With such a wide variety of diets on the market, you may wonder which one is the best one. The truth of the matter is that there isn’t one diet that is better than another. They all have benefits. Take a look at the minimalist guide to diets below.

Whether you follow a paleo, vegan, mediterranean or other diet, the diet that you choose should be the one that supports your health goals and lifestyle. Some diets can increase your energy, some can help you stay fit and some can reduce calories or prevent or control disease. The choice is individual. What matters is that your diet makes you feel good.

Remember that food is one of life’s pleasure — it brings people together. Choosing a healthy diet is one thing, but aiming for the perfect diet all of the time is another thing. Eating should be an enjoyable experience and not a robotic duty that can make you feel like a failure every time you eat something that isn’t exactly “healthy”.

When it comes to dieting, the best thing to do is to aim for balance — eat a variety of wholesome foods and now and then, treat yourself to a little indulgence without feeling guilty; enjoy that soul-pleasing pastry or snack without beating yourself up over it afterwards!

A basic rule to eating well is to base your diet on whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy, legumes and lean meats or fish. Also, try to consume fewer sugars and substitutes. The American Heart Association recommends a daily limit of 30 gm (6 teaspoons) of sugar for women and 45 gm (9 teaspoons) for men.

According to world-renowned expert in disease prevention and nutrition, Dr. David Katz: “A diet of minimally processed foods close to nature, predominantly plants, is decisively associated with health promotion and disease prevention.” If you are thinking of changing your diet, your doctor or nutritionist can help you find a diet that best suits your health needs and lifestyle.

The infographic below was designed by Chris Morley Design for Nuique.