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Slow Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew in White Bowl

Pictured Recipe:Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew

New this year is a category that particularly caught the eye of EatingWell dietitians: the easiest diets to follow. As firm believers thatall foods fitand that we need not be on a “diet” to lead a healthy, happy and long life, we’re all about a lifestyle strategy that is sustainable—rather than restrictive. And that’s what the eating styles that ranked the best in this category exemplify, the panelists confirm.

After examining 24 diets, the ones that scored the highest and were selected as eating plans that more people might find success with check most or all of these boxes:

The diets that fall near the bottom of the list are those that folks are less likely to find long-term health success with, the panelists believe. These “toughest” diets to follow tend to feature advice that’s among the9 outdated diet trends that need to be retired ASAP, and may:

I Tried Every Diet Ever to Lose Weight—Here’s What Happened

The Diets People are Most—And Least—Likely to Find Success With, According to Nutrition Experts

Ahead, the 24 diets reviewed, listed from easiest to toughest to follow for a lifetime:

1.Flexitarianand TLC (tie)

3.MediterraneanandDASH(tie)

5.Mayo Clinic

  1. Volumetrics

7.MIND

8.WeightWatchers

9.Noom

  1. Dr. Weil’s

  2. Ornish

  3. Pritikin

  4. Nutritarian

  5. South Beach

  6. Keyto

  7. Zone

17.Paleo

  1. Nutrisystem

  2. Atkins

  3. Jenny Craig

21.Keto

22.Raw Food

  1. Optavia

  2. SlimFast

As you can see, the bottom five either restrict major food groups (raw food, keto), drastically limit calories (SlimFast, Optavia, Jenny Craig) and/or promote the purchase of branded products to stick with the plan (SlimFast shakes and bars, Optavia “fuelings”, Jenny Craig meals).

On the flip side, the diets that people are most likely to find success with offer general suggestions for eating less red meat, processed meat, added sugars and sodium and more seafood, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. And you might notice that the “easiest” diets call for no carb- or calorie-counting, special meal ordering or traffic light systems that moralize foods as “good” or “bad.”

The Bottom Line

We’re firm believers in fueling up with nutrient-packed, energy-boosting foods the majority of the time and infusing in the occasional treats, too. (🙌for sourdough and Syrah!) The best diet strategy of all is one thataddsto your quality of life, rather than subtracts from it. Check out our20 top healthy eating habits, according to a dietitianfor more guidance about how to adjust your menu—no specific diet plan required.

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