The Metabolic Effects of Different Weight Loss Diets

The DASH diet was originally conceived as the optimal diet for individuals with hypertension, based on epidemiologic and clinical trial data suggesting a beneficial effect of plant-based diets on blood pressure It is a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, with moderate amounts of nuts, legumes, fish, and poultry. Consumption of red meat, sweets, and sugary beverages is limited. As a result, the DASH diet contains more potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber and less total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, simple sugars, and sodium than the average American diet

The carbohydrate content of a low GI diet can vary, but many advocates of low GL popular diets suggest a macronutrient profile that is 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 30% fat. These low GL diets are lower in carbohydrate content and higher in protein content than the average American diet. Low GL diets typically contain ample amounts of fruits and vegetables, moderate quantities of nuts, legumes, lean meats, fish, and reduced-fat dairy products, and scant amounts of refined grains, potatoes, and sweets

The reduced-calorie diets will provide at least the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein (0.8 g/kg/day).