The Montignac Weight Loss Plan

The Montignac Method is a type of weight loss plan developed by Frenchman Michel Montignac. The diet was very popular in the 1990s in Europe and is considered the first diet to rely on the glycemic index to achieve weight loss. If you plan to use the Montignac Method to drop excess pounds, you should first speak to your doctor.

Time Frame

The Montignac Method consists of two phases. During the first phase, your goal is to lose weight. You continue on phase one until you reach your goal weight. The second phase is the maintenance phase and prevents you from regaining any weight you have lost. This phase is meant to be followed life-long.

Types

You'll need a copy of the glycemic index to follow the Montignac Method. During the initial phase, you are only to eat foods with a glycemic index below 35. Most of your meals should be made up of lean proteins and vegetables. Some foods permitted during the first phase include broccoli, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, peppers, zucchini, chicken, fish and turkey.

Features

The second phase allows you to introduce some carbs back into your diet. During this phase, you need to rely on the Montignac Method's glycemic outcome theory. This phase requires you to not eat certain food combinations. You can eat fruit, but not with any other food items. Carbohydrates are not to be eaten at the same time as food containing fat.

Benefits

The goal of the Montignac Method is to allow you to eat plenty of food while still losing weight. As long as you eat foods low on the glycemic index, you purportedly should lose weight on the plan. Additional benefits claimed by the creator of the diet is a reduction in medical conditions related to obesity and prevention and control of diabetes.

Expert Insight

According to a 1998 report in the Dutch medical journal "Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd," the Montignac Method is not scientifically proven to induce weight loss. Instead of using the diet plan, it is recommended you restrict consumption of saturated fat, reduce calorie intake and add more physical activity to your routine.