What Kinds Of Foods Can You Have On The Every Other Day Diet?

The diet where you restrict calories only every other day, also known as the QOD Diet, is controversial. The diet's author, John T. Daugirdas, is a renowned kidney specialist. He hypothesizes that when you don't restrict calories every single day, you're generally more satisfied, which leads to better weight loss. Unfortunately, on the days where you are dieting, your caloric intake is restricted to under 400 calories, which is dangerously low. Speak to a doctor before trying the QOD Diet.

Protein

The every other day, or QOD, diet is often compared to the Atkins Diet, thanks to its reliance on protein. On days where you're dieting, you're allowed to consume 200 protein calories in addition to the 300 calorie allotment you're given. The reasoning is that since protein helps give energy and build muscle, it will make up for some of the calories you're forgoing on diet days. Lean protein is a staple in the diet, from lean cuts of beef to boneless, skinless chicken breast. You should be eating protein with every meal.

Fiber

Fiber in the form of fruits and vegetables is strongly encouraged on the diet, especially since extreme caloric restriction on diet days can lead to digestive issues. Fiber helps the digestive system to run more smoothly. Since fruits and vegetables are low in calories, you can eat a large volume, which can help satisfy your hunger on diet days. You have a 300 nonprotein calorie allotment to work with, so it's best to choose low-calorie, nutritionally dense foods to help fill the gap until your nondiet day.

Juice

Orange juice is used as a component of the QOD Diet since it contains fiber and sugar. When you're fasting or restricting your caloric intake drastically, you'll likely experience a drop in blood sugar, which can make you feel tired. At least 4 oz. of orange juice in the early morning is meant to help your blood sugar stabilize for a more comfortable fasting experience while on the diet. The diet also recommends that you drink an 8-oz. glass of tomato juice in the afternoon and another in the early evening to help supplement your fiber intake.

Anything Else

On the days on which you don't restrict calories, the diet gives you free reign to eat anything you want, within reason. You should be consuming anywhere between 1,200 and 2,400 calories that day, depending on your weight, height and activity level. While the diet claims that you can eat anything you want, it also advises against things like cake and cookies. The diet emphasizes intuitive eating, or eating when you feel like it until you're full. You'll also need at least 700 mg of sodium on your off day. The diet advises against gaining more than 4 lbs. on your off day.