The Montignac Diet
The montignac diet is a weight loss diet which gained popularity in the 1990s. It was largely popular in Europe. The diet was invented by Frenchman Michel Montignac who was an executive for the pharmaceutical industry. Michel was overweight in his youth and wanted to find a way for people to lose weight efficiently and long term and increase health benefits to people.
Food high in carbohydrate are classified according to the glycemic index known as the GI. The GI is a ranking system for carbohydrates based on their effect on blood glucose levels. High GI carbohydrates are denoted as “bad” (with the exception of those food like carrots which, even though have high GI rating, have a low carbohydrate content and should not significantly affect blood sugar levels).
“Bad carbohydrates” are mainly found in sweets, potatoes, rice, and white bread. Such foods may not be taken together with fats, especially during Phase 1 of the montignac diet. According to Montignac’s theory, these combinations of foods lead to the fats in the food being stored as body fat. Some kinds of pasta and some varieties of rice, whole grains and foods rich in fibre do not have a very high GI.
The quality of fat foods depends on the nature of their fatty acids. Polyunsaturated omega 3 acids such as is found in fish and monounsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil are the permitted. However saturated fatty acids like butter and fatty meats should be limited. Fried foods and cooked butter should be avoided.
Montignac Diet Food List
In his book, Montignac provides a many filling French and Mediterranean recipes. The pleasure of food and feeling satisfied are key concepts in this diet as dieters are more likely to stick to the rules in the long run. The montignac diet also recommends that dieters never miss a meal and have between meal snacks to helps to eat less at meals.
The quality of food is emphasised and on the maintenance phase, foods like red wine and dark chocolate are allowed.
A GI calculator can be found on the official Monignac diet website
How much weight can you lose on the Montignac Diet?
Montignac states that his diet is not a diet in the traditional sense as dieting is limiting the amount of food consumed which is something which can only be done on a short-term basis. The montignac dietdoes not limit the amount of food you eat but is a balanced way of eating by choosing knowledgeably from food categories.
How does the Montignac Diet work?
The Montignac Method has two phases.
Phase I: the weight loss phase. This phase consists of eating the appropriate carbs which are classified as those with glycemic index ranked at 35 or lower. At the top end of the scale pure glucose is 100. A higher protein intake, especially from fish and legumes, can aid weight loss. It is pointed out that people with kidney disease should consult their doctor before embarking on this diet.
Phase II: stabilization and prevention phase. Under these conditions, you can eat whatever carbohydrate we want, even those with high glycemic indexes.
The montignac diet theory is disputed by some experts who state that any calorie intake that exceeds the amount that the body needs will be converted into body fat. Scientific literature does not support the theory of Montignac regarding the metabolic effects of carbohydrates and fatty acids. Despite these doubts there are other scientific studies which endorse this diet.
What Diet’s Montignac Diet Review
A diet based on sensible eating principles really but using the GI to support it’s claims. It is possible to lose weight but the use of the GI may prove intiniddating to some and unwieldy to use. The montignac diet has been made famous by the celebrities who have followed it including Gérard Depardieu, Kylie Minogue and others.
Montignac Diet Pros
- Good healthy ling term diet plan
- Unlimited food to eat
- Lots of very do-able recipes to follow so you don’t feel deprived
- It is not as difficult to follow as some other food plans as it is all laid out for you in the book-see below for details of the books available
Montignac Diet Cons
- The Glycemic Index is not easy to use and may not then be accurate. It depends on the exact variety of the food, how it was cooked, combinations with other foods in the same meal, and so on
- It works well for someone who is willing to cook but is not especially suited to someone who prefers convenience food
Montignac Diet Books
Eat Yourself Slim: The World’s BEST Method to Lose Weight and Stay Slim
| RRP: | £24.00 |
| Price: | £19.20 |
Enjoy foods like chocolate, cheese and pasta and stay slim!
The original Montignac eating plan from internationally renowned dietician Michel Montignac who lost 2 ½ stone in only three months on his own diet plan.
Montignac Diet Cookbook : 200 Recipes of Starters, Fish, Meats and Desserts
| RRP: | £36.00 |
| Price: | £30.60 |
Full colour throughout, illustrating delicious Montignac Diet recipes and menus.
References
Official Monignac diet website
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Photo credits Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What Diet: Montignac Diet
