Ways of eating

Diets

Pros, cons and the foods that suit each approach.

12 shown

DASH diet

Designed to lower blood pressure by cutting salt and emphasising produce and low-fat dairy.

Flexitarian diet

Mostly plant-based but allows occasional meat and fish.

Gluten-free diet

Essential for coeliac disease; removes wheat, barley and rye.

Intermittent fasting

Cycles between eating windows and fasting periods rather than changing what you eat.

Ketogenic (keto) diet

Very low carbohydrate and high fat, shifting the body to burn fat for fuel.

Low-carbohydrate diet

Reduces carbohydrates without the strictness of keto.

Mediterranean diet

A plant-forward pattern rich in vegetables, olive oil, wholegrains, fish and legumes.

Paleo diet

Focuses on foods presumed available to hunter-gatherers, excluding grains, dairy and legumes.

Vegan diet

Excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs and honey.

Vegetarian diet

Excludes meat and fish; may include dairy and eggs.

Whole-food plant-based

Emphasises minimally processed plant foods, low in oil and refined ingredients.

Whole30

A 30-day elimination programme cutting sugar, grains, dairy, legumes and alcohol.

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