How to Choose The Right Diet For You

by Maia Stewart

It’s a new year and maybe you’re considering changing your diet. A diet isn’t just about changing your eating; it’s also about changing your lifestyle. The results, regardless of whether or not you lose weight, can affect your mood and social life.

While a plant-based diet is a great way to live, but it may not be the easiest or most accessible to everyone. So, here is a short guide to different diets to help you find what’s practical for you.

Please note, all of these diets should be discussed with your doctor or dietitian beforehand.

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Flexitarian:

If you are trying to cut back on meat, but don’t want to cut it out completely, this diet might be what you are looking for. A flexitarian is someone who eats meat, poultry and fish, but eats vegetarian or vegan for most of their meals. Becoming a flexitarian is easier compared to the other diets and it can make you more environmentally conscious. One of my favorite dietitians, Marisa Moore, has a website with different flexitarian friendly recipes.

Tip: Try to make one meal a day vegetarian or vegan friendly. For example, cut the bacon from your breakfast.

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Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️and here’s a nice salad ???? #keto #ketodiet

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Ketogenic (Keto diet):

The word Keto has been popping up on food blogs and on food labels, but what does it mean? The Ketogenic diet basically means that you are eating more fat than carbs. Essentially, you are replacing most of your carbs with fat. This puts your body in a state of Ketosis where your body is using fat for energy. Compared to the other diets, it can be less plant-based since the majority of your meals are based around fats.

Tip: Do your research and try a Ketogenic meal or side dish.

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Vegetarian:

This is a very plant-based diet. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish or poultry. Some vegetarians do eat eggs (lacto-ovo vegetarians), drink milk and eat cheese. The key to being a vegetarian is creating balanced meals and getting your protein.  Proteins can come in the form of beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, seitan and more. There are plenty of plant-based proteins to aid a vegetarian diet. If you’re interested in being a vegetarian, dietitians Wendy and Jess are the creators of Food Heaven Made Easy. Their website features vegetarian-friendly recipes and nutrition articles.

Tip: Try a Meatless Monday or a Tofu Tuesday when transitioning to this diet

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Vegan:

Being vegan takes time and patience. It is a plant-based diet with no reliance on animal products. Veganism is great. It is great for the environment and a sustainable way to live. Like vegetarianism, you have to make sure your diet is balanced and you’re getting the right amount of nutrients. If you’re looking to try this diet out, Jenne Clairborne is the creator of Sweet Potato Soul, a vegan food blogger, and YouTuber. She has so many recipes and informational videos about to help you begin.

Tip: Add soy, rice or nut milk to your cereal, coffee or tea instead of dairy milk.