If you're looking for a new effective diet to try this year, you might want to stay away from the Paleo diet, according to the a U.S. News & World Report.
The publication ranked the controversial diet last on its "Best Diets Overall" list for 2014, an annual list designed by health experts who rank different nutrition plans in order to help consumers make the right health-based decisions.
"Experts took issue with the diet on every measure," the editors wrote. "Regardless of the goal -- weight loss, heart health, or finding a diet that's easy to follow -- most experts concluded that it would be better for dieters to look elsewhere."
This year the panel evaluated 32 of the most popular diets and earning the top spot on the list is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet, receiving a rating of 4.1 out of five stars.
DASH, which has been rated the best overall diet for the fourth consecutive year, is designed to fight high blood pressure, protects against diabetes and is effective for Individuals trying to lose weight.
"It's the most nutritionally complete," U.S. News' Angela Haupt said.
According to CNN, the DASH diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet, which consisted fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and fats from either extra-virgin olive oil or nuts. Mediterranean diets, are also low in red meat and high-fat dairy, prime sources of saturated fat.
DASH diet focuses on limiting daily sodium intake and getting plenty of potassium, calcium, protein and fiber. Rounding out the top 10 diets are the TLC Diet, Mayo Clinic Diet, Mediterranean Diet, Weight Watchers, Flexitarian Diet, Volumetrics, Jenny Craig, Biggest Loser Diet and Ornish Diet.
Crawling into last place is the Paleo diet, which received two out of five stars. Paleo Diet followers eat lots of animal protein and produce, while avoiding grains and dairy products. Individuals may not eat processed foods and products with carbohydrates. They are also ask to cut sugar, dairy, legumes and grains.
U.S. News & World Report experts slammed the Paleo diet, stating that the diet was too restrictive and hard to maintain long term.
"If the cavemen didn't eat it, you shouldn't either," U.S. News & World Report summarized.
The diet tied with the Dukan diet, which one health expert called "idiotic." The Paleo diet has been used by celebrities such as supermodel Adriana Lima, NBA superstars Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen and actors Megan Fox, Jessica Biel and Kellan Lutz, according to CNN.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the rankings were based on are determined by a panel of experts who categorize the diets by their convenience, effectiveness for weight loss, nutritional density and protectiveness against heart disease and diabetes. Diets were rated on a star scale of one to five, with one being the lowest score.
U.S. News & World Report's "Best Diets Overall" list, which was released Jan. 7. For the complete list, visit the U.S. and World News Report website.
1. DASH diet
2. TLC diet (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes)
3. Mediterranean diet
3. Mayo Clinic diet (tie)
3. Weight Watchers (tie)
6. Flexitarian
6. Volumetrics (tie)
8. Jenny Craig
9. Biggest Loser diet
9. Dean Ornish diet (tie)
11. Traditional Asian diet
11. Vegetarian (tie)
