I'm dieting the old fashioned way - exercise and reducing calories to about 1800.
My friend recently told me about a diet she's thinking about doing called "The Alternative Day Diet". In this diet, you eat 400 cals one day, then you're allowed to eat whatever you like the next day, then back to 400 cals the next day, then eat whatever you like for a day, etc.
I've done some research on this seemingly popular diet. Apparently it switches on a 'skinny gene' which keeps your metabolism in top condition, burning calories. It also has other claimed health benefits such as - making you live longer (there was a Horizon documentary on the BBC backing this up). The internet is full of gleeming reviews.
But surely this pattern of eating is unsustainable and encourages disordered thinking? I feel a bit concerned for my friend. When she latches onto an idea she tends to go hardcore.
AIBU?
to think this 'diet' is an eating disorder
BlackMaryJanes · 25/01/2013 10:52
I looked into this diet and read a lot about it so hopefully can offer up my opinion without being lynched 
I currently weigh 9 stone after following a calorie controlled diet with moderate carbing. I was interested in the alternate day diet for maintenance so read up on it. I'm not convinced. This is just a calorie controlled diet by any other name. So, < for example > 500 calories one day, 1800 the next. 2300 over two days. 1150 a day. THIS is what makes you lose weight - not some sort of metabolic swing.
Another point.. I have followed diaries on a forum devoted to this diet... some have been following it for a year or so. And the vast vast majority are the exact same weight as they were at the start of it, so I'd be interested to see on here where people are in 6 months time. My guess would be not much further forward.
I think if you have a lot to lose then yes, initially you are going to see weight loss. I also think that if you want to maintain your weight then, yes, it will be OK for this too. But for knocking off 3 or 4 stone? Maybe.... but be prepared to lose a pound or two a month at most once you have been doing it a little while.
I know it is really dull and I speak as someone who tried every diet in the world before finally getting it right - but the only thing that really works is to eat less, stop eating white carbs, keep alcohol to a minimum and don't snack between meals. That works.
We are all looking for something different/unusual and this seems like it could be it... in my view it's 'just another diet' and should be approached as such.
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