The Verdict on Diet Trends

By looking at the current diet trends, you will see that today's best diets focus less on fast weight loss and more on changing eating habits. Have a look for yourself.

The Verdict on Fads Diets in 2006 >>

ON THE RISE:

Eating Globally

THE FRENCH DIET: Small portions and eating slowly. CLAIM: France manages to balance a rich diet with low obesity rates.

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET: Lots of good fats, fish and nuts. CLAIM: Low incidence of diabetes and heart disease in Italy and Greece.

THE OKINAWA DIET: Select, high-nutrient foods and a low-calorie intake. CLAIM: Low mortality rates in that region of Japan.

Eating Frequently

THE 3-HOUR DIET: Small meals every three hours. CLAIM: Frequent eating may train your body to not store fat. Eating Expensively

PERRICONE DIET: Lots of sleep, whole foods and Perricone-brand products. CLAIM: Cutting back on processed foods and stress helps reduce wrinkles and promotes weight loss.

HAMPTONS DIET: High-quality, unrefined and organic foods. CLAIM: The diet of the rich.

LOSING POPULARITY:

ATKINS: Last year Atkins Nutritional Inc. applied for bankruptcy protection, evidence of the falling popularity of zero-tolerance approaches to carbohydrates.

THE ZONE: This diet's food ratios calculations are complicated, and consistent use is dropping.

SOUTH BEACH: The backlash against low-carb diets hurt this popular "quick fix." However, an updated version incorporating whole grains and good fats could extend its life.

New Diet Trends >>

IN 2006, EXPECT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT:

WHOLE FOODS: Canada's Guidelines to Healthy Eating now incorporates findings on micronutrients and phytochemicals in whole foods like lentils, nuts, beans, unrefined grains, fruits and vegetables.

FAT AWARENESS: The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada says beneficial fats should comprise about a quarter of our caloric intake. However, trans fats, used widely in processed foods, raise levels of harmful cholesterols in the body. Last year, Health Canada launched a program to educate people on trans (or partially hydrogenated) fats, and Canada became the first country to require food labelling for trans fat content.

FUNCTIONAL FOODS: A range of antioxidants are found in higher levels in some grains and produce. This finding has launched a marketing blitz on "functional" or "super" foods, like blueberries and salmon.