Dr. John Daugirdas, who is a retired kidney specialist, designed the Every Other Day Diet. The QOD Diet involves one day of normal eating, alternating with one day of very light eating (dieters consume around 300-400 calories). Daugirdas warns that the diet is not suitable for people having a history of eating disorders, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes or stroke, and the diet has not been tested extensively.
The Basics of the QOD Diet
It is recommended that dieters eat only one dessert serving daily, and avoid candy and cookies. On this day, dieters are advised to eat a big breakfast and limit eating after 7pm. As a common rule, men will be eating between 1800-2400 calories and women, 1200-1800 calories. However, this will vary depending on the dieter's age.
On the low calorie day, calcium and magnesium supplements are recommended. Dieters are advised to not eat more than 300 non-protein calories, 400 if exercising. To keep up muscle mass and to control hunger, the dieter gets a protein allowance, and it is recommended in small amounts, through out the day.
Sample Diet Plan
The sample meal plan for the low calorie day:
Breakfast
1/2 cup Strawberries
6 oz Tomato juice
1 small slice of Ham
Lunch
1/2 cup Pickles
1 oz Low fat cheese
6 oz Tomato juice
Afternoon Snack
Calorie-free salad dressing
1 stalk Celery
Dinner
1/2 cup Strawberries
Egg white omelette with onion, green pepper and mushroom
Evening Snack
1 cup Mixed vegetables
Whey protein
Recommended Foods
Vegetable juices are the essential component of the diet, which are high in potassium. Low fat drinking yogurt and orange juice are included as a source of potassium. On the low calorie days, when dieters feel tired, a 4 oz serving of orange juice is recommended. Dietary fiber is included to avoid constipation, which can occur when food intake is low.
Exercise Recommendations
Dieters are advised to walk at least 2 miles every day. Exercise is promoted for it's benefits to health, as well as weight loss.
Pros
- Has online support forum
- May be easier for some dieters psychologically, as there is only one day of dieting to stick to at a time
Cons
- Not suitable for dieters with conditions including: heart disease, eating disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension or stroke
- May not provide necessary tools for dieters to maintain their weight loss when the diet is finished
- On the low calorie day, many dieters have difficulty with normal activities and may feel tired
Conclusions
On the QOD diet, the dieter is required to have a great amount of determination, and it is not suitable for many people. It may appeal to dieters who like the freedom of eating normally every other day, without sacrificing the calories.
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