Chrononutrition by Dr. Alain Delabos is a book by a French doctor who developed a dietary approach based on when we eat is just as important as what we eat.
Dr. Alain Delabos is a French doctor who developed a dietary approach known as “Chrononutrition.” This approach is based on the idea that when we eat can be just as important as what we eat. Here are some key principles of Dr. Delabos’ Chrononutrition approach:
- Timing is Everything: According to Chrononutrition, we should eat specific types of food at certain times of the day based on our body’s natural circadian rhythms. For instance, it’s suggested to consume a hearty breakfast in the morning because our bodies are ready to break down and use the energy effectively.
- Quantity and Quality of Food: In addition to timing, Chrononutrition also emphasizes the importance of the quantity and quality of food. Dr. Delabos recommends generous portions of certain foods at certain times of the day, and the restriction of other food types at other times.
- No Snacking: Dr. Delabos suggests that snacking disrupts our metabolic rhythms. His advice is to have three meals a day with no snacking in between.
- Personalization of Diet: Dr. Delabos’ Chrononutrition approach is personalized to individual needs. It takes into account factors like age, sex, height, body shape and lifestyle to determine the appropriate diet.
- Food Groups and Timing: Under Chrononutrition, each meal of the day has its own specific food groups. For example, breakfast could be protein and fat-dense, lunch would be dense in slow carbohydrates and lean proteins, a snack (if at all) would consist of sweet foods, and dinner would be light with proteins and vegetables.
- Balance Over Time: While the diet is specific about what to eat and when, it doesn’t insist on rigid restrictions. The principle is to maintain a balance over time, rather than striving for perfection at each meal.
Please remember, these are the principles set by Dr. Delabos. While some may find this approach effective, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to understand what dietary approach would work best for individual health needs and lifestyle.
