We’ve all been there: experiencing the disappointment that follows a failed diet attempt can have us reluctant to have another go at getting healthy. However, if you’re determined to succeed on a new diet in 2022, then have a look at the options below to find the best option for you and to take the first steps on your journey to fitness today.
The Mediterranean Diet
This diet reflects the general good health of those living in the Mediterranean region, who enjoy regularly eating whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Beans, pulses, eggs, and fish also frequently feature in this diet, while dairy products and meat are eaten in moderation.
To be fully successful, the Mediterranean Diet needs to form part of an overall lifestyle shift that includes increasing the amount of exercise taken and finding time, where possible, to eat slowly, savoring meals with family or friends. Even red wine (in a sensible quantity!) can form a part of this diet.
This diet isn’t for those looking for fast results – but then, any plan promising this should be viewed with suspicion – but, when incorporated into an overall lifestyle change, tends to be very successful – when combined with portion control, most participants find that they consistently lose weight over several months.
As well as being good for weight loss, the Mediterranean Diet is very beneficial for health and overall wellbeing in general. The healthy fats, fruit, and vegetables can serve to protect against heart disease, while the fish-derived Omega-3 fats specifically can guard against a plethora of health issues as well as boost the immune system, energy levels, sleep quality, and mood.
Weight Watchers
The Weight Watchers’ plan has been around for more than fifty years, which is a clue to the ongoing success that participants have experienced with this particular diet. Weight Watchers aim to encourage mindful, healthy eating and empower followers to make good choices long-term when it comes to food.
Weight Watchers uses an innovative points system to help their dieters lose weight, which means there’s none of the annoying calorie counting and the frustrations of feeling denied favorite food that can risk sabotaging other types of healthy eating plans. Click here for more information on how the SmartPoints system works and the benefits it can deliver.
For many people, the support of peers and coaches is a big plus that Weight Watchers offers. Plans can be personalized for the best chance of success, and participants of the diet have the option to attend weekly meetings to help maintain motivation and share their weight loss journey with other dieters. For those who think they would benefit from extra support, membership can be upgraded, which unlocks the potential for one-on-one coaching to provide additional help in working towards weight-loss goals.
Keto Diet
The Keto Diet has been around for a while, but its popularity soared last year, and now more people than ever before are aware of this unique method of weight loss. Like the Atkins Diet, the Keto plan focuses on cutting right back on carbs while upping the consumption of protein; where the Keto Diet differs, however, is that participants need to aim to get most of their protein intake from animal fats. For this reason, the plan is not for everyone, but those advocates of the diet cite it as a natural way of eating that results in consistent weight loss and promotes better all-round health.
Here’s the science behind it: eating in the way that the diet requires puts the body into a natural state of ketosis: this means that the body will start burning off its fat supplies rather than first using easy-energy carbs. The Keto Diet is widely held to produce good results, and many people who follow it find that they feel better in general; the key point to consider, however, is sustainability. Think about how you can ensure that you’ll be able to commit long-term to this plan to give you the best chance of success.
The Paleo Diet
The idea behind this diet is that eating the way that our cavemen forebears did will result in weight loss and improved overall health. To follow the Paleo Diet, all processed foods and grains must be eliminated from our plates, and other foods that our ancestors wouldn’t have had access to (such as coffee, dairy products, and some fruits) must be restricted.
For those interested in this diet, there is a multitude of support groups and forums online that offer advice and recipes to help you get started and maintain motivation along the way. Followers tend to cite how much better they feel by ditching processed food and eating more ‘naturally’ – although others may find it hard to face giving up items like alcohol and chocolate long-term.
As with all the other diets mentioned here, it’s important to consult with your doctor or medical practitioner before embarking on a diet to be sure that it is suitable and safe for you.
