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Because each person is unique, there’s no one diet that works best for everyone. And even if someone you know saw amazing results from a diet plan, that doesn’t mean the same approach will work for her or him.

​1. Is It Balanced?​

Even when you’re trying to shed pounds, your diet should still include a balance of the nutrients your body needs, including adequate amounts of healthy proteins, carbohydrates and fats (think: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats). If the diet cuts out an entire food group or has you taking large amounts of vitamins or supplements, it’s a red flag.

​2. Is It Flexible?​

While a healthy diet should limit empty-calorie picks like alcohol and sugary foods and drinks, it should never be so rigid that it doesn’t allow for the occasional indulgence. Indeed, a study published in the 2018 issue of the ​Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics​ found that a flexible approach to eating led to better intentional weight loss for older women who had overweight and obesity.

​3. Do I Like the Foods Included?​

Maybe you could tolerate certain foods for a short period of time, but you’re much more likely to stick with a diet (and achieve long-term weight loss) if you’re enjoying what you’re eating on a regular basis.

​4. Does It Encourage Exercise, Too?​

Along with a balanced diet, physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle. It can boost your weight-loss efforts, sure, but it also offers a host of other benefits for your physical and mental health. Regular exercise lowers your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers, and it can also improve your cognitive function, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.