Easy omelet 
 
 Combine eggs, chives and reduced fat cheddar cheese into a quick breakfast that can provide you with a foundation for the day. You may also consider adding veggies, such as spinach or asparagus. (Getty Images) 
 
 Bran flakes 
 
 Breakfast needn’t be complicated. Pour a bowl of bran flakes or shredded wheat, douse in low-fat milk and top with blueberries or sliced peaches to sweeten without added sugar. (Getty Images) 
 
 Chicken salad sandwich 
 
 Between two slices of whole-wheat bread, and paired with lettuce and tomato, unsalted chicken salad topped with regular Dijon mustard can satisfy without leading to a post-lunch afternoon slump. (Getty Images) 
 
 Minestrone soup 
 
 From tomatoes to diced carrots and chopped celery, plus red kidney beans or chickpeas – this hearty garden in a bowl, which also includes pasta, will satisfy any lunchtime craving. (Getty Images) 
 
 Yogurt 
 
 For a quick snack on the run, grab a nonfat yogurt with no added sugar – for the healthiest option and more protein, choose plain Greek yogurt – and add fruit for sweetness. (Getty Images) 
 
 Salad with chicken and berries 
 
 For a green and lean dinner, try a leafy salad topped with grilled chicken and strawberries. Dress lightly with oil and vinegar or your favorite vinaigrette dressing. (Getty Images) 
 
 Asian pork tenderloin 
 
 Spice it up with this traditional dish featuring roasted pork that incorporates sesame seeds coriander, minced onion and other savory flavoring. Pair with steamed peas. (Getty Images) 
 
 Spaghetti squash with meat sauce 
 
 Although DASH isn't a low-carb diet, you might still like to enjoy a spaghetti dinner without all of the carbs and calories. For a lighter alternative, try spaghetti squash topped with meat sauce. (Getty Images) 
 
 Apples with cottage cheese dip 
 
 You don't have to wait until midnight for a snack. Slice up some apples and grab a small bowl of fat-free cream cheese, then add orange juice, peanuts, vanilla and brown sugar for a tasty treat whether it's midmorning or late in the afternoon. (Getty Images) 
 
 Tuna salad on a bed of lettuce 
 
 Tuna is a healthy lunch or dinner choice that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. A tuna salad on top a bed of lettuce is one option that is a delicious source of protein and vitamins. (Getty Images) 
 
 Vegetable kabobs 
 
 If you're looking for a vegetarian-friendly dish, throw together some vegetable kabobs. Great for parties or a night at home, these can be made on a grill or in an oven. (Getty Images) 
 
 Strawberry banana smoothie with soy milk 
 
 A strawberry banana soy smoothie is a great snack for any time of the day, whether you're running out the door in the morning or just finishing your afternoon workout. (Getty Images) 

 (Getty Images) What is Mediterranean Diet? This diet has been reviewed by U.S. News' team of expert panelists. Learn more » Balanced These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide. Pros & Cons Nutritionally sound 
 
 Diverse foods and flavors 
 
 Lots of grunt work 
 
 Moderately pricey It's generally accepted that the folks in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea live longer and suffer less than most Americans from cancer and cardiovascular ailments. The not-so-surprising secret is an active lifestyle, weight control, and a diet low in red meat, sugar and saturated fat and high in produce, nuts and other healthful foods. The Mediterranean Diet may offer a host of health benefits, including weight loss, heart and brain health, cancer prevention, and diabetes prevention and control. By following the Mediterranean Diet, you could also keep that weight off while avoiding chronic disease. There isn't "a" Mediterranean diet. Greeks eat differently from Italians, who eat differently from the French and Spanish. But they share many of the same principles. Working with the Harvard School of Public Health, Oldways, a nonprofit food think tank in Boston, developed a consumer-friendly Mediterranean diet pyramid that offers guidelines on how to fill your plate – and maybe wineglass – the Mediterranean way. 
 
 How does Mediterranean Diet work? Do's & Don'ts Do: Load up on whole grains and veggies. Because this is an eating pattern – not a structured diet – you're on your own to figure out how many calories you should eat to lose or maintain your weight, what you'll do to stay active and how you'll shape your Mediterranean menu. The Mediterranean diet pyramid should help get you started. The pyramid emphasizes eating fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and flavorful herbs and spices; fish and seafood at least a couple of times a week; and poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation, while saving sweets and red meat for special occasions. Top it off with a splash of red wine (if you want), remember to stay physically active and you're set. While certainly not required, a glass a day for women and two a day for men is fine if your doctor says so. Red wine has gotten a boost because it contains resveratrol, a compound that seems to add years to life – but you'd have to drink hundreds or thousands of glasses to get enough resveratrol to possibly make a difference. Do's & Don'ts Do's & Don'ts Do: Load up on whole grains and veggies. 
 
 What Can I Eat? x of x | Full Screen Buckwheat pancakes 
 
 Top a small stack with sliced bananas or a cup of blueberries, and drizzle on a couple tablespoons of light maple syrup. (Getty Images) Greek yogurt 
 
 Add strawberries or raspberries and a teaspoon of honey to sweeten. To make it a more complete breakfast, this can be paired with a slice of whole-grain toast "buttered" with smashed avocado. (Getty Images) Mediterranean pasta salad 
 
 Get your carb fix without guilt. This lunch option combines pasta noodles tossed in extra-virgin olive oil with red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. (Getty Images) Chicken souvlaki 
 
 Pocket the good stuff: chicken and veggies, in a wrap. Pair with a side of couscous to eat lunch fast or slow. (Getty Images) Roasted almonds 
 
 Grab a handful for a protein-packed snack that will keep you from loading up on sugary junk later in the day. (Getty Images) Grilled salmon 
 
 Make a mark on seafood by searing it over an open flame. Make it a meal by adding a side salad of arugula and spinach or wild greens. (Getty Images) Quinoa salad 
 
 This ancient edible source of plant-based protein can be combined with a wide array of other filling foods that spring from the dirt, from eggplant to onion. (Getty Images) Chocolate mousse 
 
 If you're in the mood for something sweet after dinner, treat yourself to a delicious chocolate mousse. The recipe calls for extra bitter dark chocolate, extra virgin olive oil, eggs, sugar, salt, orange zest and orange liqueur. (Getty Images) Steamed mussels 
 
 Try steamed mussels for a fresh seafood meal that can be prepared in about a half hour. Cook them in dry white wine for extra flavor. (iStockPhoto) Pumpkin soup 
 
 If you go crazy for all things pumpkin in the fall, "spicy pumpkin soup" is the perfect dish for an appetizer, lunch or dinner. (Getty Images) French fries 
 
 You don't have to give up french fries to eat healthy. Keep this favorite in your diet by roasting them in your oven the Mediterranean way rather than frying them. (Getty Images) Banana bread with peanuts 
 
 Make "peanut banana bread" on Sunday, and you will have an easy breakfast option or snack throughout the week. (Getty Images) x of x x of x Buckwheat pancakes 
 
 Top a small stack with sliced bananas or a cup of blueberries, and drizzle on a couple tablespoons of light maple syrup. (Getty Images) Greek yogurt 
 
 Add strawberries or raspberries and a teaspoon of honey to sweeten. To make it a more complete breakfast, this can be paired with a slice of whole-grain toast "buttered" with smashed avocado. (Getty Images) Mediterranean pasta salad 
 
 Get your carb fix without guilt. This lunch option combines pasta noodles tossed in extra-virgin olive oil with red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. (Getty Images) Chicken souvlaki 
 
 Pocket the good stuff: chicken and veggies, in a wrap. Pair with a side of couscous to eat lunch fast or slow. (Getty Images) Roasted almonds 
 
 Grab a handful for a protein-packed snack that will keep you from loading up on sugary junk later in the day. (Getty Images) Grilled salmon 
 
 Make a mark on seafood by searing it over an open flame. Make it a meal by adding a side salad of arugula and spinach or wild greens. (Getty Images) Quinoa salad 
 
 This ancient edible source of plant-based protein can be combined with a wide array of other filling foods that spring from the dirt, from eggplant to onion. (Getty Images) Chocolate mousse 
 
 If you're in the mood for something sweet after dinner, treat yourself to a delicious chocolate mousse. The recipe calls for extra bitter dark chocolate, extra virgin olive oil, eggs, sugar, salt, orange zest and orange liqueur. (Getty Images) Steamed mussels 
 
 Try steamed mussels for a fresh seafood meal that can be prepared in about a half hour. Cook them in dry white wine for extra flavor. (iStockPhoto) Pumpkin soup 
 
 If you go crazy for all things pumpkin in the fall, "spicy pumpkin soup" is the perfect dish for an appetizer, lunch or dinner. (Getty Images) French fries 
 
 You don't have to give up french fries to eat healthy. Keep this favorite in your diet by roasting them in your oven the Mediterranean way rather than frying them. (Getty Images) Banana bread with peanuts 
 
 Make "peanut banana bread" on Sunday, and you will have an easy breakfast option or snack throughout the week. (Getty Images) × 
 
 How much does Mediterranean Diet cost? The cost of the Mediterranean diet, like most aspects of the diet, depends on how you shape it. While some ingredients ( olive oil, nuts, fish and fresh produce in particular) can be expensive, you can find ways to keep the tab reasonable – especially if you're replacing red meats and meals with plant-based home cooking, some research suggests. Your shopping choices matter, too. Can't spring for the $50 bottle of wine? Grab one for $15 instead. And snag whatever veggies are on sale that day, rather than the $3-a-piece artichokes. 
 
 Will Mediterranean Diet help you lose weight? The Mediterranean diet might help you lose weight. While some people fear that eating a diet like the Mediterranean diet that is relatively rich in fats (think olive oil, olives, avocado and some cheese) will keep them fat, more and more research is suggesting the opposite is true. Of course, it depends on which aspects you adopt and how it compares to your current diet. If, for instance, you build a "calorie deficit" into your plan – eating fewer calories than your daily recommended max or burning off extra by exercising – you should shed some pounds. How quickly and whether you keep them off is up to you. Here's a look at a few studies addressing weight loss on the Mediterranean diet: A 2016 study in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal that analyzed data from Predimed – a five-year trial including 7,447 adults with Type 2 diabetes or at risk for cardiovascular disease who were assigned either a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil, the same diet supplemented with nuts or a control diet – found that people on the Mediterranean versions added the fewest inches to their waistlines. The olive oil folks lost the most weight. 
 
 A 2010 study in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism assigned 259 overweight diabetics to one of three diets: a low-carb Mediterranean diet, a traditional Mediterranean diet or a diet based on recommendations from the American Diabetes Association. All groups were told to exercise 30 to 45 minutes at least three times per week. After a year, all groups lost weight; the traditional group lost an average of about 16 pounds while the ADA group dropped 17 pounds and the low-carb group lost 22 pounds. 
 
 Another study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2008, assigned 322 moderately obese adults to one of three diets: calorie-restricted low-fat; calorie-restricted Mediterranean; and non-calorie-restricted low-carb. After two years, the Mediterranean group had lost an average of 9 7/10 pounds; the low-fat group, 6 4/10 pounds; and the low-carb group, 10 3/10 pounds. Although weight loss didn't differ greatly between the low-carb and Mediterranean groups, both lost appreciably more than the low-fat group did. 
 
 A 2008 analysis of 21 studies in the journal Obesity Reviews concluded the jury is still out on whether following the Mediterranean diet will lead to weight loss or a lower likelihood of being overweight or obese. 
 
 How easy is Mediterranean Diet to follow? Because Mediterranean diets don't ban entire food groups, you shouldn't have trouble complying long term. The Mediterranean diet can be convenient. When you want to cook, there's a recipe and complementary wine that'll transport you across the Atlantic. Oldways' consumer-friendly tips will make meal planning and prepping easier. And you can eat out, as long as you bring someone along to share the hefty entrees. Oldways offers numerous Mediterranean recipes, including this guide featuring meals that all cost $2 or less a serving. Otherwise, a simple Google search will turn up lots of healthy Mediterranean meal ideas. Want more inspiration? Oldways recommends the "4-Week Mediterranean Diet Menu Plan." If you eat out while following the Mediterranean diet, embrace the diet's affinity for sharing by ordering one entree for the two of you. And be sure to start with a house salad or order extra veggies a la carte to get your fill. [RELATED: 10 Ways to Stay on Track With Your Weight-Loss Goals When Life Goes Crazy] Recommended Article Recommended Article 10 Ways to Stay on Track With Your Weight-Loss Goals When Life Goes Crazy Stressed? Busy? Here’s how to keep life from sidelining your weight-loss progress. You may save time on the Mediterranean diet by cooking and storing meals ahead of time; otherwise, you'll have to hire somebody to plan, shop for and prepare your meals, if your time is more valuable than your wallet. You'll find lots of free Mediterranean diet resources on the Oldways website, including an easy-to-understand food pyramid; a printable grocery list; gender- and age-specific tips on making the Mediterranean switch; a quick-read "starter" brochure; a recipe newsletter; and even a glossary defining Mediterranean staples, from bruschetta to tapenade. Hunger shouldn't be a problem on this diet; fiber and healthy fats are filling, and you'll be eating lots of fiber-packed produce and whole grains, and cooking with satiating fats like olive oil. Nutrition experts emphasize the importance of satiety, the satisfied feeling that you've had enough. You're making everything, so if something doesn't taste good, you know who to blame. 

 (Getty Images) What is Mayo Clinic Diet? This diet has been reviewed by U.S. News' team of expert panelists. Learn more » Balanced These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide. Pros & Cons Nutritionally sound 
 
 You shape your diet 
 
 Lots of grunt work 
 
 Somewhat pricey Weight loss and a healthier lifestyle go hand in hand on the Mayo Clinic Diet. You recalibrate your eating habits, breaking bad ones and replacing them with good ones with the help of the Mayo Clinic's unique food pyramid. The pyramid emphasizes fruits, veggies and whole grains. In general, these foods have low energy density, meaning you can eat more but take in fewer calories. Think of it this way: For about the same amount of calories you could have a quarter of a Snickersbar or about 2 cups of broccoli. By sticking with the Mayo Clinic Diet, you’re expected to shed 6 to 10 pounds in two weeks and continue losing 1 to 2 pounds weekly until you’ve hit your goal weight. In 2013, Mayo Clinic published "The Mayo Clinic Diabetes Diet," which our experts did not evaluate. A new edition of this book will be available Jan. 1, 2019. This spin on the standard eating plan is designed for people with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, and its advice is specific to lowering blood sugar and keeping levels stable. 
 
 How does Mayo Clinic Diet work? Do's & Don'ts Do: Raid the produce section of your supermarket. The newest (and second) edition of the "Mayo Clinic Diet" book was published in 2017. Use it, as well as the Mayo Clinic Diet website , as your guides to work your way through two parts: "Lose it!" and "Live it!" Part one focuses on 15 key habits – ones to add and ones to ditch. You don't count calories, and you can snack all you want on fruits and veggies. After two weeks, you begin part two, learning how many calories you should eat to either lose or maintain weight and where those calories should come from. No food group is completely off-limits – you're developing a pattern of healthy eating you'll follow for life. [Check out the DASH diet, which aims to help prevent and lower high blood pressure.] In "Lose it!" you'll add a healthy breakfast, lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, healthy fats and at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. You'll ban eating while watching TV, sugar (except what's found in fruit), snacking (except on fruits and veggies), consuming too much meat and full-fat dairy, and eating out (unless the food you order follows the rules). If you're really motivated, you'll also adopt bonus habits such as keeping food, activity and goal diaries; exercising 60 or more minutes per day; and eating natural or minimally processed "real food." 
 
 In "Live it!" you'll use what you learned in the first phase but be allowed to occasionally break the rules. You'll also calculate the number of calories you can eat while still losing a couple of pounds a week. But instead of counting the calories in every grain of (brown) rice you eat, you'll focus on servings. On a 1,400-calorie plan, for example, you're allowed four or more servings each of fruits and veggies, five servings of carbs, four of protein/dairy and three of fats. What's a serving? For fruit, it's the size of a tennis ball; for protein, no bigger than a deck of cards. Round out "Live it!" with regular physical activity and you're set for life. If you’re interested in following the Mayo Clinic Diabetes Diet, it's heavy on food that's naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories, and the diet emphasizes fruits, veggies and whole grains. Recommended foods include healthy carbs (think fruit, legumes, vegetables, whole-wheat flour and wheat bran); fiber-rich foods such as nuts and beans; heart-healthy fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna; and "good" fats, which include avocados, almonds, olives and walnuts. Foods to avoid include saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and sodium. Do's & Don'ts Do's & Don'ts Do: Raid the produce section of your supermarket. 
 
 How much does Mayo Clinic Diet cost? Whether it's pricier than your current grocery tab depends, of course, on what you put in your cart. Fruits, veggies and whole-grain products are generally more expensive than sugary cereal, white bread and frozen pizzas. But there's no membership fee, and the diet's individualized nature gives you financial wiggle room – by making dinner from whatever produce is on sale, for example. The "Mayo Clinic Diet" book is an essential guide and should be purchased. 
 
 Will Mayo Clinic Diet help you lose weight? Most likely, Mayo Clinic Diet will help you lose weight, provided you follow the rules. Although the only research specifically evaluating the diet comes from the Mayo Clinic itself, preliminary results are promising. The principles behind it are backed by substantial research, which suggests its potential for weight loss and weight maintenance. In a 2008 pilot program of 53 obese Mayo Clinic employees who followed "Lose it!" for two weeks, average weight loss was 8 pounds. Nearly all of the 46 who finished lost 4 or more pounds, and most lost between 6 to 10 pounds. There was no control group. In general, diets rich in low-energy-dense foods have been shown to deliver weight loss, promoting fullness on fewer calories, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a study of 97 obese women, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007, researchers randomly assigned dieters to either a low-energy-dense, low-fat diet or a low-energy-dense, low-fat diet that emphasized fruits and vegetables. After a year, both groups lost weight, and the fruits-and-vegetables dieters lost even more – 14 pounds compared with 11 pounds. More studies, particularly large controlled trials, are needed to confirm the findings. 
 
 How easy is Mayo Clinic Diet to follow? Most dieters will find the restrictive "Lose it!" phase difficult. That's why it only lasts two weeks. Once you develop your plan in "Live it!" and find no foods completely off limits, you'll be more likely to stay on the wagon. You're free to eat out, as long as you let Mayo's food pyramid direct your menu choices. Alcohol might be restricted a little more than you'd prefer. And while a slew of Mayo guides make developing your plan easier, there's just no way to avoid the grocery store and stove. Mayo's companion "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook, Second Edition," is packed with recipe ideas. Once you understand healthy eating and serving sizes, you can scour outside recipe websites for free. Eating out is discouraged in Mayo’s "Lose it!" phase, but the fine print says you technically still can if you don't stray from the guidelines. There are no timesavers, unless you hire somebody to plan your meals, shop for them and prepare them. And you can't pay someone to exercise for you. The book provides meal planning, grocery shopping and dining out guides; a crash course in nutrition basics; and advice for staying motivated. Mayo doesn't have any book-specific resources online, but you can peruse its large database of diet-related articles . Nutrition experts emphasize the importance of satiety, the satisfied feeling that you’ve had enough. You shouldn’t feel hungry on the Mayo Clinic Diet. In part one, you can snack on unlimited veggies and fruits, and later, when you've got a calorie cap, the emphasis on low-energy-dense fruits, veggies and high-fiber whole grains should keep you feeling fuller longer. You're making everything, so if something doesn't taste good, you know who to blame. 

 Roast beef sandwich 
 
 Meat lovers can craft a roast beef sandwich with leafy greens and a tomato. Add a half cup of pasta salad with a quarter cup of mixed vegetables and an apple for a balanced lunch. (Getty Images) 
 
 Popcorn 
 
 Need a snack? Try popcorn – but stick to two cups cooked with canola oil. (Getty Images) 
 
 Apple oatmeal 
 
 One cup of oatmeal is a delicious, heart-healthy way to start your morning. Add apple slices or your favorite fruit to sweeten. (Getty Images) 
 
 Eggs 
 
 Eggs are fine for breakfast, but limit yourself to two yolks per week on this cholesterol-friendly diet. (Egg whites and substitutes aren’t limited.) (Getty Images) 
 
 Skinless poultry 
 
 Skinless poultry is a great way to add protein to your lunch salad or dinner plate. Just remember not to eat more than five ounces per day. Consider substituting a quarter cup of cooked dry beans or peas for one ounce of meat. (Getty Images) 
 
 Vegetables 
 
 Leafy greens, cooked or raw vegetables and raw vegetable juices are great ways to get your required three to five servings of vegetables each day. Incorporate squash into your soups or make a radish salad. The choice is yours. (Getty Images) 
 
 Whole grains 
 
 Don’t shy away from healthy whole grains like English muffins for breakfast if that’s what you crave. The TLC Diet calls for six servings of bread, cereals, pasta, rice and other grains each day. Just remember to limit yourself to one teaspoon of soft margarine. (Getty Images) 

 Egg, bacon and avocado sandwiches 
 
 Serve this ultra‐satisfying breakfast sandwich with hot sauce on the side. For less mess on the go, use whole wheat pita pockets instead. (Courtesy of Weight Watchers) 
 
 Chopped spinach salad and pear salad with sherry vinaigrette 
 
 Pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and flavor to salads. Cut back on prep work by buying them prepackaged. (Courtesy of Weight Watchers) 
 
 Classic lasagna 
 
 Dig into this gooey version of meat lasagna. It's rich and flavorful, good enough to be called a classic. (Courtesy of Weight Watchers) 
 
 Chocolate mousse espresso shots 
 
 Espresso‐spiked chocolate pudding is layered with crushed chocolate wafers in this so‐simple dessert recipe. (Courtesy of Weight Watchers) 
 
 Toast with avocado and red pepper flakes 
 
 If you usually just throw a slice of bread in the toaster for breakfast, you don't have to stop there. Spread fresh mashed avocado on top and add some red pepper flakes to transform your basic toast into a scrumptious treat. (Getty Images) 
 
 Chicken noodle soup 
 
 Chicken noodle soup isn't only for when you're sick. You can enjoy this winter favorite as a light lunch or dinner. Add frozen vegetables like peas, corn, green beans and carrots to give it a boost of flavor and vitamins. (Getty Images) 
 
 Cheeseburger with tomatoes and grilled onions 
 
 If you get a craving for a succulent burger, go ahead and grill one up using 93-percent lean ground beef. Fresh tomatoes and grilled onions make great toppings that are delicious and healthy. If you like your burger extra juicy, don't press down on the patty when you cook it. (Getty Images) 
 
 Roasted baby potatoes 
 
 Roasted baby potatoes are a great side to any meal. Cook with oregano and lemon to give them a zesty taste. (Getty Images) 
 
 Apple pie 
 
 Always a popular dessert, apple pie is a delicious option for summer cookouts, holiday dinners or just a night on the couch. For an extra touch, add a crumble made with oats, flour and sugar. (Getty Images) 
 
 Butternut squash with sage and orange 
 
 The next time you're in your local grocery store or at the farmers market, grab some butternut squash and add orange zest and fresh sage to make a yummy side dish. You can buy pre-cut butternut squash as a time-saver. (Getty Images) 
 
 Cucumber slices and dip 
 
 If you love snacking on cucumber slices, try them with a dip made from low-fat cottage cheese, sour cream, chives and black pepper for a light option. (Getty Images) 
 
 Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies 
 
 Just because you're watching your weight doesn't mean you can't enjoy fresh cookies from the oven. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a baked treat you can indulge in without the guilt. (Getty Images)
– Odds are, your New Year’s resolution involves losing weight. Most everyone’s does. Well good news: US News & World Report has just released its second annual diet rankings, with the top 25 diets you can jump on to get healthy. The list isn’t haphazard either—the magazine says it spent months combing medical journals, government reports, and more to compile it. Here’s the cream of the crop: DASH Diet—It was originally developed to combat high blood pressure, but DASH ranks as the best all-around balanced diet, with loads of nutritional benefits. Just don’t try it if you’ve got a salt tooth. TLC Diet—This government-endorsed diet focuses on cutting back on fat, and boasts great nutritional benefits, especially for cardiovascular health. Mayo Clinic Diet—This multi-stage diet eases you into a new eating routine, breaking your bad habits. It’s especially effective at fending off diabetes. Mediterranean Diet—This sensible dieting mindset scores big with experts thanks to its emphasis on fruits and vegetables and an overall healthy lifestyle. Weight Watchers Diet—This household name came in well ahead of the other commercial diet plans, proving both better at helping adherents lose weight and easier to follow.