Inklingo

How to Say "diet" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dieta

dee-EH-tah/ˈdje.ta/

nounA2general
Use 'dieta' when referring to any general eating plan, whether for health, weight loss, or personal preference, without necessarily implying medical supervision.
A colorful overhead illustration of a white plate neatly divided into three distinct sections, holding a balanced meal of protein (chicken), vegetables (broccoli), and fruit (apple slices), symbolizing a regulated eating plan.

Examples

Estoy a dieta porque quiero comer más sano.

I am on a diet because I want to eat healthier.

Mi doctor me recomendó una dieta baja en sal.

My doctor recommended a low-salt diet to me.

La dieta mediterránea incluye mucho pescado y aceite de oliva.

The Mediterranean diet includes a lot of fish and olive oil.

Using the right preposition

When you talk about following a diet, you must use the preposition 'a': 'estar a dieta' (to be on a diet). You cannot just say 'estar dieta'.

Using 'estar en dieta'

Mistake: “Estoy en dieta.”

Correction: The correct phrase is 'Estoy a dieta.' Think of 'a' as meaning 'in the process of' or 'following the path of'.

régimen

nounA2formal/medical
Use 'régimen' when the eating plan is prescribed by a medical professional or is a strict, often medically-related, nutritional program.

Examples

El médico me puso a régimen para bajar la tensión.

The doctor put me on a diet to lower my blood pressure.

Choosing Between 'Dieta' and 'Régimen'

Learners often use 'dieta' for all types of eating plans. Remember that 'régimen' is preferred when the diet is medically advised or a strict, structured nutritional plan, often for health reasons beyond simple weight management.

Related Translations

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