Diets: Information, Tips, and More Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search Nutrition Diets Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. Learn about our Medical Review Board Updated on April 13, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Diet is a catch-all term that refers to a person’s pattern of eating. Example diets can include vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo, gluten-free, low-calorie, low-FODMAP, and Mediterranean diets. Each diet has its own set of guidelines that describe what is and isn’t compliant. For example, vegan diets don’t include animal products of any kind and instead are made up of all plant-based foods. There is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to diets and nutrition plans. Learn more about specific eating patterns to find what is best for you. You can also adjust any type of diet to make it fit better with your lifestyle, goals, and needs. Frequently Asked Questions What is the keto diet? Originally used for the treatment of epilepsy, the keto diet involves a meal plan that is very low in carbs and high in fat. It touts significant weight loss by putting the body into a state of ketosis (the state when the body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to use for energy, so it burns fat instead). It's important to note that there is no research to date to assess the safety of the keto diet long-term. Learn More: What is a Ketogenic Diet? What is the Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet is a highly regarded way of eating that is inspired by the eating and lifestyle habits of people who live in the Mediterranean, such as Greek populations. The long-term, lifestyle approach promotes flavor, community, movement, and abundance or nutrients and food choices. Staples of the Mediterranean diet include whole grains; vegetables; lean protein sources like fish, legumes, and nuts; and healthy fats like olive oil. Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It is often named the best overall diet by "U.S. News and World Report." Learn More: What Is the Mediterranean Diet? What is an anti-inflammatory diet? Those with chronic inflammation or inflammatory diseases may be interested in following an anti-inflammatory diet. It focuses on foods that reduce inflammation in the body, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and more. It recommends against foods that increase inflammation, such as processed foods and alcohol. Learn More: What Is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet? How many carbs are in a low-carb diet? There is no universal definition of a low-carb diet. The number of carbohydrates permitted on a low-carb diet depends on the specific meal plan. The keto diet, for example, is a variation of a very low-carb diet that typically recommends 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. Some evidence suggests that a low carbohydrate diet may be defined as less than 130 grams per day, or 26% of total energy intake. Learn More: Low-Carb Diet Overview What is the BRAT diet? The BRAT diet is a highly restrictive diet recommended for people with gastrointestinal issues or upset stomachs. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It’s not recommended as much anymore, but it used to be highly recommended by pediatricians for children with stomach problems. Learn More: Vomiting and Diarrhea: What Are the Causes and Treatments? Key Terms Weight loss Weight gain DASH diet Intermittent fasting Nutrition Obesity Calories Weight loss Many diets claim to help with weight loss. Weight loss involves lowering your body weight to prevent health complications such as heart disease and diabetes. Healthy weight loss can be achieved with the help of a registered dietitian or qualified health care provider. The Benefits of Losing Weight Weight gain Those who are underweight or want to increase their muscle mass may list weight gain as one of their goals. This can usually be achieved by increasing the number of calories and adjusting the balance of macronutrients in your diet. Depending on your individual needs, you will likely need to increase your intake of protein, healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates. To gain weight healthfully, consider speaking to a registered dietitian. What Is a Weight Gaining Diet? DASH diet The DASH diet aims to prevent and control hypertension (aka high blood pressure). It’s recommended by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and involves avoiding foods high in sugar, fat, and salt. Instead, the DASH diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish and poultry, and low-fat dairy products. What Is the DASH Diet? Intermittent fasting Intermittent fasting is a form of fasting that restricts eating during certain times of the day. There are many different variations of intermittent fasting, such as 5:2, alternative-day fasting, and time-restricted eating. All forms share a common thread: those who practice intermittent fasting eat all of their meals during a specific time period. What Is Intermittent Fasting? Nutrition Nutrition, or the process of meeting your nutritional needs through diet, is important for overall health. Inadequate nutrition can be associated with poor health outcomes, including increased risk for certain diseases, and growth and development issues. Adequate nutrition means consuming enough macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat, and protein) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) through food to help you meet nutritional needs throughout your lifespan. An Overview of Nutrition for a Better Diet Obesity Obesity is a medical condition that involves having excess fat on the body, which is associated with an increased risk of certain diseases. It’s usually defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. At Verywell Fit, we acknowledge the bias and limitations of BMI and recommend speaking with a health care provider to assess your risk of obesity. Why BMI May Not Be the Best Metric Calories When you look at a nutrition facts label on a food item, you will see the number of calories. This refers to a unit of energy. It describes how much energy your body could gain by eating it. Some people track their intake of calories to help with their weight loss or weight gain goals. What is a Calorie? Top 5 Diets for Weight Loss, According to Experts Getting Started With a Vegetarian Diet Pros and Cons of a Vegetarian Diet What to Expect on a Vegetarian Diet Explore Diets All Vegetarian Vegan Keto Diet Diet Comparisons More Gluten-Free Low-Carb Other Diets What Is the Vegetarian Diet? Low-Carb and High-Protein Vegetarian Foods Is Chocolate Vegan? Getting Started With a Vegan Diet What to Expect on a Vegan Diet What Is a Vegan Diet? Pros and Cons of a Vegan Diet Complete Protein Combinations for Vegans Gluten-Free and Vegan? You Don't Have To Give Up Good Pizza Gluten-Free and Vegetarian or Vegan? There Are Plenty of Foods to Eat Keto Cereal: Is It Worth Trying? Keto Diet Side Effects How to Choose a Keto-Friendly Cereal The Truth About Ketones Drinks The 8 Best Keto Apps of 2022 What to Expect on a Keto Diet: Meal Plans and More Pros and Cons of the Ketogenic Diet Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Bad Breath? The Basics of a Keto Diet and How It Works The Difference Between the Vegan and Vegetarian Diets Vegetarian Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? Vegan Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? Acid Reflux Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? Low-FODMAP Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? DASH Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? South Beach Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? Weight Watchers vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? How Intermittent Fasting Compares to Other Diets Paleo Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? Ketogenic Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? Is the Mediterranean Diet Better Than Other Diet? Atkins vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? How Do I Know if I Have Celiac Disease? Getting Started with the Gluten-Free Diet Gluten-Free Diet vs. Other Diets: Which Is Best? Pros and Cons of the Gluten-Free Diet What to Expect When You Follow the Gluten-Free Diet What Is the Gluten-Free Diet and Who Should Follow It? 9 Brands With Gluten-Free Moisturizer Options Why Xanthum Gum Is Used as a Cooking Ingredient These Gluten-Free Sleep Aids Will Help You Get the Rest You Need 9 Gluten-Free Deli Meat Brands to Build Your Sandwich How Gaining Weight Can Be Difficult for Underweight and Celiac People 13 Gluten-Free Lip Balm Brands With Lip-Smacking Flavors Gluten-Free Baked Beans: 4 Brands You Can Trust These Gluten-Free Allergy and Sinus Drugs Will Stop Your Sniffles Got the Flu? These Cough, Cold, and Flu Medications are Gluten-Free 6 Recommended Brands of Gluten-Free Olive Oil 58 Condiments You Probably Didn't Know Are Really Gluten-Free Is Mead Gluten-Free? Learn When It's Safe to Try 3 Best Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce Brands Pickle Brands You Can Trust When You're Gluten-Free 6 Surprising Supermarket Foods to Avoid When You're Gluten-Free 5 Relish Brands That Are Reliably Gluten-Free What Steak Sauce Can You Use When You're Gluten-Free? Know Which Types of Yeast to Avoid When You're Gluten-Free Brands That Offer Gluten-Free Nuts and Peanuts Are Corona, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra Really Gluten-Free? 13 Gluten-Free Protein Powders for Shakes and Smoothies Gluten-Free Frozen Dinners: Everything from Mac & Cheese to Thai Explore Diets Vegetarian Vegan Keto Diet Diet Comparisons Gluten-Free Low-Carb Other Diets More In Nutrition Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services Cooking and Meal Prep Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Sports Nutrition Weight Management Supplements Page Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Paoli A, Rubini A, Volek JS, Grimaldi KA. Beyond weight loss: A review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (Ketogenic) diets. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013;67(8):789-796. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.116 Romagnolo DF, Selmin OI. Mediterranean diet and prevention of chronic diseases. Nutr Today. 2017;52(5):208-222. doi:10.1097/NT.0000000000000228 Ricker MA, Haas WC. Anti-inflammatory diet in clinical practice: a review. Nutr Clin Pract. 2017;32(3):318-325. doi:10.1177/0884533617700353 Batch JT, Lamsal SP, Adkins M, Sultan S, Ramirez MN. Advantages and disadvantages of the ketogenic diet: a review article. Cureus. Published online August 10, 2020. doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.9639 Kelly T, Unwin D, Finucane F. Low-carbohydrate diets in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes: a review from clinicians using the approach in practice. IJERPH. 2020;17(7):2557. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph17072557 Filippou CD, Tsioufis CP, Thomopoulos CG, et al. Dietary approaches to stop hypertension (Dash) diet and blood pressure reduction in adults with and without hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Nutr. 2020;11(5):1150-1160. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmaa041 Anton SD, Moehl K, Donahoo WT, et al. Flipping the metabolic switch: understanding and applying the health benefits of fasting. Obesity. 2018;26(2):254-268. doi:10.1002/oby.22065 Chen Y, Michalak M, Agellon LB. Importance of nutrients and nutrient metabolism on human health. Yale J Biol Med. 2018;91(2):95-103. Ortega FB, Lavie CJ, Blair SN. Obesity and cardiovascular disease. Circ Res. 2016;118(11):1752-1770. doi:10.1161/circresaha.115.306883 When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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