1. Go All Out
Implication noted, eat whatever you want method without holding back. I went "all out" for one year when I was a student at Virginia Tech (GO Hokies!) FYI, VTech is KNOWN to have the best campus food. Proof here. So, of course without question, ate whatever I wanted. However, note, while I was at VTech, I was in the Corps of Cadet, plus Army ROTC. So we did our morning workout three times a week, estimating an hour to hour and half. Not to mention our three hour long drills from time to time.
So compiling all the variations, I gained weight and got stronger significantly. (I think I got taller too.) At the end of the year I wasn't cut or clean with lean muscles, still had some fat (significant amount haha). If I had cut sugar, I probably would've gained more muscles and lost fat.
2. No Carb Diet
No carbohydrates = no sugar. That means no bread, rice, desserts, no wheat, etc. I did this for about 40 days and got the quickest results. Lost about 5 lbs at the end of the 40-day no carb diet; got stronger (not too much) and leaner. I probably looked the best when I went through this diet plan, but had to stop.
Carbs are basically precious energy for the day; so, to neutralize carb energy meant supplementing it through other means, protein. Lots, lots, LOTS of protein, or fat. It was very very difficult. First of all, eating/purchasing proteins is expensive. Second, I was often tired, weak, and couldn't concentrate because I had very little source of energy. It took a heavy toll on me as a student. I wouldn't recommend doing this if you're a student.
3. No Meat Diet
Yep. No meat. No beef, pork, chicken, and fish. BUT that doesn't mean no protein. My sources of protein were from eggs and beans/tofu. To be honest, I wouldn't call this diet; rather, I was "fasting." Reasons here. I was still exercising during the process. I lost about 10 lbs, but still lost muscles. I got weaker significantly. I probably wouldn't do this again, but learned a lot.
4. Macro Technique
It's hard to explain exactly what Macro dieting is, but this method requires time and research. You basically calculate how much you should eat based on your age, height, weight, and physical activity. Find out your macro here. I did this about for about 2 months and gave up. Much patience and note-taking required. However, by far, most effective for me. Gained 5 lbs.
5. Paleo Diet
Simply put, you eat what presumably early humans ate. That means no processed anything. Basically organic type of diet. You can eat "grass-produced" meat, fish/seafood, fruits and veggies, eggs, nuts and seeds, oil (olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut). You don't eat cereal grains, legumes (including peanuts), dairy, refined sugar, potatoes, processed foods, salt, refined vegetable oils.
This method also requires time, energy, and research. I've done paleo diet for about 30 days. Expensive, but effective. Did not lose or gain weight.
6. What I'm Doing Now
Similar to "No Carb Diet." However, I'm not cutting off carbs completely. I do not eat desserts of any sort (sooooooooooooooooooooo hard, know that I'm a huge sugar fan.) Eat controlled amount of carbs; meaning, I limit how much carbs I eat per day depending on whether I exercise that day or not. I've been doing this for about 20 days and seeing some results.
So what should you choose?
Choose whatever you want. Seriously.