Each year, trendy diets come and go. Each diet is labeled as the “healthiest” and “best” way to lose weight and stay healthy. Throughout the years, various diets have been popular, including the Atkins diet, SouthBeach diet, and the Soup diet. Today, there are three main trendy diets that are touted as the best way to stay healthy.
Paleo
The Paleo diet uses the theory that our ancient ancestors followed the ideal diet. The assumption is that ancient people probably ate a lot of animal protein, nuts, and fruits and vegetables. The diet does not allow for the consumption of dairy or many breads.
Paleo pros: Paleo works in three phases. In the first phase, you get three cheat meals a week. On the second phase, you get two cheat meals a week. Then in the third phase you get one cheat a week. The idea is that slowly transitioning the diet will make it easier to stick to long-term.
Paleo cons: There are few allowed dairy and bread products in the paleo diet. This restricts a lot of calcium and vitamin D. Some research suggests that restricting carbs will reduce your mood and may reduce memory function.
Paleo is best for individuals who have a gluten or dairy sensitivity.
Raw Food
With a raw food diet, you eat nothing cooked. Anything that is warmed beyond 120 degrees Fahrenheit is considered “cooked” and is not allowed. Dehydrated foods and raw fruits and vegetables are about all you can eat on a raw food diet. Some raw foodies will also eat raw dairy and raw meats.
Raw food pros: raw foods contain enzymes that help aid in effective digestion. Raw foods also contain the highest level of vitamins and nutrients. According to research, individuals who ate a raw food diet had less “bad” cholesterol in their bodies.
Raw food cons: Raw food can be harder to digest. Consuming raw foods also carries the risk of increased bacterial infection in the body. Limiting the diet to raw foods only does not offer a well-rounded diet and does not offer beneficial B12 and vitamin D.
The raw food diet can be an excellent way to cleanse the body for a short while, but may not provide enough nutrients for long-term living.
17 Day Diet
The 17 day diet is a new diet that has three phases. Each phase lasts 17 days. In the first phase, you eat poultry, fish, vegetables, fermented foods, and low-sugar fruits. In the second phase, you eat the phase one items plus lean red meat, whole grains, starchy vegetables, and a few other foods. In the third phase, you add a few more items to the list.
17 Day Diet pros: This diet offers a variety of foods that you can eat-although not at first. The diet includes healthy fats and fermented foods, which can be beneficial to the body and provides a variety of necessary nutrients.
17 Day Diet cons: The diet is incredibly strict, particularly in the first stages. The diet does not allow a variety of fruits and vegetables, which can lead to a shortage of vital nutrients in the body.
The 17 day diet may be a good way for someone to kick start a healthy eating plan. After eating so many restrictive foods, expanding into other healthy foods can seem like a splurge.
Each of these diets have their pros and cons, and are better for a certain group of health-seeker. Before trying any diet plan, consider the benefits and drawbacks before committing, and consult with your doctor to ensure the diet will work with your body.
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