Dissociated diet

Several versions of dissociated diet have been developed. In the most classic form it is forbidden to associate proteins and carbohydrates in the same meal.

What is it

The key principle on which the dissociated diet is based is to separate (dissociate) over time the intake of different foods, broadly divided into two groups according to their nutritional characteristics.

One of the basic rules is not to consume carbohydrates and proteins during the same meal. Regardless of the amount of calories consumed, keeping these foods separate at the table, or throughout the day, could promote weight loss.

The dissociated diet was first proposed in 1911 by William Howard Hay, an American physician who tested it on himself.

Who is it for?

The choice to follow a dissociated diet can be dictated by the desire to lose weight and purify the body.

According to its proponents, these results can be achieved by separating at the table foods that are not compatible from the point of view of absorption in the stomach and intestines.

Proteins, in fact, require an acidic environment to be digested (low pH), while carbohydrates need a basic environment (high pH).

Combining them in the same meal would slow down the digestive process causing bloating, intestinal fermentation and weight gain.

What does it include?

Several versions of dissociated diet have been developed. In the most classic form it is forbidden to associate foods of the first group with foods of the second group in the same meal.

  • First group: meat, fish, legumes, milk and all proteins in general, citrus fruits, melon, boiled tomatoes, fruits with stones, blueberries.
  • Second group: bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and all simple and complex carbohydrates, cereals, sweets, cooked fruit, dried fruits, figs, dates, honey, jam, corn flour.

Vegetables and fruits can be taken in large quantities, while fat intake should be limited.

It is essential to spend at least four hours between meals based on foods that do not have to be associated.

The diet can also be organized on a weekly basis: one day you eat only protein, the next only carbohydrates and so on.

Benefits and risks

The benefits of the dissociated diet are controversial. It has not been proven that weight loss depends on the way foods are associated and not on the total amount of calories consumed daily. The monotony of the dissociated diet could still encourage a lower food intake.

From the point of view of risks, it has not been established whether it is appropriate to provide all the nutrients that the body needs on the same day or whether it is sufficient to cover the needs over a longer period of time, for example a week.

From a practical point of view, the dissociated diet can be difficult to follow. However, it is important to find a place for all food groups within the day in order to maintain a nutritional balance combined with a correct lifestyle.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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