• Alzate L

• Diet
• Diet, Mediterranean
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Weight Loss

Abstract: We live in an era of widely spread dietary recommendations which, for the most part, are overwhelming and confusing for the layperson. Internet searches point to millions of diet-plan results, which leave the consumer in doubt of the best science-based advice or which is merely a business enterprise. An overwhelming number of articles and publications on dietary approaches is found in a simple search on the internet. On a Google search for "diet approach" yield 682,000,000 results in 52 seconds. While almost all weight-loss and diet plans will cause a person to lose weight temporarily, the most effective diet is the on the person can follow for the rest of their lives, has significantly high scores and is most efficient in weight loss, de-inflammatory properties and health maintenance. It is the type that physiologically works the best for that person in particular, considering the person's overall health condition, age and gender, and even specific medical conditions.  With that in mind, when assessing a dietary plan, either faddism, food theory or special medical diet, it is important to assess adherence scores and physiological outcomes of the plan in order to have a better understanding of the possible successful rate of the diet. In order to fulfill a healthy individual's daily needs, a complete diet should also include balanced amounts of all food groups such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and water, as well as lifestyle associated with regular physical activity and proper sleeping patterns. Finally, it is important to take into consideration the expertise and background of the person or specialist recommending the dietary plan in order to shed light into the credibility of the source. With a combination of these tools, it is possible to form an educated opinion regarding a specific dietary plan and make proper recommendations to patients.

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