U.S. News picks best diets for 2016

NEW YORK, N.Y. (WPVI) -- If better eating habits are on your agenda for 2016, U-S News & World Reports today issued its annual Best Diets list.

It evaluated 38 of the most popular eating plans.

Again this year, the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), designed to reduce blood pressure, was the best diet overall.

And Weight watchers topped the list for weight loss.

However, the HMR program, a meal replacement plan, was best for FAST weight loss.

The MIND diet, which focuses on brain-healthy foods, was the best NEW diet.

"They're based on well-rounded meals, smaller portions, a lot of color on the plate, says Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC's chief women's health correspondent

"Things need 3 S's I say - it need to be safe medically and nutritionally. It needs to be simple, and it needs to be sustainable," adds Dr. Ashton.

She says most people can lose weight and eat healthier in the short run with almost any diet.

But you have to be able to follow it long term for real success