The alternate day diet has become the most talked about weight loss program in recent months. According to the claims, you can eat whatever you want every other day and still lose weight. Additionally, it can help relieve asthma symptoms, lower blood sugar, and slow the aging process. The question is: does it really work?
Alternate Day Diet: The Concept
When you’re trying to lose weight, you usually have to restrict your calorie intake. This may result in temporary weight loss at first, but the result is not sustainable in the long term. The reason is simple: your body is an intelligent system. When you are on a low calorie diet for an extended period of time, your body slows down the rate of metabolism so that you can survive on fewer calories. As a result, your body goes into starvation mode. Over time, the low calorie diet can make you gain weight!
In order for you to shed those extra pounds, you’ll want to “trick” the body with the alternate day diet. Specifically, it is based on the concept of “calorie cycling”. The program is structured in two phases: the “Up Day” (rich in calories) and the “Down Day” (low in calories). On Up Days, you are free to eat anything in moderation. On Down Days, you are limited to 300-500 calories. In the long run, you will eat much less than normal. Additionally, caloric manipulation can help maximize metabolism rate, resulting in effective weight loss.
The advantage
#1. It is easy to implement.
#2. You are not restricted from specific types of food.
#3. You don’t have to buy expensive diet pills and meal replacement products.
The disadvantage:
#1. The required caloric intake during Down Days is too low. You may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and constipation. Instead, you’ll want to consume between 30 and 50% of your daily calorie allowance.
#2. This program is not designed for anyone looking for a quick fix. You must dedicate yourself to making healthy changes in your lifestyle.
Resume: Simply put, the alternate day diet is an effective method for losing weight and keeping it off.
