diet

go on a diet

To begin a specific nutritional plan typically consisting of eating smaller amounts of food, eating (or avoiding) particular foods, or both in an attempt to lose weight or achieve some other health benefit. I think I need to go one a diet—I'm actually having trouble going up and down the stairs without losing my breath! My doctor suggested I go on a diet rich in red meat and leafy greens for a month to try to bolster my iron levels.

See also: diet, go, on

on a diet

Participating in a specific nutritional plan typically consisting of eating smaller amounts of food, eating (or avoiding) particular foods, or both in an attempt to lose weight or achieve some other health benefit. A: "Would you like some of my lemon meringue pie?" B: "No, thank you. I'm on a diet." My doctor put me on a diet of nothing but fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

See also: diet, on

paleo diet

A diet that typically consists of meat, fruit, vegetables, and nuts. "Paleo" is a shortening of "Paleolithic," referring to foods that are thought to have been available to be consumed by humans in the Paleolithic period (or "Stone Age"). Derek's on the paleo diet, so he literally never eats bread.

See also: diet, paleo

put (one) on a diet

To instruct or direct one to begin a specific nutritional plan typically consisting of eating smaller amounts of food, eating (or avoiding) particular foods, or both in an attempt to lose weight or achieve some other health benefit. My doctor put me on a diet rich in red meat and leafy greens for a month to try to bolster my iron levels. I had to put my dog on a diet because it was actually having trouble going up and down the stairs.

See also: diet, on, put

*on a diet

trying to lose weight by eating less food or specific foods. (*Typically: be ~; go ~; put someone ~; stay ~.) I didn't eat any cake because I'm on a diet. I'm getting too heavy. I'll have to go on a diet. I have a lot of trouble staying on a diet.

See also: diet, on