At one point or another, we have all thought about changing our lifestyles and going on a diet in order to lose weight, boost metabolism, or feel better altogether. As we think about all of the diets that are present and popular in 2020, it can be overwhelming simply because there are so many to choose from! When a person thinks of the term “diet,” it is often with a negative connotation; limiting yourself from the simple satisfaction of food is hard, as many of us bond with others through food at celebrations and gatherings. While dieting can be difficult, especially with all the different types of diets to choose from today, here is your ultimate guide to diets in 2020.
Research
The first step to changing your diet is to evaluate the many different types of diets that could be beneficial to you. First of all, to even begin to diet, you must understand what a diet is! According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of the word diet is “an eating plan in which someone eats less food, or only particular types of food, because he or she wants to become thinner or for medical reasons.” With this in mind, you can become more familiar with what a diet is and what it consists of.
What Are The Different Types Of Diets?
After researching what a diet is, you should also familiarize yourself with the different types of diets. You should select your diet based on which would be most beneficial to your lifestyle.
Here are some popular diets of 2020:
Ketogenic Diet: A low-carb diet. Carbohydrates like bread, sugar, soda, and pastries are to be avoided and replaced with proteins that can consist of seafood, eggs, vegetables, cheese, meat, and poultry.
Mediterranean Diet: A diet based on traditional foods popular in Greece and Italy in the 1960s. Foods eaten on this diet typically include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, and beans. Foods with added sugars, refined grains, trans fats, and processed meats should be avoided.
Paleo Diet: A diet typically referred to as the “caveman” diet, as this is what was eaten thousands of years ago. Foods eaten on this diet consist of meat, fish, eggs, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs. Foods to be avoided on this diet include processed foods, sugars, sodas, vegetable oils, and trans fats.
Alkaline Diet: Foods known as “alkaline foods” are added to your diet in order to improve the pH levels in your body as well as your overall health. These alkaline foods include fruits, nuts, legumes, and vegetables. Foods that should be avoided on this diet include eggs, meat, processed foods, and caffeinated drinks.
Intermittent Fasting: A diet that relies not on what you should eat, but rather, when you eat it. This involves daily fasting in between meals, such as 16-hour fasting or 24-hour fasting two times a week.
The Nordic Diet: A diet that was designed to revolutionize Nordic cuisine. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish are eaten on this diet. High-quality meats can be eaten in moderation. Foods to be avoided include sugary beverages, processed meats, food additives, and refined fast foods.
Evaluate Your Life Choices
After researching diets and finding out more about the different types, think about your reasoning as to why you would like to go on a diet: Are you eating or drinking whatever you want, without thinking about the health factor of the item you are consuming? Are your clothes no longer fitting due to the current diet that you have now?
Step back and think about the reason why you would like to change your lifestyle choices. In addition to dieting, it is essential to make other healthy life choices, such as exercising daily and getting enough sleep, to reach the goals of your diet.
Set Goals
Setting goals for your new lifestyle change is essential to keeping up with your diet: by setting goals, you are able to measure the success you have achieved. Before starting a diet, set a goal for what you want to get out of it, whether it be increased energy, weight loss, or a general improvement in your health. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, set a goal for a target weight you would like to be at by a certain month. In doing so, you will have more motivation to keep yourself and your diet on track.
Plan Out The Meals For Your Diet
Depending on the severity of your diet, there will be certain foods that you can and cannot eat. At the beginning of every week, make sure you have the foods for the week well-stocked; then, plan out your meals for the rest of the week that are in accordance to your specific diet.
There are many different helpful apps that you can download on mobile that can help with meal planning. Here are some apps that have personally helped me with my meal prep:
Mealime: Provides you with daily recipes to choose from that fit your dietary needs.
Yummly: My personal favorite! Provides you with food recipes that can be customized to your favorite cuisines and specific diets.
Plantoeat: Unique due to its ability to provide many uses including a recipe organizer, meal planner, and even a shopping list!
However, if mobile apps aren’t your thing, you can also use a notebook, planner, or calendar to write down your meals of each day for the upcoming week. Planning out your meals can greatly have an influence in helping you stay on track with your diet.
Stay Focused Despite Setbacks
Once you start your diet, it is normal to have slip-ups once in a while. After all, we are only human, and humans make mistakes. If a slip-up happens and, for example, say you eat too many calories than your diet permits, don’t fret it! Simply acknowledge your mistake and keep pushing forward. Don’t let your setbacks discourage you! Diets don’t have to be a negative experience.
Your Guide to Diets
You should be proud of yourself that you decided to change your lifestyle by starting a diet to become a happier and healthier person. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to recognize that something in your life needs a change, especially when that change is you. By following this simple guide to diets, you will start on the path to reaching your goals and becoming a healthier you!