Top 10 Weight Loss Plans for Healthy Weight Loss

Just in case you are looking for a structured plan for eating, here are 10 plans that can also help with your weight loss journey.

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THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

This diet shows up at the top of many “diet” lists. It consists of fish, olive oil, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. It is balanced and pretty. The plates are colorful and attractive.

WW (formerly WEIGHT WATCHERS)

For years, research has supported the fact that Weight Watchers is one of the best weight-loss diets. Thanks to its flexibility, easy-to-understand food tracking system, and group support, Weight Watchers consistently ranks well as an overall food plan for weight loss.

THE NUTRITARIAN DIET

The Nutritarian diet is based on maximizing the amount of healthy vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients in your food, balancing your hormones, and avoiding toxins. This plan is nutrient-dense, plant-rich, and includes anti-cancer superfoods to help you not just lose weight but live a long, disease-free life. Healthy, but not much flexibility.

THE KETO DIET

The keto diet is a low carb diet. It is high fat, high protein and low carb. You can lose weight quickly on a low carb diet and your appetite will decrease. This food plan is not without its drawbacks. Make sure you understand this diet completely before getting started.

CICO

This food plan is based on simple mathematics. If you eat fewer calories than it takes to maintain your body weight, you will lose weight. You can also lower your daily net calories by burning them through exercise as well. In theory, it sounds simple. 

DASH DIET

DASH stands for “dietary approach to stop hypertension” and was created by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a way to help reverse national trends of obesity and heart disease. Doctors particularly recommend it for people looking to lower high blood pressure, reverse diabetes, and lower their risk of heart disease.

THE ORNISH DIET

The Ornish diet is a low-fat, plant-based diet plan based on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. It’s based on a lacto-ovo style of vegetarianism, allowing only egg whites and nonfat dairy products. It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and lots of filling plants to keep you satiated.

THE PRIMAL BLUEPRINT

The Primal Blueprint is similar to the Paleo diet, which has roots in how our long-ago ancestors supposedly ate. This plan ditches grain, sugars, and processed foods while focusing on clean eating with plenty of protein (both animal- and plant-based), lots of vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats.

THE MIDDLE EASTERN DIET

Middle Eastern diet is based on the same principles as the Mediterranean diet but with more of an emphasis on plant-based foods and a different flavor profile. With all the tasty and healthy spices, you’ll never get bored of making dinner. 

THE FLEXITARIAN DIET

If you prefer more of a moderate approach, the Flexitarian diet is the clear winner. The “flexible vegetarian” mindset allows you a healthy balance of plant-based foods, responsibly sourced meats, and quality fats.

INTERMITTENT FASTING

There is no specific food plan here. This is more about restricting the hours that you eat each day. The most popular plan is the 16:8. This where eat only during an 8 hours period and the other 16 hours you will fast. 

Don’t think you can fast for 16 hours? Start with fewer hours of fasting and work your way. Just keep it simple…stop eating several hours before you go to bed.

INTUITIVE EATING

Intuitive eating is a philosophy of eating that makes you the expert of your body and its hunger signals. Essentially, it’s the opposite of a traditional diet. 

It doesn’t impose guidelines about what to avoid and what or when to eat. Instead, it teaches that you are the best person — the only person — to make those choices.

It is up to you to get to know the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger and be able to satisfy either as needed.

Final Thoughts

While weight loss has a lot to do with what is going on in your head, that doesn’t mean you can continue to eat the way you always have. You will have to change how you eat and these are 10 of the most popular plans for helping you lose weight and keep it off.