This Is the Absolute Best Diet for Weight Loss (Hint: It’s Not Keto!)

Updated: Jan. 05, 2018

Whether you want to lose five pounds or 50, consider this easy, effective meal plan.

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Dieting to slim down (especially after the holidays!) always sounds great in theory. But with so many different types of diets, it’s tough to know where to start. Certain regimens can last for two days, two months, or the rest of your life. Some recommend limiting your calories, while others suggest reducing your carbs. We don’t blame you if it all starts to make your head spin.

To help narrow the options down, a panel of health experts at U.S. News and World Report evaluated 40 of the most popular diets, and then ranked them according to factors like nutrition, effectiveness, safety, and ease. Overall, Weight Watchers was named the best diet for weight loss, tying with the Health Management Resources program for the top spot. Here are 42 more fast, easy tips for weight loss.

The final results might not be what you expect. But if you think about it, it’s easy to see why Weight Watchers is such a star for weight loss. Not only does it provide a healthy, effective program to shed pounds, but it also provides support for dieters through group meetings. That will keep you motivated in the long run, the panel said.

“I’ve always been a fan of Weight Watchers because it teaches you how to incorporate all types of foods into your diet, and it also offers a support component, which can be extremely beneficial,” nutritionist Lisa Drayer told CNN.

Meanwhile, the popular keto diet tied for last place, along with the Dukan diet. Whole30, another low-carb diet, was also at the bottom of the list. Why did these mainstream meal plans get a thumbs down from the experts? “The keto diet is just not sustainable over the long term,” Drayer said. “It doesn’t teach you how to acquire healthy eating habits. It’s good for a quick fix, but most people I know can hardly give up pasta and bread, let alone beans and fruit.”

Still, that doesn’t mean you should nix your New Year’s resolution altogether, Drayer said. Just make sure your diet fits with your lifestyle and goals—no matter which one you choose. Before you get started, read up on the surprising things doctors wish you knew about losing weight.

[Sources: CNN, U.S. News]