Introduction and Context
In 2017, U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Diets rankings evaluated eating patterns for short- and long-term effectiveness, heart health, ease of use, and safety. This evergreen overview explains the overall winners, notable runners-up, and what the evidence suggested at the time. It clarifies which approaches were judged best for general health, weight loss, disease management, and behavioral sustainability, while highlighting common limitations and safety considerations that remain relevant.
Overall Best Diets Rankings in 2017
U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 rankings (reflecting 2017 evidence and expert consensus) listed these top-scoring diets:
- DASH Diet: Top overall, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy to manage blood pressure.
- Mediterranean Diet: Strong for heart health and longevity, focusing on plants, olive oil, fish, and limited red meat.
- Flexitarian Diet: A semi-vegetarian approach that earned high marks for flexibility and health benefits.
- Mayo Clinic Diet: Balanced, practical, and designed for long-term habit change.
- TLC Diet: Specifically intended to lower cholesterol within a structured framework.
The DASH Diet: Profile and Evidence
Core Design and Primary Goals
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet prioritizes blood pressure reduction through specific nutrient targets: higher intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy; controlled sodium; and limited saturated fat and sweets. In 2017, clinical consensus supported its consistent, measurable impact on hypertension and cardiometabolic risk.
Practical Benefits and Common Challenges
Practical benefits include clearer sodium guidance and a flexible structure suitable for many households. Typical challenges involve adjusting to lower sodium levels and increasing preparation of whole foods. Medical supervision is recommended for people with kidney disease or on certain medications.
The Mediterranean Diet: Profile and Evidence
Core Design and Primary Goals
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes minimally processed plant foods, daily physical activity, social meals, olive oil as the primary fat, moderate fish and poultry, limited red meat, and, for some, modest wine with meals. In 2017, strong research linked this pattern to lower cardiovascular events and better cognitive health.
Practical Benefits and Common Challenges
Benefits include flavor variety and strong evidence for heart and brain health. Challenges can be cost, especially for fresh fish and produce, and the learning curve for those unfamiliar with the patterns. It is generally safe but may require adjustments for specific medical conditions or nutrient interactions.
The Flexitarian and Other Flexible Approaches
Core Design and Primary Goals
The Flexitarian diet encourages mostly vegetarian meals while allowing meat and animal products occasionally, promoting weight management and heart health without strict rules. The Mayo Clinic Diet focuses on habit formation, active decision-making about food, and steady, sustainable weight loss. The TLC Diet is a structured, lower-fat plan intended to reduce LDL cholesterol under guidance.
Practical Benefits and Common Challenges
Flexibility often improves adherence, though some people need more explicit rules. The Mayo Clinic Diet’s emphasis on tracking and mindful choices suits behavior change, while TLC’s structure is useful for cholesterol control but may require professional guidance for balance and completeness.
Comparative Snapshot: Key Objectives, Typical Outcomes, and Considerations (2017 Context)
| Diet | Primary Objective(s) | Typical Short-Term Outcomes (3–6 months) | Long-Term Strengths | Common Limitations and Safety Notes (2017 consensus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DASH | Lower blood pressure and improve cardiometabolic markers | Modest weight loss; reduced systolic blood pressure | Sustainable eating patterns; strong evidence for hypertension | Increased shopping and cooking; sodium adjustments; monitor kidney issues and some medications |
| Mediterranean | Support heart health and longevity | Weight stability or modest loss; better lipid profiles | Cardiovascular and cognitive protection; high adherence | Cost of fresh fish and produce; alcohol guidance not suitable for all |
| Flexitarian | Balance plant and animal foods for weight and health | Weight loss; improved diet quality | Flexibility; environmental and ethical benefits | Potential nutrient gaps if planning is insufficient; need attention to protein and iron |
| Mayo Clinic | Long-term weight management and healthy habits | Steady weight loss in structured phase | Behavioral focus; practical tools for daily choices | Requires consistent tracking; less prescriptive for medical conditions |
| TLC | Lower LDL cholesterol | Measurable LDL reduction over 3–6 months | Structured, evidence-based for lipid management | Complexity and lower palatability; frequent monitoring recommended |
How to Choose and Adapt a Plan for 2017 and Beyond
Choosing among the best diets in 2017 depended on specific health goals, medical conditions, budget, cooking skills, and personal preferences. For blood pressure, DASH and Mediterranean were strongly supported; for cholesterol, TLC had a clear role; for flexible, plant-forward eating, Flexitarian matched many lifestyles; for structured habit change, Mayo Clinic offered practical tools. Safe implementation generally included medical review for metabolic conditions, gradual changes to fiber and sodium, attention to nutrient adequacy, and use of reliable tracking tools rather than extreme restriction.
Limitations, Misconceptions, and Safety Considerations
No single diet is optimal for every person, and 2017 evidence consistently highlighted trade-offs: structure can help but may reduce long-term adherence if too rigid; rapid weight loss often comes with regain; and restrictive labeling can oversimplify balanced eating. People with diabetes, kidney disease, heart conditions, or on medications require professional guidance to avoid adverse effects. Claims promising quick fixes or extreme restriction typically carried higher risk and lower sustainability.
Summary and Takeaways
By 2017, the best diets were well-defined by research and expert consensus: DASH and Mediterranean led for broad health benefits, Flexitarian offered adaptable plant-focused choices, Mayo Clinic supported habit-based weight management, and TLC provided structured cholesterol control. These patterns emphasized whole foods, reduced processed intake, and mindful sodium and fat, while acknowledging practical constraints and safety needs. Applying them successfully depended on matching the plan to personal context, monitoring progress, and adjusting with professional support as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why were these diets ranked highest in 2017? They scored well across effectiveness, safety, ease of use, and evidence for chronic disease risk reduction at that time.
- Can these diets help with weight loss? Yes, several support weight loss when combined with calorie control and increased activity, though approaches and speed vary.
- Is medical supervision necessary? It is recommended for people with chronic conditions, on medications, or planning significant dietary changes.
- Are these eating patterns suitable for vegetarians or vegans? Mediterranean and Flexitarian are adaptable; DASH and TLC can work with planning to meet nutrient needs.
- How can I start safely in 2024 and beyond? Begin with a medical review, set realistic goals, prioritize whole foods, reduce processed items and excess sodium, and use tools or coaching to maintain consistency.
Tags
best diets 2017, DASH diet, Mediterranean diet, Flexitarian diet, heart-healthy eating, weight management, diabetes nutrition, cholesterol management