Nutrition
Discover and compare the best diets for your health goals with Human Performance Junkies. Our comprehensive diet list, complete with easy-to-use filters, helps you find the right plan, whether you're focused on weight loss, muscle building, or overall wellness. Each diet features top-rated resources like websites, podcasts, and food delivery services that support your journey.
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Editors
Preference
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is a personal favorite due to the high protein and healthy fat profile. When I diligently adhere to this diet, I find that it supports optimal cognitive function while maintaining a high protein intake. In addition to minimizing processed foods and simple carbohydrates, I find that I maintain healthy energy levels throughout the day. That being said, dark chocolate (around 80-85% cocoa) is also a staple for me.
Alkaline
Low-protein, Plant-based
SUMMARY
Focuses on eating foods that are thought to affect the body's pH balance, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. It avoids acidic foods like meat, dairy, and processed foods. The diet aims to improve health and prevent diseases, though scientific support is limited.
Buddhist
Vegan, Vegetarian, Plant-based, Low-protein
SUMMARY
Varies widely, but many Buddhists follow a vegetarian or vegan diet to adhere to the principle of non-violence (ahimsa). Some sects also avoid consuming strong-smelling plants like onions and garlic.
Flexitarian
Low-protein, Plant-based
SUMMARY
Primarily vegetarian but allows for occasional meat consumption. It emphasizes plant-based foods for health benefits and flexibility to include animal products in moderation. The goal is to enjoy the benefits of a vegetarian diet without strict restrictions.
Intermittent Fasting
Fasting
SUMMARY
Alternates periods of eating and fasting, such as 16/8 (16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating) or the 5:2 method (normal eating 5 days, restricted calories 2 days). It’s popular for weight loss, improving metabolic health, and simplifying eating patterns.
Kosher
SUMMARY
Adheres to kashrut, the set of Jewish dietary laws, which includes restrictions on the types of animals that can be eaten, proper slaughtering methods, and prohibitions on mixing dairy and meat. It also involves avoiding shellfish and pork.
MIND
High-fiber
SUMMARY
The MIND diet, a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focuses on foods that promote brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It emphasizes the consumption of green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, and olive oil while limiting red meat, butter, cheese, sweets, and fried or fast food. Research suggests that even moderate adherence to the MIND diet can significantly lower the risk of cognitive decline.
Paleo
Plant-based, Gluten-free
SUMMARY
Focuses on eating foods presumed to be available to Paleolithic humans, such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It excludes processed foods, grains, and dairy. The goal is to improve health by eating more natural foods.
Primal
High-protein, Gluten-free
SUMMARY
Similar to Paleo but allows certain modern foods like dairy. It focuses on natural, unprocessed foods, including meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. The diet aims to mimic the eating patterns of early humans for better health.
Raw Food
Gluten-free, Plant-based
SUMMARY
Focuses on eating unprocessed, uncooked foods, believing that raw foods retain more nutrients. It includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains. The diet can improve health but may require careful planning to ensure nutritional adequacy.
TLC
Low-fat
SUMMARY
The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet was developed by the National Institutes of Health to lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health. It emphasizes reducing saturated fat and cholesterol intake, focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular physical activity and weight management are also key components of the TLC program.
Women's Intermittent Fasting
Fasting
SUMMARY
Intermittent fasting for women considers the hormonal fluctuations of their menstrual cycles to optimize health benefits and minimize potential negative effects. It typically involves adjusting fasting schedules based on different phases of the cycle, such as avoiding prolonged fasts during the luteal phase when the body requires more nutrients and energy. This approach aims to enhance energy levels, improve hormonal balance, and support overall well-being while considering the unique physiological needs of women.
Anti-inflammatory
Low-carb, Anti-inflammatory, Gluten-free, High-fiber
SUMMARY
Focuses on foods that reduce inflammation in the body, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. It limits processed foods, sugar, and refined carbs. The goal is to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Carnivore
High-fat, High-protein, Low-carb, Gluten-free
SUMMARY
Consists entirely of animal products, excluding all plant foods. It includes meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats, promoting weight loss and improved health through a high-protein, low-carb approach. Critics highlight the risk of nutritional deficiencies and long-term health effects.
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free
SUMMARY
Eliminates gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, beneficial for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It focuses on naturally gluten-free foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, and grains like rice and quinoa. Careful planning is needed to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Lacto-Vegetarian
Vegetarian, Low-protein, Low-fat
SUMMARY
Many Hindus follow a diet that excludes meat, fish, and eggs but includes dairy products. The diet emphasizes non-violence and respect for all living beings, which aligns with the principle of ahimsa (non-harm).
Macrobiotic
High-fiber, Plant-based
SUMMARY
The macrobiotic diet emphasizes eating whole, unprocessed foods, with a strong focus on whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, often incorporating an Asian influence. It promotes balance and harmony in eating habits, encouraging mindful eating and the avoidance of refined sugars, animal products, and artificial ingredients. The diet also includes specific guidelines on food preparation and consumption, advocating for locally sourced, seasonal foods.
Nutritarian
Low-fat, High-fiber
SUMMARY
Prioritizes nutrient-dense foods for overall health, focusing on vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and seeds. It minimizes processed foods, animal products, and added fats. The goal is to maximize nutrient intake for longevity and disease prevention.
Pegan
Plant-based, Low-protein
SUMMARY
Combines principles of Paleo and Vegan diets, emphasizing plant-based foods while allowing for some animal products. It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods for better health. The diet aims to balance the benefits of both eating patterns.
Pritikin
Low-fat, High-fiber
SUMMARY
The Pritikin Diet, developed by Nathan Pritikin, emphasizes low-fat, high-fiber foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It aims to promote weight loss, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. The diet also encourages regular physical activity and minimizing salt, sugar, and refined grains.
Vegan
Low-protein, Vegan, Anti-inflammatory
SUMMARY
Excludes all animal products and emphasizes plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. It’s often chosen for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. This diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases but requires careful planning to ensure nutritional balance.
Weight Watchers
SUMMARY
Uses a point system to encourage healthy eating habits, with foods assigned points based on their nutritional value. It provides support through meetings or online tools. The focus is on sustainable weight loss through balanced eating.
Zone
Anti-inflammatory
SUMMARY
Balances macronutrients in a 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fat ratio. It aims to control insulin levels and inflammation, promoting weight loss and improved health. Meals are designed to keep hunger in check and maintain energy levels.
Atkins
Low-carb, High-fat, High-protein
SUMMARY
Low-carb diet that includes four phases for weight loss and maintenance, starting with very low carbs and gradually increasing. It focuses on protein and fat as primary energy sources. The diet aims to reduce carbohydrate intake to promote fat burning.
DASH
Anti-inflammatory, High-fiber
SUMMARY
The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is designed to reduce blood pressure and promote heart health. It emphasizes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, red meat, sweets, and sugary beverages. Studies have shown that the DASH diet effectively lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.
Halal
SUMMARY
Follows Islamic dietary laws outlined in the Quran, including the prohibition of pork, alcohol, and improperly slaughtered animals. Halal meat must be slaughtered in the name of Allah, and food must be prepared and handled according to specific guidelines.
Ketogenic
Low-carb, High-protein, High-fat, Gluten-free
SUMMARY
High-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that promotes ketosis, a state where the body burns fat for energy. It’s popular for weight loss and managing epilepsy. The diet includes foods like meat, fish, eggs, and healthy fats, but avoids carbs.
Low FODMAP
Low-carb, Gluten-free
SUMMARY
Reduces certain carbs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) to alleviate digestive issues like IBS. It involves eliminating high-FODMAP foods and gradually reintroducing them to identify triggers. Common low-FODMAP foods include meat, eggs, certain vegetables, and fruits.
Mediterranean
Anti-inflammatory, High-fat, High-protein, Low-carb, High-fiber
SUMMARY
Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and lean proteins like fish. It's known for heart health benefits and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Wine in moderation is also part of the diet.
Ornish
Low-fat, Plant-based, High-fiber
SUMMARY
Low-fat diet focused on plant-based foods, exercise, and stress management. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, with minimal animal products. The diet aims to improve heart health and reverse chronic diseases.
Plantstrong
Plant-based, High-fiber
SUMMARY
The Plant-Strong Diet, created by Rip Esselstyn, is a plant-based eating plan that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. It aims to improve health and prevent chronic diseases by eliminating animal products and processed foods. This diet is known for its heart-health benefits and its focus on nutrient-dense foods.
South Beach
Low-carb
SUMMARY
Low-carb diet focusing on lean protein, healthy fats, and good carbs like vegetables and whole grains. It has three phases, starting with the strictest and gradually reintroducing more foods. The diet aims to reduce cravings and promote long-term weight loss.
Vegetarian
Vegetarian, Low-protein, Plant-based
SUMMARY
Excludes meat but may include dairy and eggs. It focuses on plant-based foods and can be beneficial for heart health and weight management. Variations include lacto-vegetarian, ovo-vegetarian, and lacto-ovo vegetarian diets.
Whole30
Gluten-free
SUMMARY
A 30-day diet that eliminates sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy to reset eating habits and improve health. It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods like meats, seafood, eggs, vegetables, and fruits. After 30 days, foods are reintroduced to identify potential sensitivities.