US News and World Report recently released with a ranking of twenty diets. Their findings were based on seven criteria: short term weight loss, long term weight loss, ease of following, nutrition, safety, effectiveness for preventing or managing diabetes, and usefulness as a heart healthy diet plan. They also subdivided their rankings into categories including Best Diets Overall, Best Weight Loss Diets, Best Diabetes Diets, Best Heart Healthy Diets, and Best Commercial Diet Plans. Let's take a look at the winners.

Overall Best Diet: DASH Diet

This stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and was originally designed to help combat high blood pressure. Emphasis is on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. This sounds very familiar. The Mediterranean Diet, TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) Diet, and Weight Watchers all came in at a close second place.

Best Weight Loss Diet: Weight Watchers Diet

Different foods are assigned points which the dieter keeps track of while keeping within a specific total number of points for each day. Processed, empty calorie foods contain higher points, while nutrient dense foods have fewer. No foods are off-limits, however points for less healthy choices will add up quickly while fruits and veggies are free. Tied for second place were the Raw Food Diet and Jenny Craig.

Best Diabetes Diet: DASH Diet

No gimmicks here. Endorsed by the government, this is the standard diet advice that we all know. The Vegan Diet, Ornish Diet, and Mayo Clinic Diet are the three nutritionally sound diets that equally took second place for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Best Heart Healthy Diet: Ornish Diet

This diet plan emphasizes produce, whole grains, and fish. Exercise and stress reduction are strongly encouraged and fat intake is restricted to ten percent of daily calories. Second place went to the TLC Diet with its purpose of reducing high cholesterol levels.

Best Commercial Diet Plan: Weight Watchers Diet

Most research indicates that Weight Watchers is an effective method for weight loss. Online resources and group meetings provide support which helps dieters to stick with the program. Exercise earns you extra food points which allows for special treats. Coming in second place was the Jenny Craig Diet with its prepackaged meals and portion control.

There are as many different diets out there as there are people. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another. The best diet is the one that works for YOU. Listen to your body's signals, pay attention to how various foods make you feel, and choose what you know will be nourishing. You are your own best nutritionist.