U.S. News & World Report, in partnership with The Harris Poll, has released its 2024 Best Diets rankings. This detailed list, revealed on January 3, covers 30 diets across 11 categories, offering a complete picture of contemporary nutritional needs.
The Mediterranean Diet
At the pinnacle of this year’s rankings, for the seventh consecutive year, is the Mediterranean diet. This diet is based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, herbs, and spices. It has consistently been praised for its balance and diversity. Its success can be attributed to its focus on diet quality rather than restriction, making it a favorable choice for long-term health benefits.
Registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade highlights its appeal. “One of the biggest appeals of this meal plan is how it offers a variety of foods with a focus on balance, preventing it from feeling restrictive while also allowing individuals to enjoy the tastes and flavors they enjoy most,” she told Fox News Digital.
The DASH Diet
In a close second, the DASH diet, designed to combat high blood pressure, is lauded for its nutritional completeness and safety. This well-rounded diet promotes an increased intake of fruits and vegetables and a reduction in sodium. The DASH diet is effective for diabetes management and heart health support.
The MIND Diet
The third spot is claimed by the MIND diet, a merger of the Mediterranean and DASH diets with an added emphasis on foods that boost brain health. This diet is gaining traction for its potential role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It stands out as a flexible meal plan focused on maximizing the intake of nutrient-dense foods.
The Easiest Diet to Follow
The Flexitarian diet ranks as one of the easiest to follow. It offers the benefits of plant-based eating while allowing for occasional meat consumption. This flexibility makes it a sustainable and less restrictive dietary option. It’s more effective in maintaining heart health compared to traditional vegetarian or vegan diets.
Best Diet for Weight Loss
WeightWatchers (WW) diet, known for its points-based approach, focuses on lasting weight loss through behavioral change, nutrition education, and social support. This holistic approach helps members eat healthier and move more.
Honorable Mentions
Other diets that have made it to the list include the Mayo Clinic diet, known for its food pyramid, priotirizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The Flexitarian diet, allowing for occasional meat consumption, is noted for its ease and effectiveness in maintaining heart health. The Volumetrics diet, focusing on satiety with high-volume, low-calorie foods. And the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, focusing on reducing cholesterol and improving heart health.
New to the list is the Vegan diet, which has made a significant impact by cracking the top 10 in almost all categories. This diet excludes all animal foods, including dairy, eggs, and honey, and underscores the importance of thoughtful nutrient intake from plant sources.
You can see the full rankings here.
The methodology behind these rankings involves a detailed evaluation of each diet’s nutritional completeness, health risks and benefits, long-term sustainability, and evidence-based effectiveness.
U.S. News’ 2024 Best Diets rankings are not universal solutions. Each individual’s health considerations and goals play a crucial role in choosing the most suitable diet.
Gretel Schueller, managing editor of health at U.S. News, stresses the necessity of personalization in diet selection, “Choosing a diet can be tough. Each person has unique health considerations and goals, and there are many diets out there to choose from — and it’s hard to know which ones will actually work best for you.”
This list is a collaborative effort of a panel of experts, including medical doctors, registered dietitian nutritionists, academic weight-loss researchers, and nutritional epidemiologists.