Inklingo

How to Say "diet" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “diet” is “dieta” — use 'dieta' when referring to a specific, often temporary, eating plan designed for weight loss, health improvement, or to manage a condition.

English → Spanish

dieta

dee-EH-tahˈdje.ta

nounA2general
Use 'dieta' when referring to a specific, often temporary, eating plan designed for weight loss, health improvement, or to manage a condition.
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

Voy a empezar una dieta baja en carbohidratos esta semana.

I'm going to start a low-carb diet this week.

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'.

alimentación

nounA2general
Choose 'alimentación' when discussing general eating habits, nutrition, or the overall way someone or a population eats.

Examples

Una buena alimentación es clave para la salud.

Good nutrition is key to health.

régimen

nounA2formal
Use 'régimen' when referring to a strict or medically prescribed eating plan, often for therapeutic purposes.

Examples

El doctor le recomendó un régimen estricto para su colesterol.

The doctor recommended a strict regimen for his cholesterol.

light

laitlaɪt

adjectiveA1general
Use 'light' (often as part of a compound noun like 'coca-cola light') to describe products that are low in calories, sugar, or fat.
A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a slice of lime and a small green salad on a white plate.

Examples

¿Tienes leche desnatada o light?

Do you have skim or light milk?

Prefiero tomar una coca-cola light.

I prefer to have a diet coke.

Compré queso light para la ensalada.

I bought low-fat cheese for the salad.

Esta mayonesa es light pero sabe muy bien.

This mayonnaise is low-calorie but it tastes very good.

One word for everyone

In Spanish, this word usually doesn't change for masculine or feminine. You can say 'un refresco light' or 'una leche light'—it stays exactly the same.

Plural forms

When talking about more than one thing, most people leave the word as 'light' (e.g., 'dos yogures light'), though you might occasionally hear 'lights'.

Don't use it for weight

Mistake: “Este libro es muy light.”

Correction: Use 'ligero' for weight. Say 'Este libro no pesa mucho' or 'Es ligero'. Use 'light' mostly for diet products.

Dieta vs. Alimentación

Learners often confuse 'dieta' and 'alimentación'. Remember that 'dieta' refers to a specific plan (like a weight-loss diet), while 'alimentación' is about general eating habits and nutrition overall.

Related Translations

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