Background: The global surge in popular dietary trends reflects evolving perceptions about the role of nutrition in health outcomes. However, the overwhelming abundance of easily-sourced fad diets lack scientific validation and can contribute to the perpetuation of unhealthy eating practices.

Objective: This commentary aimed to identify industry gaps in diet sourcing and propose a flexible, personalized dietary approach that can adapt a variety of diet preferences to support various lifestyles and a variety of health conditions.

Results: One-hundred and one diets were located and sixty-eight are highlighted in this article. A review of popular diet trends reveals that many diets prioritize restrictive eating patterns that may not meet the full spectrum of nutrient-dense food options, disease-specific needs, or be sustainable long-term. The ancestral diet was found to be an adaptable framework.

Conclusion: A variety of diet regimes prioritize specific food groups or exclude others, while the objective should be promoting nutrient density, whole foods, and cultural adaptability. Ancestral diets provide a versatile foundation that can be personalized easily to multiple lifestyles making them sustainable.