Health

11 Fad Diets, Ranked From Best to Worst

These are the most popular diets people turn to when they want to lose weight, ranked

by Leah Prinzivalli | COMMENT

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Mediterranean Diet Mediterranean-area countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain are already known for their delicious food, but studies suggest that similarities amongst the local diets may also lead to heart health, weight loss, and diabetes and cancer prevention. A food pyramid crafted by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests adherents eat seafood weekly, skip red wine and red meat, and limit poultry and dairy. Suggested foods include fruits and veggies, beans, whole grains and, of course, olive oil. As U.S. News points out, the Mediterranean diet is "an eating pattern, and not a structured diet," so if you're focused on weight loss, speak with your doctor about a calorie target and fitness plan. But the popular diet has been proven to help with weight loss; a study following 259 overweight diabetics on the diet found that they lost an average of about 16 pounds over a year. There are plenty of recipe options that will please the dieter and the dieter's friend who loves Italian food.

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