Diets are like trends they grow in an out of popularity according to which celebrities take notice, but the latest Dash diet has scored great acclaim from ordinary dieters as well as professional dieticians.

Dash has been ranked the #1 healthiest eating plan by a panel of health experts at U.S News & World. What was originally deemed a low sodium diet to prevent and lower high blood pressure, has quickly become an all-purpose healthy diet.

The Dash eating plan is based on rich fruits and vegetables, low fat or non-dairy, with whole grains. It is high in fiber, low to moderate fat diet, rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium. Although the diet was not originally intended for weight loss, certain strategies and adaptations to the original diet can lead to healthy weight loss, according to the Dash Diet book.

The design of the meal plans in the book is based on newer research on how to make satisfying meals, helping to prevent between meal hunger. That is a key feature of high-fiber, low caloric-density, balanced meals with appropriate serving sizes, Dash Diet writes on its Website.

The book has received good reviews from dieters and those suffering from high blood pressure. The DASH Diet is sensible, healthy and effective. The book is easy to read, understand and follow and makes so much sense at a time when we need all the help we can to lose those excess pounds, said dieter Margaret Vangorp. Stick with this plan and you'll reach your goals for sure and without spending a lot of bucks you don't have to waste.

The Dash diet Includes:

Grains and grain products (include at least 3 whole grain foods each day)
6 - 12 servings for 1600 - 3100 Calorie diet
7 - 8 servings on a 2000 Calorie diet

Fruits
4 - 6 servings for 1600 - 3100 Calorie diet
4 - 5 servings on a 2000 Calorie diet

Vegetables
4 - 6 servings for 1600 - 3100 Calorie diet
4 - 5 servings on a 2000 Calorie diet

Low fat or non fat dairy foods
2 - 4 servings for 1600 - 3100 Calorie diet
2 - 3 servings on a 2000 Calorie diet

Lean meats, fish, poultry
1.5 - 2.5 servings for 1600 - 3100 Calorie diet
2 or less servings on a 2000 Calorie diet

Nuts, seeds, and legumes
3 - 6 servings per week for 1600 - 3100 Calorie diet
4 - 5 servings per week on a 2000 Calorie diet

Fats and sweets
2 - 4 servings for 1600 - 3100 Calorie diet
limited servings on a 2000 Calorie diet

Dash is a safe diet that has been endorsed by:

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (one of the National Institutes of Health, of the US Department of Health and Human Services)

The American Heart Association (AHA)

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

US guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure

The 2011 AHA Treatment Guidelines for Women

It has also been proven to lower blood pressure in 14 days, even without lowering sodium intake. The diet stays within the governments recommended fat intake of 20 to 35 percent of daily calories.

Diet