The largest and longest study comparing dieting strategies has found that diets low in calories and saturated fats, and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is the most effective way to lose weight—as long as you eat that way consistently. The study was published online by the New England Journal of Medicine and measured several popular diets including high protein and low carb diets. Researchers tracked 811 overweight or obese people who were assigned to one of four diets for two years. While the participants’ caloric intake was based on their body mass index and gender, everyone was asked to cut 750 calories a day from what they normally ate. All of the diets were low in saturated fat. The participants were also asked to get 90 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Most previous studies comparing diets spanned six months or less, and researchers say these findings prove that eating a specific ratio of fat, protein and carbohydrates isn’t necessary to shed pounds.