
The Mediterranean, flexitarian and DASH diets are considered the easiest diets to follow. The best diets are easy to stick to and don't require hard-to-remember rules, rigorous calorie counting, hard-to-find ingredients or excessive meal prepping. Instead, they focus on balanced meals, whole, accessible foods and small changes that make a big difference over time.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Rules | Flexible, not overly restrictive |
Ingredients | Accessible, easy-to-find, not exotic |
Prep | Not complicated, not time-intensive |
Expectations | Realistic, manageable, not perfection |
Enjoyment | Enjoyable, not stressful |
Complexity | Not complex, not rigid |
Balanced meals | Yes |
Examples | Mediterranean, flexitarian, DASH, plant-forward |
What You'll Learn
Avoid overly restrictive rules
The easiest diets are those that are flexible, practical and easy to stick to. They focus on straightforward habits that are easy to maintain, such as eating whole, accessible foods and making small changes over time.
Overly restrictive rules can make diets hard to stick to and unsustainable in the long term. Cutting out entire food groups or having no flexibility can be challenging and may cause unnecessary stress. Instead, focus on balanced meals without overthinking or rigid rules. Stick to whole, easy-to-find foods and simple portion control instead of calorie counting. For example, the plate method involves having half a plate of vegetables, a quarter of protein and a quarter of whole grains. This helps with balanced meals without the need for tracking apps or scales.
A plant-forward diet is another example of a flexible approach to eating. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains but still allows some meat or animal products. This type of diet can be customised to suit your preferences and doesn't require cutting out entire food groups.
The Mediterranean, flexitarian and DASH diets are also considered easy to follow as they offer flexibility and don't require complicated prep or strict rules.
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Avoid complicated prep
The easiest diets are those that don't require complicated prep. This means avoiding plans that require hours of cooking or recipes with a long list of ingredients. Instead, focus on whole, accessible foods that are easy to find and prepare. For example, bagged salads, pre-cut vegetables and frozen fruits can make it easier to eat quickly and simply without compromising nutrition.
The easiest diets cut through complicated plans by keeping things flexible, practical and easy to stick with for the long term. These plans work because they focus on straightforward habits that are easy to maintain. There's no need for a calculator, a long grocery list or time-intensive meal prep.
The Mediterranean, flexitarian and DASH diets are all considered easy to follow. These diets focus on balanced meals without overthinking or rigid rules. They emphasise the importance of whole, easy-to-find foods instead of recipes that call for exotic ingredients.
Portion-focused diets are another example of easy-to-follow plans. These diets rely on simple portion control instead of calorie counting. The plate method is a classic example: half vegetables, a quarter protein and a quarter whole grains. This helps with balanced meals without the need for tracking apps or scales.
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Focus on balanced meals
The easiest diets are those that are flexible, practical and easy to stick to. They should focus on balanced meals without overthinking or rigid rules. For example, the Mediterranean, flexitarian and DASH diets are considered easy to follow.
To eat a balanced diet, you should stick to whole, easy-to-find foods instead of recipes that call for exotic ingredients. You can also leverage convenience foods such as bagged salads, pre-cut vegetables and frozen fruits. This makes it easier to eat quickly and simply without compromising nutrition.
Portion-focused diets are another easy option. These rely on simple portion control instead of calorie counting. The plate method is a classic example: half vegetables, a quarter protein and a quarter whole grains. This helps with balanced meals without the need for tracking apps or scales.
Plant-forward diets are also flexible and easy to follow. Eating plant-based doesn't mean you have to cut out meat entirely. A plant-forward diet focuses on fruits, veggies, beans and whole grains but still allows some meat or animal products. It's a flexible way of eating that's customisable to suit your preferences.
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Leverage convenience foods
The easiest diets are those that are flexible, practical, and easy to stick to. They should cut out the need for complicated meal prep, strict rules, and hard-to-find ingredients.
One way to make your diet plan easy to follow is to leverage convenience foods. Bagged salads, pre-cut vegetables, and frozen fruits are all quick and simple to prepare, without compromising nutrition. These foods can help you eat a balanced diet without the need for tracking apps or scales.
Convenience foods can also help with portion control. The plate method, for example, is a simple way to ensure you're eating a balanced meal. Fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with whole grains. This helps you eat a variety of foods without having to track calories or weigh your food.
By focusing on convenience foods, you can save time and effort in the kitchen without sacrificing nutrition. This makes it easier to stick to your diet plan and build healthy habits.
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Plant-forward diets
A plant-forward diet is a flexible, easy-to-follow eating plan that focuses on eating more plant-based foods. It is a great option for those looking to improve their health without having to cut out meat entirely.
This diet is centred around fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, with some meat or animal products allowed. It is a highly customisable way of eating that can be tailored to suit your personal preferences and health goals.
By focusing on plant-based foods, this diet is a great way to increase your intake of essential nutrients, such as fibre, vitamins and minerals. It can also help to reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Overall, a plant-forward diet is a simple and effective way to improve your health and wellbeing. It is a flexible and enjoyable way of eating that can be easily tailored to suit your individual needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mediterranean, flexitarian and DASH diets are all considered easy to follow.
Easy diet plans are flexible, practical and easy to stick to for the long term. They focus on straightforward habits that are easy to maintain and don't require hard-to-find ingredients or excessive meal prepping.
Focus on whole, accessible foods that are easy to find. Bagged salads, pre-cut vegetables and frozen fruits are nutritious and convenient. A plant-forward diet that focuses on fruits, veggies, beans and whole grains but still allows some meat or animal products can be a good option.
Avoid recipes that call for exotic or hard-to-find ingredients, as these can be time-consuming and expensive. Stay away from plans that require hours of cooking or a long list of ingredients.
Focus on balanced meals without overthinking or rigid rules. Leverage convenience foods and simple portion control instead of calorie counting. Set realistic expectations and focus on small, manageable changes instead of perfection.