So what is “calorie shifting”?

Calorie shifting is a method of fat loss which has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It is based on the premise that the metabolism can be “fooled” by eating from different food groups in a certain pattern. One meal may provide protein and fat only, the next may be almost exclusively carbohydrates.

This is certainly healthier than any diet which excludes a food group entirely, like the Atkins Diet. Though you may exclude carbohydrates in one meal and fat in the next, you still get a good overall balance.

Supporters of the calorie shifting method claim that this dietary rotation forces the body to burn fat a faster rate than conventional diets. On the other hand, the conventional diet folks say that you can’t burn more than two and a half pounds of fat per week, and that if you lose more weight than that, you are burning lean muscle tissue. But there is no doubt that the calorie shifting method has some very alluring features.

  • You can eat foods, in quantity, that you would never dream of on a regular weight loss program. For example, one meal may consist of bacon strips and ham slices.
  • You can eat until you feel satisfied, just don’t overstuff. Common sense prevails.
  • The faster rate of weight loss is appealing if you have an impending event, like summer coming, or if you need to fit into that wedding gown that you’ve been eyeing.
  • Calorie shifting is a natural fat loss method that does not require pills or supplements.
  • The biggie to me: You don’t have to count or measure calories, grams, or anything.
  • You get a break after each rotation where you can eat whatever you want for a few days.

The down side:

  • Though the regimen has a degree of versatility in some ways, it is very rigid in others. You have to eat a certain number of meals per day, and snacks are not encouraged.
  • It does take a certain amount of planning in order to have the right foods on hand for the next few days.
  • It may be difficult to fit into the workday in some occupations.
  • It may be very difficult to reconcile your diet plan meals to social events. However, if you schedule your dieting period so that your cheat days fall on a weekend, you should be able to work that out.

One more point that I would like to make is that, though it may be possible to lose weight quickly without additional exercise, it is not recommended. Exercise is necessary for good heart health, and besides, no matter how thin you become, you’re not going to look that great in your swimsuit if you don’t have good muscle tone!

In summary, calorie shifting, like any other fat loss plan, has it’s ups and downs. Each person has to make up their own mind as to what is best for themselves.

Originally published in EzineArticles by Judson Lassiter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judson_Lassiter

PS: You can try out the Calorie Shifting 11-day diet for FREE!