8

July

What is the Best Diet for Weight Loss? Discover What Works and Why

by Funmi // in Diets

What is the best diet for weight loss is the question on weight-loss seekers' minds.

The answer? It depends on your weight loss goals, lifestyle and diet preferences.

Some people may have time constraints, or some may be on a budget, while others might not mind spending more money on food to get better results.

When considering diets for weight loss, you must consider all aspects like these before settling on one plan.

At some point in this article, you'll see a specific detailed answer to your question - what is the best diet for weight loss?

Let's start with the top 10 diets for weight loss—including the benefits and drawbacks that will help you make an informed decision about which weight-loss plan is best for you.

1. Weight Watchers

what is the best diet for weight loss

Weight Watchers is one of the diets that is specific to women, it has a point system based on the number of servings (or points) of various foods. 

The weight watcher points system has different values assigned to various foods based on their nutritional value and calorie content.

For example, An apple would have zero points, but a McDonald Big Mac would have four points. Weight Watchers also offers personalized support.

So, could this be the answer to the question - What is the best diet for weight loss? Hmm...let's check out the benefits and drawbacks. 


Benefits of Weight Watchers:

Weight watchers is a weight loss diet that has been around for over 50 years and includes weight-loss guidance, weight management services.


Drawbacks of Weight Watchers:

The cost can be expensive if you go to meetings or buy their food. There are no long term studies on its effectiveness.

With the benefit and drawback in mind, I wouldn't want you to conclude yet, we've got few diets to consider. 


2. Low-carb diet

what is the best diet for weight loss

A low-carb diet (or low carb) is a weight loss strategy that restricts carbohydrate intake, often to improve insulin sensitivity or weight maintenance. 

Low-carbing doesn't have any specific rules about what you're allowed to eat, so that weight loss can be achieved with a wide variety of foods such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese and vegetables.


Benefits of low carb diet:

It does not have any weight loss restrictions that are impossible to live with.

It is an effective weight-loss plan for people who don't need a lot of structure, guidance and support in their dieting efforts.


Drawbacks of low carb diet:

can cause fatigue or the "keto flu," caused by your body using up its glycogen stores because it's not getting the glucose coming from carbohydrates.

It also might make you feel more hungry because you're not as full of protein or fat. The long term impact on cardiovascular health isn't known yet.


3. The Paleo Diet

what is the best diet for weight loss

If you're looking to follow a weight-loss diet that's based on the way our ancestors used to eat, then this is probably your best bet

The Paleolithic Diet consists of eating meat, vegetables, nuts and seeds with no added sugar, salt or oil (although some people may choose to include dairy products, this is not a requirement).

The weight loss effect comes from avoiding processed food and highly processed carbs: no sugar or white flour.

This diet has been shown to lead to weight loss through improved gut health, decreased risk for diabetes, better weight control and even enhanced weight loss.


Benefits of the Paleo Diet:

Paleo weight loss is also easier with the paleo diet because weight control is easy, and weight loss can be expected from eating whole, natural foods without many carbs or sugar in them.

The Paleo Diet may help people lose weight by avoiding highly processed sugars and refined grains common in the modern diet.


Drawbacks of the Paleo diet:

Paleo weight loss can be a challenge because it is difficult to replace the carbs and sugars in our favourite foods.

The paleo diet has also been shown to have a higher weight loss rate in the short term than other weight management plans, but this weight is often regained over time.

Do you think this diet answers the question - What is the best diet for weight loss? I will suggest you read go through the diets below before concluding. 


4. Intermittent fasting

When weight-loss diets specifically designed for women are discussed, intermittent fasting is typically one of the first that comes to mind. 

Intermittent fasting involves cycles of not eating (fasting) followed by periods where you're allowed to eat whatever you want.

It can be difficult for some people to get used to this method, but studies have shown that it may be advantageous for weight loss.


Benefits of intermittent fasting:

Weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and reduced insulin resistance.


Drawbacks of intermittent fasting:

Some people may have difficulties maintaining an adequate intake of protein and micronutrients due to food restrictions or skipping meals.

It is also important to note that there are no long term studies on


5. Plant-Based Diet

what is the best diet for weight loss

The plant-based diet nice for women in weight management because it is a low-fat, nutritious diet that contains all the necessary nutrients and vitamins.

The plant-based weight loss plan emphasises fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice or oats instead of refined sugars from sweets like candy bars.


Benefits of the plant-based diet:

The plant-based diet is also beneficial for lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation in the body while increasing circulation, resulting in a lighter feeling of being bloated or constipated.

  • weight management
  • increased energy levels, more sleep, and improved moods.


Drawbacks of the plant-based diet:

This is not a weight management plan that will help you lose weight quickly or permanently, so it may be better for those with longer-term weight goals than short-term ones.

It can also require more time in the kitchen to prepare healthy, delicious plant-based meals.


6. The Mediterranean Diet

what is the best diet for weight loss

The Mediterranean diet has been around for centuries and is based on the traditional eating habits of people in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. 

The weight loss aspect to this plan comes from a moderate amount of healthy fats, seafood sources such as fish and shrimp, high intake of vegetables (especially leafy greens).

Fruits like berries are rich in antioxidants and low in sugar and high-quality carbohydrates like pasta, grains such as quinoa or whole wheat bread.


Benefits of the Mediterranean diet:

Weight loss, weight maintenance and protection against heart disease.


Drawback of the Mediterranean diet:

The downside of the Mediterranean diet is that it Is not particularly a weight loss diet, so weight loss may not be as successful with this plan.

There is no set weight loss goal and a lack of guidance for weight maintenance unless people consume fewer calories.


7. The Dash Diet

The dash diet is a weight loss diet plan different from most weight-loss diets for women because it offers more guidance and support.

The dash diet promotes healthy eating by providing the appropriate number of servings per day for each food group.

The DASH Diet also recommends plenty of water, exercise (at least 30 minutes on five days of the week) and stress reduction techniques to maintain weight.


Benefits of the Dash Diet:

  • Weight loss using a weight watchers type point system.
  • Weight maintenance after weight loss goals are achieved.
  • The DASH Diet is endorsed by the American Heart Association and can be used to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and risk of heart disease. It also helps prevent diabetes. The diet focuses on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and healthy fats.


Drawback to the Dash Diet:

There is mixed evidence on salt intake and blood pressure.

Eating too little salt can increase insulin resistance and potentially increase the risk of death in people with heart failure.


8. Low-Fat Diets

what is the best diet for weight loss

Low-fat diets are based on the concept that weight gain is caused by calorie overconsumption. 

These diets aim to reduce fat and cholesterol intake, which ultimately reduces caloric intake too.


The benefit of the low-fat diet:

These diets reduce weight and the risk factors associated with obesity.

Low-fat diets can lower cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, blood sugar, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein.


Drawback to low-fat diet:

The weight loss is not sustainable because most people report weight gain after a few years, and there is mixed evidence on weight loss efficacy using low-fat dieting approaches.


9. Flexitarian Diet

The Flexitarian Diet has three components: plant-based foods, whole grains and legumes and dairy products from vegetable sources like soy milk, yoghurt or cheese made from soy, nuts and seeds.

The Flexitarian Diet is also high in protein, focusing on plant-based proteins like soy or legumes rather than animal protein sources like meat.

This diet will leave you weight loss without the guilt because it allows for occasional eating outside of your usual vegetarian routine and still includes unlimited amounts of fresh produce.


Benefits of flexitarian diet:

This weight-loss strategy may be easier to sustain because there are fewer restrictions on the types of food consumed.

It can alleviate the negative effects of low-carb diets.


Drawback to the flexitarian diet:

The downside to the flexitarian diet is weight loss can be slow. Possible weight regains because weight can creep up over time if not weighed or monitored.


10. Volumetrics Diet

what is the best diet for weight loss

Volumetrics diet is based on weight loss. It is a combination of a low-calorie diet and physical activity to a weight-loss plan for women that has three main components:

Volumetrics Diet = Low Calorie + Physical Activity

The weight loss plan suggests eating six to eight small meals throughout the day, with each meal consisting of one cup or less in volume, high water content foods that are low in calories, fat and sugar.

The diet encourages the intake of two cups of fruit per day.

Volumetrics diet weight-loss strategy is based on the idea that weight loss can happen if calories are eaten up to 30% below your usual calorie intake.


Benefits of volumetrics diet:

The Volumetrics Diet is a diet that prioritizes high-volume, low-calorie density foods.

This means you'll be getting full faster but still feel like the meal was substantial and satisfying because of all the volume. 

The idea behind it is to curb hunger cravings by limiting caloric intake without feeling deprived or impoverished in your food choices.

You're also bound to get more nutrients from nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables since they make up so much of this diet's guidelines!

The Volumetrics Diet is designed for people who want fast results with their weight loss process while maintaining healthy eating habits at every turn!


Drawback of the volumetric diet:

The Volumetrics Diet is a controversial diet plan that has attracted many people looking for more fulfilling ways to lose weight.

The time-intensive nature of the program and restrictions on foods high in healthy fats may make it unsuitable for some individuals seeking simpler methods.

So, could this actually be the answer to the question - What is the best diet for weight loss? Well if you've read up to this point, well done!

By now Im guessing you have made up your mind on one of the diets but let me answer your what is the best diet for weight loss question specifically...


What is the best diet for weight loss?

what is the best diet for weight loss

If you're interested in weight loss, start by evaluating your diet habits and establish a weight-loss plan that's right for YOU. The best weight-loss strategy is the one you can stick to!

As long as it includes an appropriate calorie intake with a balance of foods from all food groups (protein, carbohydrate, fat), it's likely going to be a successful weight-loss plan.

  • A healthy diet plan should include a variety of foods and nutrients
  • Find out your body mass index (BMI) to determine what type of diet may be right for you
  • If you are trying to lose weight, focus on eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and water
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes per day - even if it's just walking 
  • Incorporate strength training exercises into your routine every other day or so; this helps build muscle that burns more calories than fat when active


How do the best diets for weight loss work?

So you have made up your mind on what to do, but you wonder how to make this work? here are some simple weight loss tips:

1. Create a food journal to keep track of what you eat

2. Start with small goals - set yourself up for success by making achievable weight-loss goals

3. Do your research and find the best diet plan that will work for you ( I guess you already have one in mind by now)

4. Exercise regularly, at least three times a week 

5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day 

6. Get enough sleep - 7-8 hours per night is recommended for adults

what is the best diet for weight loss


A final thought on what is the best diet for weight loss?

Dieting can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But, with so many diet plans out there to choose from, it's not that difficult to find the one best for you and your lifestyle.

In this article, we've compiled 10 of our favourites – all different in their way but equally effective at helping women lose weight and improve their health (some even offer additional benefits).

Hope this has answered your 'what is the best diet for weight loss' question. I also hope you found this useful and interesting! Drop a comment below if you have any questions or want help finding the right plan for you. for more diet articles, check here.




MORE RESOURCES: 

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight


About the author 

Funmi

Funmi is a Certified Functional Health Coach. She is passionate about helping female entrepreneurs transform from Stress and burnout so they can begin to thrive in their body and, by extension, their businesses.

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