Whether you’re following a new diet or just trying to branch out and experiment, it can be tricky to find the right information. As fads come and go, it can feel like there are almost as many different diets as there are people. And while some trends might not be for everyone, they could be exactly what you need to jumpstart your weight loss—or at least help you discover what works best for you. Understanding the pros and cons of different dieting trends in 2022 can help keep your focus where it needs to be: on losing weight in a way that feels sustainable for you. Here is an overview of the most popular dieting trends in 2022.
Whole30
It’s a 30-day diet program focused on eating unprocessed, real foods like ones straight from the source that is free of added sugars and unhealthy fats. No matter your goal, the program is designed to help you learn to eat healthier by adding more fresh produce and whole grains into your diet. The idea behind the program is to slowly ease yourself into healthier eating habits by replacing less nutritious foods with healthier alternatives. Many people who complete the program report feeling healthier and more energized than they did before. The Whole30 is not for everyone, though. If you have a history of disordered eating or food-related anxiety, the Whole30 could be triggering for you.
Keto
If you’re unfamiliar with the ketogenic diet, the idea is to cut back on carbs and eat a diet high in fats, moderate in proteins, and very low in carbs. When your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to use as energy, it starts breaking down fat molecules instead. This process produces ketones—molecules that your body can use as energy instead. People follow the ketogenic diet for various reasons. Many people report feeling more energized and optimistic when following a keto diet, and some even report experiencing mental clarity and improved mood. Keto isn’t right for everyone. And if you have certain medical conditions, it’s always best to consult with a doctor before beginning any new diet.
Vegan
The vegan diet eschews all animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy. Some people follow a vegan diet for ethical reasons, and others for environmental or health reasons. People who follow a vegan diet are at a lower risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Some people follow a vegan diet during a certain period, like during pregnancy or while recovering from certain health conditions like an eating disorder. Others choose to follow a vegan diet indefinitely. Although a vegan diet can be an extremely healthy way to eat, it’s critical to make sure you’re getting enough of certain nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron. A dietician can help you plan a vegan diet that’s healthy for you.
Vegetarian
Like the vegan diet, the vegetarian diet abstains from animal products, but only some of them. Some vegetarians follow a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, which means they abstain from meat but include dairy products and eggs in their diet.
Clean eating
The idea behind clean eating is that you eat foods that are as unprocessed and natural as possible. You’ll find lots of recipes for smoothies, salads, and other easy-to-make dishes that are designed to help you stay on top of your dieting game. While many people report feeling more energetic and optimistic when they follow a clean eating diet, it’s crucial to remember that feeling better isn’t necessarily the same as weight loss. Clean eating isn’t necessarily a bad diet to follow, but it can be challenging to sustain. You can also run the risk of feeling deprived when you rely too heavily on clean eating kits.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a diverse variety when it comes to dieting trends. That’s because each one is designed to help people meet their individual health goals. Some diets are better for weight loss than others, but they all have the potential to help you feel and look your best.
