Isocaloric diets consist of foods which provide specific portions of carbohydrates, protein and fat. The quality of the carbohydrates in an isocaloric is important, and an avoidance of sugars is stressed in structured isocaloric diet plans such as The Zone and Dan Duschaine's isocaloric diet. The avoidance of sugars is thought to make the body more effective at burning stored body fat.
The Zone
The Zone Diet is designed to balance your blood insulin level. When you maintain the desired balance, you think more clearly and feel like you have more energy. This state is the "zone" in which the diet is meant to keep you. Your diet should consist of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat. Eat three meals a day that conform to this ratio. Also have two snacks per day that provide this ratio of carbs, protein and fat. Drink eight glasses of water per day. This diet recommends taking your meals when you are not hungry and getting regular moderate exercise to regulate your metabolism and your health.
Dan Duschaine Isocaloric Diet
Dan Duchaine's isocaloric diet calls for equal parts carbs, protein and fat. In his popular on weight loss and body management, Bodyopus, Duchaine treats the isocaloric diet as a stepping stone toward other dieting methods. The Bodyopus method recommends beginning with a high-carb/low-fat diet and moving to his isocaloric diet next. The final diet he recommends in this progression is a ketogenic diet, which consists of high fat intake, low carbohydrate content and adequate protein consumption.
A Free Isocaloric Diet That You Can Do On Your Own
You do not need to follow the guidelines of the Zone or Dan Duchaine in order to adopt an isocaloric diet. All you need to do is read labels and keep track of the ratio of carbohydrates to fat and protein in your meals. Look for low-fat sources of protein, such as chicken and fish. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a good source of carbohydrates. Get your fats from mono saturated fat sources that have a high HDL cholesterol level and low LDL.
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