The weather is hotter than ever and these hot bikini days might have you inspired to take your beach body to the next level.
You know physical activity will help you shape up and slim down, but how do you choose from all of the eating plans out there? It seems like every week there’s a new food fad coming out.
The truth is (and frankly, the frustrating part) is that what works for one person won’t necessarily work for the next. Our bodies are all slightly different so finding the right eating plan is a personal journey. Because of this, it’s helpful to have a variety of options based on your goals, body type, and personal preferences.
So whether your aim is to flush fat, tone up, or just feel better, below are six popular eating plans for 2021 and a quick rundown of what each one entails.
2021 Eating Plans
1. Keto
Keto, short for Ketogenic, compares to the Atkins diet because of its low carb philosophy. This meal plan pulls calories from fat and protein and discourages carbohydrates – sugar, white bread, etc. The idea is that if your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates, it will move into a ketosis state, which uses fat as fuel.
For Keto Lovers: For those protein smoothies, power soups, or whatever else your Keto body craves, the Vitamix A3500 is the king daddy of all blenders with five program settings, easy cleanup, and an impressive 10-year warranty.
2. Intermittent Fasting “IF”
Intermittent Fasting is the new “It” girl in the health and fitness world. This one’s a little different because it doesn’t tell you what to eat, but when to eat. The premise is a rotation of fasting for a long period of time, then eating for a shorter period of time. For example, there’s the 16/8 method that says you have a 16-hour window to fast, and an 8-hour window to eat.
There are various benefits to fasting that include the mind, body, and spirit – like weight loss, lower blood sugar, extended life-span, mental clarity, and religious practice.
IF Lovers: During your fasting hours, hydration is mucho importante, so have a water bottle with you at all times.
3. Paleo
The Paleo lifestyle gets meals back to the basics with whole foods. In an effort to eat as humans did when we were hunter-gathers, this practice eliminates processed food. Paleo dieters say no to dairy, grains, and sugars while inviting in vegetables, nuts/seeds, lean fish, and meat. This diet seems less restrictive than others, while the food remains clean and organic.
For Paleo Lovers: To create a little variety with dinner, spruce up those veggies with a Food Spiralizer and go wild with different recipes and presentations.
4. Mediterranean Diet
This way of eating was born after medical professionals noticed that there were fewer coronary heart-related deaths in Mediterranean countries than in the U.S. Its staples are the foundational foods of this culture, specifically Greece and Italy, which involve healthy fats, vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry, and low in dairy and red meat. A Mediterranean eating plan is an excellent option for anyone looking for a heart-healthy diet.
For Mediterranean Lovers: Bring your salads to life with a salad spinner. These devices turn a “blah” homemade salad into a restaurant-level lunch.
5. Raw Food
The Raw Food diet is plant-based, unprocessed, and organic whenever possible. Raw food is generally considered at the height of its nutritional value because it’s not overcooked or processed.
If you’re a vegan, vegetarian or meat-eater, you can still follow this practice and incorporate things like eggs, dairy, and meat if it’s in an uncooked and unprocessed state. While this way of eating could be difficult for some lifestyles, it will absolutely take your health to the next level.
For Raw Food Lovers: Because raw food is tougher in texture than cooked food, invest in a quality knife set to slice and dice like the pros.
6. DASH
The DASH Diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (high blood pressure). This eating plan has elements of the Mediterranean and Paleo diets, with a focus on low sodium. DASH limits sugar, red meat, saturated fat, and dairy while promoting whole grains, fish, poultry, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
For DASH Lovers: As you cook at home, make your life easier with a Crock-Pot slow cooker. This kitchen staple allows you to set it and forget it, with a delicious meal waiting for you instead of the other way around.
As you choose your top eating plans, consult with your physician to make sure they’re a healthy option for you. And whatever you decide on, read about Sami’s 3 Healthy Batch Cooking Tips to make cooking a whole lot easier!
