The DASH diet, which is typically recommended for adults with high blood pressure, may help girls stay slim. A study of girls that started when they were 9-year-olds found those whose diet most resembled the DASH method had the smallest increase in body mass index over 10 years. The girls whose diets were furthest from the DASH diet by age 19 were more likely to be overweight. The government-promoted diet, whose full name is Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, emphasizes low-fat dairy, fish and lean meats, nuts, fruit, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
Source: Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, June 2011