alternate day dietingTry eating over 2000 calories one day, and then depriving yourself to 1000 calories the next day. This is another form of yo-yo dieting.

Some are saying that alternate day dieting will help to keep you satisfied, but ultimately result in a calorie deficit and weight loss.

After all, Dr. Oz uses this technique for himself, so it must be effective, right?

Don’t Mess with Metabolism

  • The big problem here is that you are playing with the metabolism. You would put your body in starvation mode one day, and then at a more normal calorie diet the next day. This could set you up for overeating and defeat the purpose of the diet plan.Plus, studies have shown that long term yo-yo dieting over the years can slow the metabolism.
  • The creators of this diet thought that by never staying consistently low with the calories, one would be able to avoid the “starvation mode” metabolic slow-down. You would be able to eat low calorie one day, and then the next day, rev the metabolism.This is a great idea, but the metabolism is not that sensitive. It takes years of following a specific calorie level to change the metabolism.

    • Instead, Find Your Perfect Calorie Level

    If your goal is weight loss, finding the perfect calorie level is the key.

    It is tricky, but if you create a calorie deficit that is not too low, you can trick the brain into thinking you are not dieting. You will not get as hungry, will still stay satisfied, and keep the metabolism revved.

    This type of calorie level usually results in .5 to 2 pounds of weight loss per week.

    The One Positive

    Following the alternate day diet can actually keep you satisfied with your food intake. Knowing that you can have a normal calorie level some days and only have to deprive yourself a few days is a relief for many.

    However, the positive does not outweigh the negatives.

    Have you ever tried this high calorie, low calorie diet?

    Authored by:  Nicole German (RD, LD)
    Nicole German is a Registered Dietitian helping others to see that by making nutritious food choices, you can live a happy and healthy life. Debunking food myths and the latest fad diets is just one of her specialties. Nicole graduated from the University of Georgia with a BSFCS in Dietetics.

    You can see Nicole’s blog at Nicole’s Nutrition

    Check out the original source here.

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