Management
Table 3. Reviewed eating patterns
Type of Eating
Pattern Description
Mediterranean
style
Includes abundant plant food (fruits, vegetables, breads, other forms
of cereals, beans, nuts and seeds); minimally processed, seasonally
fresh, and locally grown foods; fresh fruits as the typical daily
dessert and concentrated sugars or honey consumed only for special
occasions; olive oil as the principal source of dietary lipids; dairy
products (mainly cheese and yogurt) consumed in low to moderate
amounts; fewer than 4 eggs/week; red meat consumed in low
frequency and amounts; and wine consumption in low to moderate
amounts generally with meals.
Vegetarian and
vegan
e two most common ways of defining vegetarian diets in the
research are vegan diets (diets devoid of all flesh foods and animal-
derived products) and vegetarian diets (diets devoid of all flesh foods
but including egg [ovo] and/or dairy [lacto] products). Features of
a vegetarian-eating pattern that may reduce risk of chronic disease
include lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol and higher
intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, soy products, fiber,
and phytochemicals.
Low fat Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, starches (e.g., breads/crackers, pasta,
whole grains, starchy vegetables), lean protein, and low-fat dairy
products. Defined as total fat intake <30% of total energ y intake and
saturated fat intake <10%.
Low carbohydrate Focuses on eating foods higher in protein (meat, poultry, fish,
shellfish, eggs, cheese, nuts and seeds), fats (oils, butter, olives,
avocado), and vegetables low in carbohydrate (salad greens,
cucumbers, broccoli, summer squash). e amount of carbohydrate
allowed varies with most plans allowing fruit (e.g., berries) and
higher carbohydrate vegetables. However, sugar-containing foods
and grain products such as pasta, rice, and bread are generally
avoided. ere is no consistent definition of "low" carbohydrate. In
research studies, definitions have ranged from very low-carbohydrate
diet (21-70 g/day of carbohydrates) to moderately low-carbohydrate
diet (30 to <40% of calories from carbohydrates).
DASH Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, including
whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts and is reduced in saturated fat,
red meat, sweets, and sugar-containing beverages. e most effective
DASH diet was also reduced in sodium.
