7 simple diets to lose weight and improve your health

Achieving healthy weight loss isn't about a diet or a program but a change in lifestyle by following healthy patterns, regular exercise and stress management. The time you need to lose weight, you want it to happen quickly, but as per nutritionists, healthy weight loss should always be in the proper way as it will help you to keep the weight off. When you lose weight, stick to healthy eating and physical activity to help maintain that health for the long term. Losing weight is never easy and needs dedication and commitment, and to start, you need step-by-step guidance to make your weight loss journey easy and better. 

Behaviours of healthy weight loss

Losing weight is very challenging, and the best way to lose weight varies from person to person. It depends upon age, body type, sex, underlying medical issues, physical activities, genetics, experience, and food preferences. However, there is no one perfect diet for all to lose weight. A perfect and healthy weight loss is when your diet includes many nutritious foods, iron-rich foods, and many other foods that include all vital nutrients. Nowadays, there are many diet plans available to help you lose weight, but before that, you should understand many behaviours needed to lose weight in the best possible way:

• Try to keep food records that you eat and track all the food and beverages you eat along with the portions. It is necessary to track what you eat when away from home, eating time out or buying food on the run.
• It is necessary to know about your goal and make or select the plan accordingly. You must identify the barriers to your goals and try to overcome them. Look for some healthy lose-weight diets that can help you achieve your goals. 
• Try to stop eating before you get full, and add high-fibre foods like veggies, whole grains, legumes, beans, proteins and water to your diet. 

Types of diet plans

Diets are not just for weight loss but are the best way to improve your overall habits that lead to a more active lifestyle. Many diet plans are available in the market, like intermittent fasting, keto diet etc., that may not be easy to start but are more sustainable, suitable and effective for different people. Some diets aim to curb your appetite by reducing your food intake, and other diet plans restrict calories and either carbs or fats. Some are those that focus more on certain eating patterns as well as lifestyle changes instead of limiting certain foods. Let us discuss some best diet plans to lose weight.

There are many having their own opinions and advice in terms of weight loss. Likewise, there are many best diet plans to loose weight, but before starting any of them, talk to your healthcare provider, as he will let you know which diet will suit you and help you attain your desired weight loss goals.

Keto diet- a low-carb diet

The ketogenic diet, well known as the keto diet, is a low-carb and high-fat diet plan which is considered as most effective for weight loss as per many studies. The speciality of this diet is to lose body fat without hunger and also to control type 2 diabetes and many other health conditions. People following a keto diet plan have to cut on carbohydrates to burn fat for fuel. When you eat fewer carbs, your body will start burning fat for fuel, which takes your body to a metabolic state called ketosis. At ketosis, your liver turns fat into small energy molecules termed as ketones which your body organs, including the brain, can use for energy. 

What to eat on a keto diet?

Including keto recipes in your diet lowers insulin levels and helps your body to access your body fat stores for energy. A Keto diet plan is not only effective for weight loss but also offers many other health benefits, such as managing blood glucose levels. There are many foods that you can enjoy while you're on a keto diet plan. With the right planning, creating keto meals is easy. First, add high-protein foods to your diet, like eggs, seafood, Fish, tofu, etc., and have two low-carb veggies and one high source of fat. A perfect drink when you are on a keto diet is coffee or tea without any sweetener, especially sugar. Also, an occasional glass of wine is also ok to add to your diet. 

What to avoid on a keto diet?

Always avoid or limit highly processed foods while on a ketogenic diet. If you are on a keto diet, then try to avoid certain food groups like

• Bread, muffins, bagels, pancakes, tortillas.
• Cereal, cakes, cookies
• Pasta, rice
• Sugar and things made with sugar
• Many fruits and fruit juices 

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, and it emphasizes fats that are best for your heart, like whole grains, nuts or seeds, fruits and veggies, legumes and seafood. The diet is best for weight loss, heart health, blood sugar control, and brain function. The diet is effective for weight loss as it stresses adding fruits and vegetables and cutting down sugar and processed foods in the diet. 

What to eat on a Mediterranean diet?

There are some basic guidelines and special picks that you can add to your diet to follow a perfect Mediterranean diet for weight loss. Consume healthy food items like 

• Brown rice, whole grain pasta, whole grain bread, corn and oats.
• Lentils, beans, peanuts, chickpeas and iron-rich foods.
• Walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds.
• Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
• Bananas, peaches, oranges, apples, melons and pears.
• Broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, kale, spinach, carrots, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, etc.
• Oysters, Fish, clams, mussels etc.
• Olive, Olive oil, avocado oil, avocado etc.

To stay hydrated, add moderate amounts of tea, coffee, or red wine to your daily diet plan. In addition, try to eat certain food groups in moderation, including eggs, chicken, yoghurt, milk and cheese.

What to avoid while on a Mediterranean diet?

There are specific food groups that you must avoid while on a Mediterranean diet, and it is necessary to stick to specific eating routines. Cut out whole food groups and es[ecailly red meat and sweets, to lose weight. Foods that must be avoided are:

• Processed food items like potato chips and crackers
• White bread
• Candy bars. Pastries, cookies.
• Processed meats, including sausages and hot dogs.
• Drinks with added sweeteners and sugars like fruit juices, soda etc.

Paleo diet

The Paleo diet, popularly known as the palaeolithic diet, is a diet based on eating like our ancestors aligned to promote good health. People on a paleo diet eat as naturally as possible, like choosing grass-fed meats along with various fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. The main aim of a paleo diet is to choose healthy foods with low-glycemic foods and vegetables. The diet is full of high-protein foods. Moderate in fats, low moderate in carbs, low in sodium and refined sugars.

What foods to eat on the paleo diet?

There is no specific diet plan under this as many prefer a low-carb diet plan while many others follow a high-carb diet, including many plants. People, when on a paleo diet, must include below food groups:

• Beef, chicken, lamb, turkey and others.
• Shellfish, shrimp, salmon, trout etc.
• Choose free-range eggs or pasteurized and omega-3-rich eggs.
• Kale, peppers, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli etc.
• Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apples, avocados, oranges etc.
• Potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips etc.
• Walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, hazelnuts etc.
• Virgin olive oil, avocado oil etc.
• Salt, garlic, turmeric etc.

Nowadays, many different versions of the paleo diet are available; many allow some modern foods that come under healthy foods. They include gluten-free grains like rice and grass-fed butter. You can also add high-quality wine as it has antioxidants and beneficial nutrients; you can also have dark chocolate in moderation, especially one with about 70 percent or higher cocoa content also, having tea or coffee is best while on this diet.

What are Foods to Avoid in a Paleo diet?

There are some food items that should be avoided while on the paleo diet :

• Avoid sugar-filled items like fruit juices, candy, pastries, ice cream, drinks and table sugar.
• Avoid grains like bread, pasta, wheat, barley etc.
• Avoid legumes like lentils, beans etc.
• Avoid most dairy items. 
• Avoid sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, soybean oil and corn oil.
• Avoid trans fats found in many processed foods items.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners and highly processed foods.

Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting is another effective way to lose weight, it is not a diet but a pattern of eating that should be followed with dedication. It is a pattern to schedule your meals and does not change what you eat but changes when you eat. It is one of the best ways to get in shape without going on a crazy diet. It is the most effective way to take your bad fat off and keep a good weight. It is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule and helps to manage your weight. There are many different intermittent fasting schedules; some popular patterns are:

1. Time-restricted eating

 It involves fasting for 12 hrs and eating in the remaining ones. It is like 16/8 that features a daily 16-horse fast and 8 hours of eating, and you can fit yourself in two or three or more meals. 

2. 5:2 diet 

It is another method of intermittent fasting, and it involves eating normally for 5 days of the week and restricting your calorie intake to 500 to 600 on 2 days that are remaining.

3. Eat stop eat 

It is another way of intermittent fasting that involves a 24 hrs fast once or twice a week and is best for weight loss.

4. Alternate day fasting

 You can follow this alternate-day fasting routine and can fast every other day.

5. The warrior diet

It is one of the popular intermittent diet plans that include eating small amounts of raw fruits and veggies during the day and eating one large meal at night.

What to eat and what to avoid?

While you are on intermittent fasting, there are some specific food items that you must include in your diet, and some food items should be avoided to achieve weight loss. Some foods to include are:

• Include High Protein foods, Fish, seafood 
• Include high-fibre foods like whole grains oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole grain bread etc.
• Nuts and avocados
• Beans, fruits and berries
• Probiotics food
• Dark green vegetables

Avoid certain food items, including 

• Processed foods
• Refined grains
• Trans Fat
• Candy bars
• Alcoholic beverages

Low-carb diet

A low-carb diet limits carbohydrate intake, mainly found in sugary foods, pasta and bread. Instead of carbs, you can switch to high-protein foods and vegetables and high-fat foods. It is slightly different from the keto diet as not all low carbs diets result in ketosis. There are many types of low-carb diets, and each has its own restrictions on the types and amount of carbs you can eat. Some diets may have health benefits, and more weight loss, like on type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. 

Foods to eat while on a low-carb diet

There are some best foods to eat while you are on low carbs diet:

• Broccoli
• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Beans 
• Peppers
• Sunflower seeds
• Spinach
• Yoghurt
• Mushrooms
• Beans
• Walnuts 

 Foods to avoid while on a low carb diet

There are some food groups that you just avoid while you are on low carbs diet:

• Bread and grains
• Fruits like apples, bananas, mango, dates and raisins
• Starchy veggies like corn, potato, and sweet potato 
• Pasta
• Cereal
• Juice and sweet beverages

Vegan diet

Vegan is a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products, including eggs, dairy and meat. , however, this diet is rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats. People who follow this diet must be aware of getting all types of nutrients as they must eat iron-rich foods, calcium-rich foods and vitamin B 12 that generally come from omnivorous diets. There is a difference between vegans and vegetarians as vegetarians don't eat meat but consume dairy products, eggs etc., but vegans exclude all dairy products and animal-based ingredients. 

Foods to eat 

• Tofu
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Jackfruit
• Eggplant
• Lentils
• Nuts
• Peanut butter and many other nut butter

 Foods to avoid when following a vegan diet

• Chicken, duck and other poultry
• Fish
• Milk, and cheese, Mayonnaise, cream
• Honey

DASH diet 

The DASH diet is among the best eating diet plans that are specifically for people with hypertension. The diet also helps people to achieve weight loss. The DASH diet stresses food intake that is rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The diet is lower in sodium, and you can choose the best version of the diet as per your requirements. You must know your sodium level intake, and to do that, visit your doctor. The diet is a very flexible and balanced eating plan that helps with desired weight loss and to stay heart healthy.

 Foods to eat while on the DASH diet

 While you are on the DASH diet, it is important to choose foods that are:

• Low in saturated fats
• Low in sodium
• Rich in potassium, magnesium, and high-fibre foods

Foods to avoid while on the DASH diet

The DASH diet limits some foods that affect your blood pressure and heart health. People must avoid 

• High-sodium foods like fast foods, table salt, pre-packaged foods, processed meats
• Red meats
• Saturated fats like whole milk, cheese, butter, and Added sugar 

FAQs

Is it necessary to do any workouts with the diet plan?

 You can achieve the desired weight loss of 70 per cent with the diet and 30 per cent with the workout. 

 How much time does it take to see the results of a new diet?

It takes about eight weeks to experience the first sign of weight loss while you follow a dedicated and committed diet plan.

Can Vitamin D foods help in weight loss?

Consuming adequate amounts of Vitamin D foods can enhance weight loss, limit weight gain and help in decreasing body fat,

Conclusion

Successful weight loss requires a long-term commitment and dedication. It can be achieved by making healthy lifestyle changes and the best exercise routine. Weight loss can be attained and should be done smartly, as following diets that make you feel deprived or hungry can cause you to give up. Thus it is necessary to talk to your doctor to know which diet is best suited for you and will offer health benefits and healthy weight loss.