DIET: Which diet is "right" for me?

As the New Year begins, many people think about resolutions and goals to work on. Often, people think of starting a new "diet" to eat healthier and/or lose weight.

When Americans hear the word "diet" today, they often think of deprivation and disappointment. Many meal plans are restrictive and deprive people of favorite foods or even basic nutrients. Often the results of the meal plans are disappointing because changes were too difficult to maintain in the long run.

Diet actually means usual or customary eating patterns. Diets can be eating habits of individuals or groups of people.

How do you decide what food plan will be "right" for you?

There are SO many "diet books" available today. As you evaluate a possible diet, ask yourself if this plan is realistic and balanced.

Is the diet realistic? Is it compatible with your lifestyle, food preferences and budget? Also is the meal plan balanced?If you have to restrict or eliminate foods forever, the diet likely will be unsatisfying in the long run as well as short on some key nutrients. There are a few exceptions, such as celiac disease where you need to eliminate a lot of grains because they contain gluten. In a case like that, it can be helpful to visit with a dietitian (Registered Dietitian or RD).

Use the Food Pyramid or My Plate to evaluate your proposed meal plan--see if the basic food groups are included. If your meal plan tells you to eliminate dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese) because it's supposed to be "healthier" you'll be short on calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients.

"New" diets will undoubtedly appear on the bookshelves every year. These tips can be useful to evaluate which meal plans offer a balanced and realistic approach for you.