diet plans are the nutritional framework of what a daily intake consists of based on nutritional needs and goals. As some diet plans drive successful and sustainable weight loss, others claim desirable and tremendous results in a relatively short amount of time.
And while some of these diets are backed on medical validity, the majority should be approached with caution based on restrictive and extreme guidelines and harmful consequences.
So with variable types of diet plans out there, how should you choose which is right for you?
The Different Types of diet Plans
Though the list of diet plans is extensive and nonexclusive to the ones described below, common varieties include the following.
Medical diets
Medical diet plans are purposeful to meet the clinical needs of a person living with a chronic condition.
For instance, in the case of Celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is the only known treatment to alleviate unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms and prevent the risk of long-term side effects.
Additional nutrition prescriptions to manage medical conditions include diabetic and heart-healthy diets.
Fad diets
A "fad" or "crash" diet tends to be a short-term plan that is popular in the moment and often promotes quick weight loss without any scientific backing.
Individuals should also be cautious with the promotion and advertisement of weight-loss supplements, as they can be hard on the wallet and potentially dangerous.
Detox diets
Also known as a "cleanse," following a detox diet is generally in attempt to "rid the body of toxins."
However, it is important to remember these diets are essentially bogus, as the body has its own personal detoxers (including the liver and kidneys) to excrete any toxic waste. Generally, such detox pills and potions are produced with a concoction of spices, herbs, fruit and vegetable juices.
And since most of these products come with heavy price tags and lack results, nutrition experts encourage gravitating to more wholesome foods that supply adequate nutrients and fiber.
"Low" diets
"Low" diets tend to be attributed to calories, carbs, and fats. In the sense of calories, a low-calorie diet plan limits total daily caloric intake, even restricting individuals to 800 calories per day.
These sort of diets may be effective for some, though following them can be harmful and suggested to be followed under medical instruction and guidance.
Reversal and Preventative diets
Reversal and preventative diets are mostly as the name suggests, dietary guidelines working to reverse and prevent conditions.
For instance, the dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (or DASH) diet is a proven dietary plan to reduce blood pressure.
However, while the DASH diet and other preventative diets show promise, be cautious of those claiming to reverse or prevent cancer and other diseases without a well-known cure.
