Which Diet Is Right for Me?
Also indexed as: Compare Diets, Diet Comparison
Finding the diet that fits you best can make all the difference to your health and weight
control goals. To work on your weight, first try asking yourself: What kinds of foods are the
hardest for me to give up? What’s my optimal, healthiest weight? Diets aren’t just
about losing weight, however. Changing what you eat can also support the treatment of many
types of health conditions.
While advocates say that the following diets may help control or prevent certain
conditions, these claims may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or
published scientific articles. For more complete information, go to the full article on the
health concern or diet that interests you. You should always consult your doctor before
changing your treatment (including diet) for any health concern.
Whatever your goals, if you aren’t sure which diets best fits your self-care needs,
this list can be a place to start.
Diets by feature
| Diet |
 Restricts |
 Emphasizes |
 Recommends |
|
Atkins
Unrestricted calories from protein and fat
|
Carbs |
Protein |
Exercise |
|
Blood Type
Food recommendations depend on blood type
|
Specific foods |
|
|
|
Dean Ornish
Designed for heart-disease prevention and weight loss
|
Fats |
Fiber Vegetarian |
Exercise |
|
Fasting
Suitable for short-term only
|
All foods |
|
|
|
Glycemic Index
Supports management of blood sugar disorders
|
Carbs |
Fiber |
|
|
High-fiber
Reduces risk of chronic diseases
|
|
Fiber Vegetarian |
|
|
Low-carbohydrate
Includes Atkins, South Beach, and others
|
Carbs |
Protein |
|
|
Low-fat
Includes Dean Ornish
and Pritikin diets
|
Fats |
|
|
|
Pritikin
Designed for heart disease prevention
|
Fats |
Fiber Vegetarian |
Exercise |
|
The Zone
Designed for athletic performance and overall health
|
Carbs |
Protein |
|
|
Low-allergen
For relief of symptoms caused by food allergies
|
Specific foods |
|
|
|
South Beach
Emphasizes healthy fats and healthy carbs
|
Carbs Fats |
Fiber |
|
|
Weight Watchers
Balanced diet plan with weekly group support meetings
|
Calories Fats |
Fiber |
Exercise |
Diet and health
Advocates claim that their diets may help or control the following common health concerns.
Before trying a new diet be sure to read the full diet and health conditions
articles—and remember to check with your doctor before trying new eating habits.
Allergies
Rheumatoid
arthritis
Cancer prevention
Colon disorders
Constipation
Diabetes type 2
Diverticular
disease
Duodenal ulcers
Certain Gastrointestinal Disorders (Constipation, Crohn’s disease, Diarrhea,
Duodenal ulcer, Gallstones, Indigestion, Irritable bowel)
Heart disease
High blood
pressure
High cholesterol
Hypoglycemia
Insulin resistance
Migraine
Certain respiratory disorders (Asthma,
Hay Fever, Sinusitis, Sinus congestion)