If ever there was a year when unhealthy habits could bite the dust, 2022 is definitely it – for many it will be a year of restoring routines and making redeeming choices for the future. And it could be the first time you care more about how you feel when you eat than how you look; Luckily, there are a handful of meal plans that can help you on both fronts. Stefani Sassos, MS, RD, CDN, Registered Dietitian with the Good Housekeeping Institute, explains that this year’s best diets — which can revolutionize your cardiovascular health, help you shed pounds steadily, and improve your mood — don’t push what is commonly known as the “yo-yo” diet. ” The best diets teach you excellent nutritional principles that you can apply to your life, no matter what program you follow,” she claims.

These top-notch diets and programs hold promise for anyone looking to improve their health this year; If 2022 had a single theme, it’s sustainable, says Sassos. she adds. Only one of the diets on our list actively discourages meat. Still, they all emphasize more plant-based eating, Sasso points out, adding that these plans fight cardiovascular disease and inflammation while providing more antioxidants than ever: “You’ll fill up nutritious foods, which in turn can help you control your weight.”

It takes some work to set yourself up for a healthier routine, especially if you plan to stick to it year-round. Here’s what to prioritize with any diet you try:

1

Getting Enough Energy: The US Department of Health and Human Services claims that healthy amounts of calories in a given diet for adult women range from 1,600 to 2,400 per day (2,000 to 3,000 for men), but calorie intake should be adjusted based on your activity level. If you’re trying to lose weight, Sassos says 1,200 calories (1,400 for men) should be the bare minimum. A meal plan that dips below this amount may not provide enough nutrients in your meals and your metabolism will suffer. Read More

Chickpea salad with smashed cucumbers