According to US News, the best rated real food diet is DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). 2016 panelists’ found the DASH diet  to be a sound diet without restrictions and has foods that we (North Americans) are accustomed to eating.  What’s interesting is that according to DASH.org, the diet “can be considered an Americanized version of the Mediterranean diet”.  It so happens, that Mediterranean diet is ranked #2.

I was curious about the DASH diet, and on their website, they have 3 different iterations…talk about a marketing genius!  They are Original, Weight Loss and Vegatarian. Geez, this  customized plan covers all the options out there.

Digging deeper, I found a newer diet called the MIND diet, this is a hybrid between DASH and Mediterranean.  What I find interesting is the statistic from a 2015 study, that  out of 900 participants, 54% of them where less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, compared to 39% of those on DASH. The Mediterranean dieters were 53% less likely. The MIND diet, consist of plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, and six servings a day of leafy greens.

This is insane, all these diet options – how do you know which one is right for you?  Working with your doctor can help simplify options, but definitely consider one that you can stick with longterm, make it your Lifestyle Plan.