Calorie shifting is an idea espoused in several books and diet programs, particularly the Idiot Proof Diet.

The Idiot Proof Diet, and other diets like the zig-zag diet propose that you have to keep the body's metabolism “guessing” so it doesn’t slow down weight loss by slowing down the metabolism as a survival technique to accommodate a reduced calorie eating style.

The method of changing calories from day to day certainly existed before diets like the Idiot Proof Diet.

Regradless of who came up with the concept, or when it started, the basic premise of calorie shifting is as follows:

• Your weight reduction plan is based on the total number of calories, which are then divided by the days of the week in a manner so that each day the number of calories set aside are vastly different.
  
• Rather than eating the same amount of calories each day to reach the weekly calories allotted in the weight reduction plan, calorie consumption amounts are varied each day while still remaining within the total weekly calorie allotment.
• Since the body doesn’t know what to expect, the metabolism can’t adjust or slow down because calorie intake on a daily basis will be variable.

The most important part of calorie shifting so that it is effective is that you eat 4 to 5 small meals spread out evenly throughout the day.

Every meal should again have different calorie values, but must be a full meal.

Carbs should not be eaten alone, and the carbs eaten should be low on the glycemic index .

It is also very much recommended that you drink at least 12 glasses of water a day. Drinking lots of water during calorie shifting helps speed up the process and increase the weight loss effect because the water will flush out the food and help keep metabolism high.

Because this diet is so unusual and goes against most dieting rules and standards, people are quick to dismiss this diet as being a scam. But anyone who tries calorie shifting quickly finds out how shocking the weight loss effect is. It's just something you have to see to believe.

Disclaimer: As with any diet or exercise program , you should discuss your plan to use calorie shifting with your physician. It may be that this concept works well for you. On the other hand, some doctors still recommend that following healthy eating plans daily and getting adequate exercise are more likely to help take weight off gradually, which is more likely to be permanent.

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