According to data from Experian Marketing Services, the most popular day to search for a diet is January 1st. So if you were one of the trillions Googling “how to lose weight” then do your research and know what to really expect from America’s most popular diets. 

#1 Paleo Diet

Calling all cavemen and cavewomen. This diet is perfect for the carb obsessed since a primitive practice requires that you ditch refined sugar, dairy, grains and legumes in favor for meat, fish, poultry, fruits, and veggies. Basically, if it didn’t grow your going to have to let it go. This is great for eliminating process foods, but the downside is you can end up OD’ing on meat, so keep it lean Flinstone RADical.

#2 Metabolism Miracle Diet

Who doesn’t want a fast metabolism? If you are constantly tired, crave carbs like crazy and tend to gain weight easily (just to name a few)- then according to Diane Kress of the Metabolism Miracle- you may have Metabolism B. This alternative metabolism simply means you and carbs don’t play nicely. So get ready to kiss feeling lazy goodbye with her three phase “let me get my carbs under control” program. What are the cons of this diet? None.

#3 Atkins Diet

Here comes another low carb high protein diet. The Atkins Diet has been around forever and some change. By eating a lot of protein and very (and I mean very) little carbs you will certainly lose weight. But here’s the downside – it is temporary, and in my opinion, dangerous. Eating only protein forces the body into starvation mode because most tissues, including the brain, typically prefer to run on glucose, or blood sugar, which is supplied by carbohydrates. So you chose, skinny and scatter brained or healthy and wholesomely well rounded.

#4 Gluten Free Diet

Gluten free seems to be all I see nowadays. And this is good news for those suffering from Celiac Disease, however for the rest of us the question of “to be or not to be gluten free” is a tricky one. Yes, once you pass on gluten you will automatically consume less processed foods and more high quality grains, like quinoa, however beware of sneaky labels. The food industry will consume you (pun intended) if you aren’t careful. For instance a “gluten free” cookie is still a cookie. And last time I checked cookies weren’t healthy. With that said recognize that many gluten-free products contain higher levels of both fat and sugar.

#5 Diabetic Diet

Compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes: 4.9 million, or 18.7 percent of all African Americans aged 20 years or older deal with this disease. However many people are now adopting a diabetic diet for preventive reasons. By eliminating high sugar, eating smaller mini meals through out the day, and by limiting alcohol, fat and salt I say that a diabetic diet deserves two thumbs up. No cons here.

#6 South Beach Diet

And another low carb diet comes to play…South Beach is a bit more unique than the others simply because it is simple. Not so much counting or measuring needed. I also like how the relationship with carbs is explored. By recognizing “how” carbs effect you, you can eliminate a lot of “mindless eating.” This diet (done in moderation) is alright with me. However be careful not to drop too low in the low/no carb game or you may spend more time on the “I aint got no energy” team.

#7 Military Diet/3 Day Diet

Cheap yes. Simple yes. Healthy NO! I am the queen of “no quick fixes” allowed. This diet boasts “Lose 10lbs by dieting for only 3 days! No exercise needed.” Sounds like a disaster to me. I mean sure toast at almost every meal and vanilla ice cream at one sounds great, but where in the world are all the calories. Oh and can’t forget the suggested hot dog dinner?! Clocking in at 800-1000 calories a day is less than even a child eats. Foolishness across the board. Two thumbs down.

#8 Mediterranean Diet

Well before I knew it was called such, I was eating like this. Just my preference I guess. Here is what it entails: eating primarily plant based foods, replacing butter with healthy fats like olive oil, using herbs and spices instead of salt, limited red meat and more fish and poultry and my favorite part- red wine (in moderation)! This diet is the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, so no cons here.

#9 Cabbage Soup Diet

Oh for real, people are still doing this?! I can barely eat left overs more than two days in a row so you better believe I wont be slurping cabbage soup seven days straight – which P.S. is what this diet requires. Yeah you can add a side here and there, like up to eight bananas on day 6 (blank stare). I mean seriously who thinks of this stuff?! Hopefully not you RADical. No pros, all nos.

#10 Dash Diet

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension- DASH for short, was developed based on several scientific studies conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH). As another preventive diet, DASH is recommended for people who have hypertension or pre-hypertension. It consists of plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or non-fat dairy, whole grains and is rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Since it is currently the #1 rated overall diet by the U.S. News and World Report I am going have to say no cons here yall.