5 FACTS & EASY WAYS TO LOSE 20 LBS

A PANEL OF HEALTH EXPERTS PICKED THE BEST WEIGHT-LOSS PLANS OF THE YEAR

GO MEDITERRANEAN: In U.S. News & World Report ’s survey, the Mediterranean diet ranked No. 1 in Best Diets Overall. The regimen emphasizes eating lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, seeds and fish, with liberal use of olive oil, a moderate amount of dairy foods, and a small amount of red meat. In addition to losing weight, you’ll also improve your heart health. Studies show the diet had been linked to reduced blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol.

DASH TO HEALTH: The DASH diet, which stands for dietary approaches to stop hypertension, advocates eating foods rich in blood pressure deflating nutrients like potassium, calcium, protein and fiber. You’ll enjoy fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy on this diet, and reduce or eliminate foods high in saturated fat. Following DASH also means capping sodium at 2,300 milligrams a day.

BE FLEXIBLE: The Flexitarian diet (which stands for flexible and vegetarian, meaning you don’t cut out meat entirely) focuses on fruits, veggies, whole grains and plant-based protein. Created by registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, it’s an easy-to-follow, balanced plan. To get started, pick up her book The Flexitarian Diet.

WATCH OUT: Since 1963, Weight Watchers has helped millions of people lose weight and keep it off. Its SmartPoints system guides members toward an overall eating pattern that is lower in calories, saturated fat and sugar, and higher in protein. An added bonus? It’s proven and inexpensive: digital memberships start at $3.22 a week.

BE MINDFUL: The MIND diet zeroes in on foods that promote brain health, including leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and berries. According to a 2015 study, the MIND diet lowered Alzheimer’s risk by about 35% for people who followed it moderately well and up to 53% for those who adhered to it rigorously.

Eating lean proteins like salmon and lots of healthy vegetables is the basis of the Mediterranean diet.

My diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is good food. I eat well, but I try to eat healthy.”

— Penélope Cruz