Spotlight on popular diets

You must make sure you have all the facts before following a diet. Our expert guides have everything you need to know about popular diets including keto, 5:2 and Paleo

What is a keto diet?

The aim of ketogenic diets is to send the body into a state of ketosis by adhering to a very strict low-carb regime. We look into how keto diets work, and explain the fat-burning process of ketosis. Discover the efficiency of ketones for weight loss and the potential side effects.

What is the Fast 800 diet?

Developed by Dr Michael Mosley, the Fast 800 diet claims to potentially cut your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. This involves initially following a low-calorie diet (VLCD), followed by a period of intermittent fasting and then finally, a maintenance phase. Nutritionist, Kerry Torrens, discusses how safe and effective the diet is, and whether it can easily be sustained in the long-term.

What is the 5:2 diet?

The part-time diet that still allows you to eat chocolate cake. Dieters are recommended to consume a ‘normal’ number of calories five days a week and then, for two, non-consecutive days, eat just 25 per cent of their usual calorie total – 500 calories for women and 600 for men. Discover the evidence behind this diet and whether it is a regime to suit you.

What is a plant-based diet?

A plant-based diet is any diet that focuses around foods derived from plant sources. There are many variations, but this mainly centres on fruit, vegetables, grains, pulses, legumes, nuts and meat substitutes such as soy products. In some cases, a small amount of meat and dish are also consumed. Check out the health benefits of following a plant-based diet and how you can maximise its results.

What is a flexitarian diet?

Flexitarianism or ‘casual vegetarianism’ is an increasingly popular, plant-based diet that claims to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your health with an eating regime that’s mostly vegetarian yet still allows for the occasional meat dish. Follow our tips for getting the nutrients you need on this diet, along with several flexitarian recipe suggestions.

What is the pescatarian diet?

A pescatarian diet typically includes vegetables, grains and pulses along with fish and other seafood, but generally excludes meat and sometimes dairy. Discover the health benefits of a pescatarian diet and how to get the right nutritional balance following this regime.

What is the Paleo diet?

A way of eating that truly goes back to basics, Paleolithic diets are all about eating like our ancestors did – opting for grass-fed meats, an abundance of fruit and veg and other wholefoods like nuts and seeds.

What is the carnivore diet?

Similar to the Paleo diet, this high-fat, low-protein regimen involves consuming predominantly animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, animal fats and small amounts of low-lactose dairy products. Dietitian Emer Delaney breaks down the basic points, potential benefits, and downsides to be aware of.

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