want. We’ve also included easy meal plans, recipes, and shopping guides to help ease the transition.

   Realize that you don’t want to try any of these diets? That’s fine too. There are plenty of smart lessons to take away from each plan even if you never end up following them.

   Eat fat and lose weight? It’s possible on keto. Read success stories, find recipes, and learn whether this diet is right for you.

   Can cutting out entire food groups make you feel better? Here’s everything you need to know about tackling the 30-day challenge.

   Find out why Paleo advocates believe in eating like a caveman. Plus, learn what experts think about the diet and find recipes to make meal time easy.

   Considered one of the healthiest plans, DASH may help lower blood pressure and slash weight. Here’s how to do it right.

   This diet collects a lot of hype–and for good reason. Want to try it out? Check out this beginner’s guide.