The Latest Diet Craze: What's In A Name?

The newest diet plan is called the Flexitarian Diet. It's for anyone who wants to eat more plant-based foods but doesn't want the strict rules of vegetarianism or veganism. The diet emphasises fresh produce, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, edamame and jackfruit.

The Flexitarian Diet is a semi-vegetarian style of eating

The Mediterranean diet was ranked as the best diet for 2024. It is a flexible way of eating that emphasises an array of protein sources, including seafood, legumes, poultry, nuts, dairy, eggs and meat. It includes whole grains, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and healthy fats. It limits ultra-processed foods, refined grains and added sugars.

The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including France, Spain, Greece, and Italy. It has been named the Best Overall Diet by U.S. News & World Report since 2018. In 2025, the Mediterranean Diet was also ranked #1 Easiest Diet to Follow and #1 Best Diet for Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Gut Health, Mental Health, Inflammation and many other health conditions.

The Mediterranean diet is both delicious and nutritious. It may help manage your weight, protect your heart, and prevent diabetes. There are no concrete rules for following the Mediterranean diet, but general guidelines can help you incorporate its principles into your daily routine.

A Mediterranean-style diet can help you achieve the American Heart Association’s recommendations for a healthy dietary pattern that emphasises vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes; includes low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fish, poultry, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts; and limits added sugars, sugary beverages, sodium, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and fatty or processed meats.

It encourages eating less meat and more plant-based foods

The Mediterranean diet has been named the best diet plan for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. It encourages eating less meat and more plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which form the base of the diet pyramid. This is followed by carbs, then protein and dairy, fats, and finally, sweets. The Mediterranean diet has been ranked as the best diet for seven years in a row, beating other popular diets such as the ketogenic diet and Atkins.

The Mediterranean diet is not just about what you eat, but also about promoting a healthy lifestyle. It encourages physical activity, which is essential for maintaining bone and joint health. In addition, the diet provides adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K, which are essential for good bone health.

The Mediterranean diet is also a family-friendly diet, making it easy for families to prepare meals that cater to everyone's individual needs. It is a realistic and healthy option for people of all ages and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

By following the Mediterranean diet, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being while also enjoying a variety of delicious and nutritious foods. This diet plan showcases how eating less meat and more plant-based foods can be both beneficial and enjoyable.

It was developed by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner

The Mediterranean diet was ranked as the best diet plan for 2024, and it was developed by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner. This diet has been ranked No. 1 for the seventh year in a row, beating other popular diets such as the ketogenic diet and Atkins.

The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional eating habits of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, and Spain. It is characterised by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil. This diet also includes a moderate amount of seafood, poultry, and dairy, with a limited intake of red meat and processed foods.

One of the key benefits of the Mediterranean diet is its focus on plant-based foods and healthy fats, which are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to promote brain health and cognitive function, and it may even help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

In addition to its health benefits, the Mediterranean diet is also known for its delicious and flavourful cuisine. It encourages the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting, and stewing. This makes it a enjoyable and sustainable way of eating for many people.

Dawn Jackson Blatner, a renowned registered dietitian and nutritionist, has played a key role in popularising the Mediterranean diet. She has authored several books and developed meal plans and recipes that make this healthy way of eating accessible and appealing to a wide audience. Through her work, Blatner has helped to educate people about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and has empowered them to make positive changes to their eating habits.

It's more flexible than fully vegetarian or vegan diets

The Mediterranean diet has been ranked as the best diet plan for 2024, and it is more flexible than fully vegetarian or vegan diets. This is because it is not as restrictive as other diets, and it is easier to follow for longer periods of time.

The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional eating habits of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, and it is characterised by an emphasis on plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins. This includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, and poultry. Red meat is limited, and processed foods and added sugars are minimised.

One of the key benefits of the Mediterranean diet is its flexibility. While it encourages a primarily plant-based approach, it does not require complete elimination of animal products like vegetarian or vegan diets. This means that it can be easier to follow, especially for those who are not ready or willing to give up meat entirely. For example, the Mediterranean diet allows for moderate consumption of fish and poultry, which can provide important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and protein.

In addition, the Mediterranean diet is more flexible in terms of meal planning and preparation. Because it does not require strict adherence to specific recipes or meal plans, individuals have more freedom to choose foods that fit their personal preferences and cultural backgrounds. This can make it easier to incorporate the diet into everyday life and maintain it over the long term.

The Mediterranean diet also offers flexibility in terms of health benefits. In addition to promoting weight loss, it has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and better overall longevity. This makes it a well-rounded approach to healthy eating that can be tailored to meet individual needs and goals.

Overall, the Mediterranean diet offers a balanced and flexible approach to healthy eating. By incorporating a variety of plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins, individuals can enjoy the benefits of improved health without the restrictions of fully vegetarian or vegan diets. This flexibility can make it easier to adopt and maintain a healthy diet for the long term.

It's considered planet-friendly

The Mediterranean diet has been ranked as the best diet plan for 2024. It is considered planet-friendly because it is based on a traditional way of eating that is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases and a reduced environmental impact. The diet is typically rich in plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, which have a lower carbon footprint than animal-based products. It also emphasises the importance of physical activity, which can help to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. In addition, the Mediterranean diet promotes a moderate intake of fish and poultry, which are generally more sustainable sources of animal protein than red meat. By following this diet, individuals can not only improve their health but also contribute to a more sustainable food system.

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