Popular diets compared

Every diet here is backed by real trials, and each page cites them. For weight loss, the differences between diets are smaller than most people think: what matters most is a diet you can keep up. For other goals, such as blood pressure or heart health, some diets have stronger evidence than others. Start with the best diet for weight loss for the big picture.

• DietThe Mediterranean dietVegetables, olive oil, legumes, fish and nuts: the eating pattern with some of the strongest evidence for heart health→
• DietThe DASH dietThe diet designed to lower blood pressure: fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and less salt→
• DietThe low-carb dietFewer starches and sugars, more protein, vegetables and healthy fats→
• DietThe keto dietA very low-carb, high-fat diet that puts your body into ketosis→
• DietThe high-protein dietMore protein at every meal, to stay full and keep muscle while you lose fat→
• DietThe plant-based dietMeals built on vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and fruit, with little or no meat→
• DietCalorie countingAny food, a daily calorie budget: the most direct way to a calorie deficit→
• DietIntermittent fastingA diet of when, not what: a daily eating window that fits with any other diet→