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There is never a shortage of various and conflicting diets making their rounds and leaving you wondering just what foods you are allowed to eat. Here is a guide to each with pros, cons and steals, starting with the Paleo eating plan.
Read more: Your crappy diet is literally killing you, here’s how
Paleo
Plant foods, healthy foods, no processed foods, lean meats
Pros: It’s simple, minimises processed foods and emphasises plant foods and lean meats.
Cons: Restricts diary and wholegrains.
Steal this: Avoid stuff in wrappers, refined and processed foods tend to be caloric but not satiating, reports a recent Harvard University Study. Paleo fans snack on nuts and seeds, a smart strategy given that a new study from Spain reveals that nut’s and seed’s healthy fat content may help make you feel full.
Read more: 6 weird things that happen to your body when you go on the paleo diet
Low-fat vegetarian
Plant foods, no processed foods, wholegrains and seafood
Pros: Promotes vegetables and fish, but restricts fat.
Cons: Lean meats like chicken, which may boost satiety levels, are limited; and so are healthy monounsaturated fats.
Steal this: Incorporating more fibre into your diet with more vegetables, wholegrains and legumes is a proven way to help you lose more weight.
Read more: This diet is ranked #1 in the world – but is it right for you?
Mediterranean
Plant foods, healthy fats, no processed foods, wholegrains, seafood
Pros: Emphasises healthy fats, like olive oil and whole foods, such as produce, wholegrains and fish.
Cons: Low on red meat.
Steal this: A landmark study in the International Journal of Obesity found that men who eat three servings a week of fish (like cod) or fatty fish (salmon) lose more weight on a diet than those who don’t. But why stop at three?
This article was originally published on www.mh.co.za
Image credit: iStock
