#8 What is the Best Eating Plan for Me?

I followed a diet, but it didn’t follow me back, so I unfollowed it.

When it comes to food, there’s no one-size-fits-all.  I do believe that it’s easier to stick to a healthy eating plan if you actually know what your plan is.

This week, I will explore different eating plans.

You will notice that no healthy eating plan includes any processed food.  So, I think whatever plan one chooses processed foods need to be kept to a minimum.

Certain eating patterns have stood the test of time.  These are 6 of the most recommended diets

In this post, I’ll briefly explore these 6 popular options….

1. The Mediterranean Diet

Often ranked #1 by doctors and dietitians, the Mediterranean Diet is based on the traditional foods of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain.

What it includes:

Fresh vegetables and fruits
Legumes and whole grains
Extra virgin olive oil
Moderate fish, poultry, and dairy
Small amounts of red meat
Wine in moderation

Why it works:

This diet is anti-inflammatory, heart-friendly, and full of antioxidants. It’s been linked to lower rates of chronic disease and better mental health.

This diet sounds nice to me.  I could eat this way most of the time.

2. Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB)

Not just vegan, the WFPB way of eating focuses on whole, minimally processed plant foods. No refined oils or sugar, and very limited processed meat alternatives.

What it includes:

Vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains
Nuts and seeds in moderation
No refined flour, oil, or added sugars

Why it works:

This diet is excellent for insulin sensitivity, heart health, and gut microbes. Many people experience weight loss, better energy, and improved blood markers.

This Diet is very similar to the Low fat, high good carb diet that Robert and I tried.  I do think this is a viable option for people, especially those struggling with insulin resistance.  I, personally, would like to incorporate some meat and dairy…so although I want to will still include many of the meals from this way of eating into my lifestyle, I don’t want to go “all out” and follow this plan.

3. Flexitarian

The flexitarian approach is mostly plant-based but allows room for occasional meat, dairy, or fish. It’s about flexibility, not perfection.

What it includes:

A plant-based foundation
Occasional animal products
Focus on whole foods over processed ones

Why it works:

It’s easier to sustain long term than pure vegan. Flexitarian diets have been linked to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers—while still being practical for family life.

This diet sounds better for me personally than the Whole food, plant based approach.  I will still need to make adjustments to incorporate more plants into my weekly menu. I do tend to eat too much meat and dairy than I probably should.

4. DASH Diet

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Originally developed to lower high blood pressure, the DASH diet is rich in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and calcium.

What it includes:

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains
Lean proteins (especially poultry and fish)
Low-fat dairy
Low sodium and sugar

Why it works:

It’s one of the most evidence-based approaches for preventing and managing hypertension, and it also supports kidney and heart health.

This way of eating seems sustainable… but then again I love salt! Also, I am not a fan of Low-fat Dairy. It just feels to me like one should eat the food as it comes? Also, brown bread at the store… People count that as whole grain, but often it’s not. That’s why it is important to read the ingredients.

5. Paleo

The Paleo diet mimics what our ancestors might have eaten—real, unprocessed food from the earth.

What it includes:

Vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs
Excludes grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and processed oils
No legumes, no whole grain carbs

Why it works:

Some people find it reduces inflammation and improves digestion and energy.

Apparently, our ancestors didn’t eat a lot of beans? That’s why they are excluded. It’s easy to eat too much meat and nuts.  One should focus on eating enough veggies with this diet.

6. Intermittent Fasting (IF)

Not so much a diet as a way of timing your meals, intermittent fasting allows your body to spend more time in repair mode instead of digesting food.

What it involves:

Eating in specific windows (e.g., 16:8 or one meal a day)
No calorie restriction necessarily—just when you eat

Why it works:

Supports metabolic flexibility, reduces insulin resistance, and may protect brain health. Best combined with a nutrient-rich diet.

I do think it’s good not to eat the whole time.  It’s also good to give your body time to digest before sleeping.  We have so much food available that we need to tell ourselves to stop eating and label it: intermittent fasting! Sounds so fancy, but it should actually be normal to not eat the whole time.

My body battery on my Garmin likes it if I eat supper early then stop. I don’t necessarily like to do it that much.

Those are some of the most popularly recommended eating plans.  I’ll elaborate more on some others in future posts… which plan would you be able to follow?