The Truth About 10 Trendy New Year's Diets

4) The Mediterranean Diet

What It Is: In its purest form, the Mediterranean diet is designed to emulate the food choices of those who live in areas on the Mediterranean Sea, such as in Italy and Southern France. A true Mediterranean diet is predominantly plant-based, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, seeds and olive oil. It also incorporates some cheese, yogurt, fresh fish and poultry, with very little red meat.

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Most nutrition experts caution that the Italian fare served at many Italian restaurants in the U.S. -- which is heavy in cheese, meat and fat -- should not be confused with a Mediterranean diet.

Expert Verdict:

Ayoob: "This diet is famous for olive oil. Olive oil is great and it's heart-healthy, but it has as many calories as any other oil, even the less healthy ones. As such, the more olive oil you eat, the smaller your other portions are going to be. It's true that fat helps you feel satisfied, and this diet also focuses on lots of fruits and veggies, but it can be a little low in calcium, as dairy is not a huge part of the Mediterranean diet. I'd modify it to include low-fat milk."

Ikeda: "In looking at the [figures] below, one has to conclude that eating the way the French and Italians do might be quite beneficial."

Percentage of people classified as obese:

USA: Female = 34 percent; Male = 27.7 percent

Italy: Female = 9.9 percent; Male = 9.5 percent

France: Female = 7.0 percent; Male = 8.0 percent

Source: http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/healthiereating/advertisingtochildren/promotion/issues/obesityratesworldwide/