Mediterranean Diet yet again scores top position for best overall diet: 2023 Diet Ranking

The Mediterranean diet was followed by the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet (2nd position), the Flexitarian diet (2nd), the MIND diet (4th), and the TLC diet for the best diet overall.

The U.S. News unveiled a new 2023 diet ranking with the help of nutrition and diet experts. With the help of nationally recognized experts comprising registered dietary nutritionists, medical doctors, weight-loss researchers, and nutritional epidemiologists who are leaders in their field, an in-depth survey was developed with over 40 questions about health and lifestyle goals. Panellists were asked the questions that the readers most want answers to, such as: are all food groups included in the diet? Are nutrient-rich foods emphasized? Can the diet be easily adapted for the whole family? Is a plan for maintaining weight loss included? And many more.

Nutritional adequacy of the diet was also calculated based on the nutrients Americans are most likely deficient in, such as vitamin D and calcium. They also considered how effectively the diet would lead to weight loss and help prevent or manage several health conditions, including cardiovascular health, diabetes, inflammation, and bone and joint health.

In previous years, the publication ranked 40 diets. Even if a diet is no longer classified, its profile with detailed information exists on the site. This year's report ranks plans in 11 categories.

Best Diets overall

Following the Mediterranean diet, two other diets were tied for second place.

• DASH diet fights high blood pressure and emphasizes vegetables, fruits, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
• A Flexitarian diet focuses on vegetables, fruits and other healthy foods but also allows occasional meat.

Best Weight Loss Diets

Weight Watchers (WW) diet secured the first place, followed by the DASH diet in the second rank, and Mayo Clinic Diet and TLC diet tied for the third rank

• Weight Watchers emphasizes not only weight loss but healthier eating and regular activity.
• The Mayo Clinic Diet focuses on vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• TLC diet (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) focuses on fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and reducing cholesterol levels.

Best Fast Weight-Loss Diets

In this category, the Keto diet secured the first rank, followed by the Atkins diet, Nutrisystem diet, Optavia, and SlimFast diet, tied for second place.

• The Atkins diet begins with very few carbs and then recommends progressively eating more until the goal of weight loss is achieved.
• Nutrisystem is a commercial program that includes prepackaged meals and focuses on high-protein, lower-glycemic foods to stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Optavia is a plan focused on low-carb, low-calorie foods and includes fortified meal replacements.
• SlimFast Diet is a plan of smoothies, shakes, and meal bars to replace two or three meals daily.

Best Diabetes Diet

In this category, the DASH diet secured first place, the Mediterranean diet in second place and the Flexitarian diet in third.

Best Diet for Bone and Joint Health

• DASH diet and Mediterranean diet (ranked 1)
• The Flexitarian diet

Best Diets for Healthy Eating

• Mediterranean diet (ranked 1)
• DASH diet
• The Flexitarian diet

Best Heart-Friendly Diets

• The DASH diet (ranked 1)
• Mediterranean diet
• The Flexitarian diet

Easiest Diets to Follow

• The Flexitarian diet and TLC diet (tied up for the first position)
• DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet
• Mayo Clinic Diet

Reporters of the U.S. News dug deep, asking them to expound upon their accolades and criticisms for each diet. In addition to the panellists, an extra layer of trustworthiness to the diet rankings was added by interviewing at least one nutrition expert for each story. These interviews add an extra layer of credibility to our diet rankings. An independent RDN also reviews each diet profile.

Reference:

U.S. News & World Report: "2023 Best Diet Rankings."