Be aware: this is only the goal of this diet, not necessarily its outcome. Results vary from person to person. Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any other) diet.
The Thonon diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. It is divided into two phases: the first phase (a 14-day phase that focuses on rapid weight loss) followed by a maintenance phase.
Developed by Dr Michel Montignac (known for the Montignac diet) and Dr Jean-Paul Thonon, a French physician and nutritionist, the diet is based on the idea that the key to weight loss is not counting calories, but controlling the glycaemic index (GI) of the foods you eat, just like the GI diet, for example.
You can compare this diet with other diets on the homepage.
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The diet is based on the principle of limiting carbohydrate intake to 20-150 grams per day, forcing the body to use fat as fuel (instead of carbohydrates). In addition, the Thonon diet limits calorie intake to 600-800 calories per day, making it a low-calorie diet and can be referred to as a crash diet.
The diet claims to be effective for reducing belly fat, but requires strong willpower and determination.
The diet also involves consuming large amounts of protein, which should help maintain muscle mass without preventing fat loss.
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI cause a rapid and significant increase in blood sugar levels, while those with a low GI cause a slower, more gradual increase. Read more about the GI index here.
In the Thonon diet, foods with a high GI, such as white bread, sugary drinks, and processed snacks, are generally not allowed or limited, as they can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
Instead, the Thonon diet emphasizes foods with a low GI, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are digested more slowly, which should lead to a slower and more sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream, which helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent cravings.
The Thonon Diet Plan is divided into two phases: the 'first phase' (a 14-day rapid weight loss phase) and a maintenance phase.
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The first phase lasts 14 days and aims to lose weight quickly. This phase requires strict adherence to a low-calorie diet (about 800-1000 calories a day) and contains plenty of protein, including meat and fish. The proteins in this phase are aimed at preventing muscle loss and/or trying to build muscle. It is important to note that the Thonon diet should not be followed for more than 14 days.
The second phase is a stabilisation phase. This phase aims to maintain the weight loss achieved in the first phase. The duration of this phase varies from person to person and depends on the amount of weight loss in the first phase. Generally, it takes one week for every 2 pounds (~½ kilos) you have lost.
During the maintenance phase, the number of calories consumed will gradually increase but still remain limited. The diet recommends using foods high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which are generally lower in calories.
During the Thonon diet, you can eat three times a day. All meals - breakfast, lunch, and early dinner - need to be light and low calorie. The following is an example of a typical Thonon diet meal plan:
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On day 7 and day 14, so-called cheat days are allowed. There are no specific guidelines for these days, but it is stated that alcohol is not allowed with the diet, even on the cheat days.
The Thonon diet can be compared to other low-carb, high protein diets like the Keto diet, the Atkins diet, the Dukan diet and the South beach diet.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any) diet.
As with any diet, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting the Thonon diet, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. The diet may not be appropriate for you.
The book that goes with this diet is "The Thonon Diet: The Revolutionary Fat-Burning Diet That Will Help You Lose 20 Pounds in Just 14 Days!" by Dr. Michel Montignac
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As you see fit
With the professional help of a dietitian it should be easier to reach your goals. Please contact a dietician in your area or talk to a doctor before starting any diet.
Please take note that most diets do not have a scientific basis.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting a diet, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or kidney disease.
If you think you might have an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia), it is important to look for professional help. Contact your (house) doctor or find help elsewhere. Here you can find a list of several websites that can provide (online) help. These sites also provide information for people that know someone with an eating disorder.