Want to know the best diets for 2015? Here’s a crib sheet on 13 of this year’s best diet books for weight loss, well-being and expert advice to help you choose which one is right for you before your commit
Gained a few extra pounds during the festive season and want to lose it fast? Well, we’ve got the 10 best diets and diet books of 2015 – something for everyone, from the yo-yo dieters, to carb cutters, to those who need tough love and those who want to go at their own pace. Yep, you can rely on us to save you from buying loads of books and give you a summary of 13 of the hot diets for this year (you’re welcome).
If you…HATE EXERCISE
The 12-Minute Weight-Loss Plan: High intensity interval training + smart eating = fast, easy weight loss
by Dr Michael Spira, (8th January 2015).
Who is the author?
Dr Michael Spira is an obesity expert who founded this diet after he became overweight. He is a consultant on a UK obesity programme and has been on many national TV shows for his expertise in dieting so he knows what he’s talking about.
What can I eat?
This diet is split into two sections – there is an Orientation phase (Phase One), which lasts for two weeks and helps kick-start the diet which is followed by the Continuation Phase (Phase Two), which is meant to be a healthy guide to the rest of your life.
There is a two week meal plan for each phase to get ideas from. The Orientation phase is more strict than the Continuation phase. You can eat dried apricots, grapefruit, lentils, poultry, lean meats, wheat tortillas, low fat cheeses and yogurts and a limited amount of nuts.
During Continuation phase, (Phase Two), you can eat everything (yay) but you must ensure you follow portion sizes and eat plenty of low-GI vegetables. It’s recommended to eat half a grapefruit before as many main meals as possible as it keeps insulin levels low meaning you feel less hungry.
What can’t I eat?
Orientation phase cuts out alcohol, bread, cereal, pasta, rice and whole or semi-skimmed milk. We know this list includes a lot of peoples’ favs but remember, it’s only for two weeks, not the rest of your life. Luckily, there’s no food restrictions during the Continuation phase.
How about exercise?
According to Dr Spira, you’ll only have to do a 12 minute high intensity workout per week. Yep, that’s right, just 12 minutes. Exercises include cycling, running, swimming and stairs. There are also exercises that you can follow such as squat jacks, ski moguls, crunch frogs and spiderman push-ups so you can then tailor you’re own workout.
What’s the promise?
To lose weight and keep it off without spending hours in a gym.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you’re not keen on exercise.
If you…GET TUMMY ISSUES LIKE IBS
The Low-FODMAP Diet Cookbook: 150 simple and delicious recipes to relieve symptoms of IBS, Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease and other digestive disorders
by Dr Sue Shepard, (8th January 2015).
Who is the author?
Dr Sue Shepard is an Accredited Nutritionist and an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian. She developed the low FODMAP diet in 1999 and proved the diet worked effectively for people suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s and Coeliac disease as well as other digestive disorders through her PhD research. She published The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet back in Autumn 2014.
What can I eat?
You can feel free to eat as much meat, fish, eggs, potatoes and pasta as you like.
What can’t I eat?
Onions are a definite no go. Mushrooms, avocado, apples, most pulses, wheat, rye and barley are also off the list, (to name a few), as are many diary products such as milk, yogurt, ice-cream and soft cheeses such as mascarpone and ricotta. (We know it’s a lot but don’t worry, you won’t go hungry – we promise).
How about exercise?
There are no exercise tips included but to be fair, this is a cookbook to help aid digestion rather than a diet to lose weight.
What’s the promise?
150 healthy and tasty recipes which helps with digestive disorders. All recipes are gluten free and can tailored for vegetarians and vegans so no-one is left out.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you suffer from IBS or other digestive disorders.
If you’ve…HIT A WALL
The Burn: Why Your Scale Is Stuck and What to Eat about It
by Haylie Pomroy, (1st January 2015).
Who is the author?
Renowned nutritionist Haylie Pomroy is best known for her first book The Fast Metabolism Diet and has helped thousands of people shift weight with her diet programs. In The Burn, Pomroy has identified hormonal imbalances, inflammation and digestive issues as the three main reasons why people hit a wall when losing weight.
What can I eat?
Depending on the plan you’re best suited for (there’s a series of questions which will provide the answer), foods that you can and can’t eat will vary.
The I-Burn plan is specifically for people who suffer with inflammation. These people should stock up on celery, turnips, radishes, cucumber, watermelon, mushrooms, avocado, pine nuts, walnuts, turkey and white fish.
People suffering with digestive problems will be on the D-Burn plan. Their diet will consist of carrots, kale, kimchi, onions, pumpkin, pineapple, green apples, chicken, lamb, salmon, eggs, most nuts, and more.
The H-Burn combats hormonal issues and foods included on the list are kale, mushrooms, beetroot, asparagus, nori sheets, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, mussles, prawns, beef, and chicken.
What can’t I eat?
Processed foods are not allowed in any of the plans.
There isn’t any chicken, pork, lamb or beef on the I-Burn plan.
D-Burners shouldn’t have any shellfish.
H-Burners should avoid pork and white fish.
How about exercise?
I-Burners are recommended to do 30 minutes walking or 20 – 30 minutes of yoga or stretching.
To boost metabolism, D burners should do 30 to 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise.
H-Burners should do three consecutive days of exercise starting with cardio, followed by strength training and finishing with yoga or another exercise to reduce stress.
What’s the promise?
To lose three, five of ten pounds in just as many days.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you’re struggling to lose those last few pounds in a short amount of time.
If you…LOVE THE OUTDOORS
The Ice Diet
by Peta Bee, (Published January 15th 2015).
Who is the author?
Peta Bee is a health and fitness expert who has based The Ice Diet on scientific research that shows our overuse of artificial heating means our bodies no longer feel the benefits of the cold and has ultimately led to weight gain.
What can I eat?
Seasonal fruits, lean meats, peppers, oats, seeds and nuts, eggs, legumes and grains.
Bee states that you should eat two large meals a day (three if you’re very active) with nothing inbetween. You should also schedule when you eat to trigger good fats into action and to allow your muscles and organs rest which will have a positive effect on your metabolism. Bee recommends starting the diet by eating meals within 12 hours and then having a 12 hour gap. So for example, you would eat all your meals between 7am and 7pm and then not eat again until 7am the next morning.
What can’t I eat?
There are no foods to avoid completely but instead, only those to limit which include refined cereals, ready-made pasta sauces, flavoured yogurts, bagged salads and fruit juices. Don’t forget – snacking is not an option.
How about exercise?
The most important thing is to exercise outdoors as it kick-starts your metabolism.
Bee recommends swimming, walking or doing high intensity interval training such as jumping jacks, high-knee running and bear crawls outside. Tip: buy thermal gloves.
What’s the promise?
Lose weight within six weeks (they don’t say how much but they also promise you can burn 50 pounds of fat a year by switching to a cooler lifestyle – sign us up).
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you’re `outdoorsy` or need to cut down on electricity bills.
If you…LOVE YOUR MEAT
The Paleo Primer: A Jump-Start Guide to Losing Body Fat and Living Primally by Keris Marsden and Matt Whitmore, (5th March 2015).
Who is the author?
Keris Marsden studied public health nutrition whilst Matt Whitmore is a recipe developer and health coach. Both are personal trainers and live by the The Paleo diet.
What can I eat?
Your diet will consist of meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, spices, herbs and natural fats.
What can’t I eat?
No processed or manufactured foods like bread, pasta or ready-meals.
How about exercise?
Unfortunately, exercise tips aren’t included from these two fitness coaches but then, they are stating that you can lose weight and keep lean simply by your diet regardless of your fitness regime.
What’s the promise?
To lose body fat, have better skin, increase your energy levels and generally have a positive effect on your overall health.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you like to live organically or want to cut carbs from your diet.
If you…WANT TO PREVENT DEMENTIA
Healthy Eating to Reduce the Risk of Dementia: 100 Fantastic Recipes Based on Extensive, In-depth Research in Association with the Waterloo Foundation
by Margaret Rayman, Vanessa Ridland, Katie Sharpe and Patsy Westcott, (29th January 2015).
Who is the author?
Margaret Rayman is a Nutritional Medicine Professor and has teamed up with Registered Dietitians Vanessa Ridland and Katie Sharpe, and nutritionist and health writer Patsy Westcott.
What can I eat?
Pistachios, red wine, olive oil, berries and beetroot are amongst the foods that can help prevent dementia. There are over 100 tasty recipes based on extensive research that provide the maximum amount of nutrients to protect your brain.
What can’t I eat?
There are no food restrictions but they recommend you to cut down on processed and high saturated fat foods.
How about exercise?
They recommend combining aerobic classes with strength training exercises (exercise is incredibly good for the brain) but there is no set regime.
What’s the promise?
To reduce the risk of dementia.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you know someone with dementia or want to prevent it yourself (while also eating healthy, balanced diet).
If you…GET BORED EASILY
LeBootCamp Diet: Eat Well; Lose Weight Now; Keep it off Forever
by Valerie Orsoni, (1st January 2015).
Who is the author?
Valerie Orsoni decided to create a healthy eating programme based on research with the help of her chef father to shed fat permanently after being a serial yoyo-dieter for years. The diet is backed up by Le Panel, a board of Olympic athletes, dietitians, nutritionists, physicians, psychologists and scientists, so although Orsoni may not have a medical background, she’s supported by many people that have various expertise in the health and fitness industry.
What can I eat?
Bananas, berries, apples, white meat, seafood, sweet potatoe, whole grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, honey and yogurt are on the list of Foods to Enjoy and Food to Feast on.
Le Boot Camp Diet has four phases – Detox, Attack, Booster and Maintenance which all last for two weeks.
Throughout every stage you must have five detox foods (listed in each section) per day, drink Sobacha (a drink you make out of roasted buckwheat seeds and boiled water) every morning, and lemon juice in water every morning.
What can’t I eat?
Dairy products that derive from cows, gluten, yeast, eggs, sauces and alcohol. You have to avoid red meat for the first two weeks but then you’re good to go.
How about exercise?
A 30 minute walk in the morning before eating anything is suggested. Orsoni also includes various 25th hour exercises, so called because you can fit them into any busy schedule. These include groups of 50 jumping jacks, and 20 wall push-ups and you should aim to do five of each group a day.
What’s the promise?
To lose weight and keep it off forever along with a ’92 per cent success rate after six months and visible results after one week’.
Why would I like this?
You’ll like this if…you get bored of diets easily and don’t have much time for exercise.
if you…ARE OVER DIETS
Cut the Crap: The No-Nonsense Plan for a Healthy Body and Mind (Grit Doctor)
by Ruth Field, (15th January 2015).
Who is the author?
Ruth Field, also known as The Grit Doctor is the author of the best-selling book Run Fat Bitch Run, and acknowledges most diets don’t work long-term and tells you exactly why.
What can I eat?
Everything, but Field strongly suggests eating more than five portions of fruit or veg a day.
What can’t I eat?
There are no foods that you can’t eat but things to cut down on, such as sugar, red meat and processed foods. The Grit Doctor also advises on measuring oil when cooking, never buying cream and checking cereals for high sugar levels.
How about exercise?
Field states `Regular exercise is not an optional lifestyle but the essential feature of a healthy lifestyle.` She makes you want to get up off your butt and has no pity for excuses. Running three times a week is highly recommended. She also states that you should find an exercise that you enjoy to some degree and one that is accessible so obstacles such as over-time don’t get in your way.
What’s the promise?
Helps readers ditch fad diets and provides simple and accessible healthy eating advice to transform your body and mind without following a set diet.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this is if …you’re a no nonsense type and like a direct approach (her advice is pretty spot on actually).
If you…PREFER A FLEXIBLE APPROACH
Make Your Own Rules Diet
by Tara Stiles (10th November, 2014).
Who is the author?
Renowned Yoga instructor Tara Stiles who founded Strala – yoga that focuses on movement.
What can I eat?
This whole diet is based around you – what you feel and what works for you. You know your strengths and weaknesses so rather than simply follow a meal plan set out by a stranger, you tailor your own…with a little help on the way.
Tara shares some of her favourite juices and what health foods you’d find in her kitchen, i.e – kale, pumpkin, lima beans, safflower oil and barley. At no point does Tara tell you to purchase these earthly goods but simply lets you in to her healthy lifestyle.
In her Seven Days to Radiate Kick Start section, Tara provides a usual seven day routine that she follows consisting of meals, snacks and exercises so people can get an idea of how to create their own rules.
What can’t I eat?
Tara states that she doesn’t eat meat or processed foods but that doesn’t mean these foods are necessarily off limits for you considering this diet is all about you.
How about exercise?
Well, considering Tara is a YouTube yoga sensation, you can bet that there’s plenty of yoga and meditation exercises outlined along with a 30 day real-deal transformation plan where yoga and meditation is incorporated daily, sometimes twice.
What’s the promise?
The title may leave many of you questioning `why do I need a book if I’m going to make my own rules?` Well, Stiles gives you tips on how to create your own sustainable rulebook and incorporates meditation, yoga and nourishing recipes for an overall healthy lifestyle.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you enjoy yoga and if you don’t like someone telling you what to do.
If you…LOVE YOUR FOOD
The Sunshine Diet: Get Some Sunshine into Your Life, Lose Weight and Feel Amazing – Over 120 Delicious Recipes
by Shelina Permallo, (8th January 2015).
Who is the author?
Shelina Permalloo is BBC’s 2012’s MasterChef winner.
What can I eat?
There aren’t any foods restricted but Permalloo includes options for big family celebrations so there’s no excuse to buy fatty sausage rolls. With her exotic background, Permalloo knows how to integrate chillies, spices and herbs in a balanced and tasty way so you no longer need to suffer from a flavourless palate.
What can’t I eat?
Well you’ll find no processed food included in this cookbook.
How about exercise?
No exercise tips included but let’s remember – this is the Masterchef winner not an Olympic gold medalist.
What’s the promise?
You can finally learn how to cook like a Masterchef winner and lose weight at the same time (Permalloo lost 45 pounds in ten months following these recipes – that’s three an a half stone).
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.
If you’re…LOOKING FOR A HEALTHY WAY TO DETOX
The Earth Diet: Your Complete Guide to Living Using Earth’s Natural Ingredients
by Liana Werner-Gray, (24th November 2014).
Who is the author?
Liana Werner-Gray is known worldwide for lecturing about natural healing after curing herself from a pre-cancerous tumour in her throat at 21 purely by healthy eating.
What can I eat?
The prominent point of The Earth Diet is to only eat what Mother Nature provides such as seeds, nuts, vegetables, some grains and if you choose to eat meat, going only organic – Werner-Gray provides options for vegans and meat-eaters.
What can’t I eat?
Processed foods are a no go so no carbs, crisps, cakes…etc. Refined sugar and flour, fast food, frozen food and non-organic dairy products are also to be avoided. If you’re trying to lose weight it’s advised you eat less or no meat and exclude dairy and gluten from your diet.
How about exercise?
Unfortunately, there are no exercise tips included.
What’s the promise?
It will help you feel revitalised and lose weight even if you do eat dessert everyday. (Yep, this is a diet that allows you to have scrumptious desserts every single day.)
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if… you’re already into organic and raw foods.
If you’re…AN EMOTIONAL EATER
The Weight Escape: Stop fad dieting, start losing weight and reshape your life using cutting-edge psychology
by Joseph Ciarrochi, Ann Bailey and Doctor Russ Harris, (8th January 2015)
Who is the author?
Scientist Joseph Ciarrochi, psychologist Ann Bailey and Doctor Russ Harris have collaborated and used their areas of expertise for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to have a lasting impact on your goals.
This isn’t an ordinary weight loss book as it primarily focuses on the psychological barriers that prevent you from achieving (and maintaining) long-term goals.
We all have `destructive mental, behavourial and emotional processes` but ACT uses exercises to help you manage these so you don’t beat yourself up or return to unhealthy eating habits when you’re having a bad day. You will learn how to handle cravings (finally), combat emotional eating and motivate yourself despite any setbacks.
What can I eat?
There isn’t a list of foods that you can and can’t eat. Instead, there’s an Appendix full of nurtritional guidelines of low, medium and high energy density foods. The low energy density foods such as bananas, sweetcorn, celery, apples, mangoes, yogurt, cottage cheese, bulgur wheat, gnocchi, wild rice and prawns means you can eat more of these foods. Medium energy density foods like Branflakes, dates, avocado, chicken, pork chops, halloumi cheese, pita bread, bagels, bread, rice and scones means portion control needs to be practised. The higher energy foods such as Belvita Breakfast biscuits, salami, bacon, cream, Parmesan cheese, cashew nuts, shortbread biscuits and corn chips should be limited.
What can’t I eat?
See above.
How about exercise?
The book doesn’t have recipes or physical exercises but includes mental exercises, dilemmas we can all relate to and nutritional guidelines.
What’s the promise?
To keep weight off and have a positive outlook in regards to food and weight.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you put weight back on after dieting or if you’re an emotional eater.
If you…WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR AN EVENT
10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse: Lose Up to 15 Pounds in 10 Days!
by J.J Smith. (5th January 2015).
Who is the author?
Nutritionist J.J Smith who is a certified weight-loss expert. Smith struggled with her weight years back so she can relate to many of our struggles.
What can I eat?
Smoothies made with fruits and vegetables. Recipes are divided into various categories, from Athletic Performance to Bones and Joint to Diabetes/Blood Sugar Control. Oh yes, this book has it covered. There are even recipes for meals that are recommended once you finish your 10 day cleanse so you don’t suddenly feel lost and revert to bad eating habits.
What can’t I eat?
Obviously, solid foods are off the table.
How about exercise?
Smith acknowledges you may not feel the most active so suggests doing yoga or going for s brisk walk but also states that it’s important to rest if you’re really feeling tired.
What’s the promise?
Help shed 10 to 15 pounds in 10 days, (yes really), boost your energy levels and reduce those annoying sugar cravings.
Why would I like it?
You’ll like this if…you’re into your smoothies.
If you…CAN LIVE WITHOUT CARBS (but not cheese!)
The High Fat Diet: How to lose 10 lb in 14 days
by Zana Morris and Helen Foster (15th January 2015).
Who is the author?
Nutritionist specialist Zana Morris is also a personal trainer who owns the The Library, a gym based in Notting Hill, whilst Helen Foster is a best-selling health journalist.
What can I eat?
Most cheeses and creams, walnuts, macadamia nuts, red meat, eggs and oily fish are on the menu.
What can’t I eat?
Breakfast cereals, pasta, bread, potatoes, fruit (yes, fruit!), beans, pulses, milk, yogurt, brazil nuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, most low-fat foods, processed meats like salami and most condiments.
How about exercise?
High Intensity Resistance Training is the way forward on this diet meaning you’ll be working on building your muscles intensely for 10-12 minutes a day rather than doing one hour cardiovascular workouts. There’s a whole section on exercises to do at the gym and at home.
What’s the promise?
Lose ten pounds in two weeks.
Why would I like it?
You’d like this if…you like quick workouts and aren’t a big carb eater.
Is there a diet that works for you? Tell us which in the comments below
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