Best diet plan for quick weight loss

If your New Year's resolution is to lose a few pounds and start eating healthier, you're far from alone. Forty-five million Americans go on a diet every year—and the diet scene is chock-full of plans that promise quick weight loss and never seem to deliver.

But if you're committed to a new diet this year, there are lots of truly healthy ways to lose weight. U.S. News and World Report just released its annual list of best diets of the year, working with a panel of doctors and nutritionists to score 38 different diets. The rankings include factors like weight loss, easiness to follow, safety, and nutrition.

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This year, the DASH diet continues its reign at the top of the list. The diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is based on government research to fight high blood pressure. If you follow the plan, you'll have to cut salt, sweet, and fat, and instead chow down on whole grains, lean meat, and fruits and veggies. Tying for second are two other acronyms: the MIND diet, which is focused on boosting your brainpower and fending off dementia (and features wine every day!), and the TLC diet, a program started by the National Institutes of Health that takes direct aim at cholesterol and heart health.

Check out some of the best diets for general and specific needs, and check out the full list on U.S. News & World Report's website.

Best Overall Diets:

1. DASH Diet

2. MIND Diet

2 (tie). TLC Diet

4. Weight Watchers

4 (tie). Mayo Clinic

4 (tie), Fertility Diet

4 (tie), Mediterranean Diet

Best Diets for Specific Needs:

Best Commercial Diet: Mayo Clinic Diet, Weight Watchers (tie)

Best Diet for Weight Loss: Weight Watchers

Best Diet for Fast Weight Loss: HMR Program, Biggest Loser Diet (tie)

Easiest Diet to Follow: Fertility Diet, MIND Diet, Weight Watchers (tie)

Best Diet for Healthy Eating: DASH Diet

Best Diet for Diabetes: Fertility Diet