The original intermittent fasting diet-now updated to include the latest research and studies, and featuring more ways to enhance the diet"s effectiveness for weight loss and overall health. The Alternate-Day Diet is a simple, safe, and effective plan to lose weight while dieting only half the time. It is an easy-to-follow, safe, and science-based alternate-day calorie-restriction program that promotes weight loss and longevity. This revolutionary program is based on the studies of intermittent calorie restriction, which indicate that limiting caloric intake every other day can activate a gene called SIRT1, which then sets in motion a cascade of positive effects including reduced inflammation, lower free radical stress, improved insulin resistance, and better cellular energy production. Most important, SIRT1 activation also causes fat loss by releasing fat cells from around the organs. In short, activating SIRT1 promotes weight loss and longevity. The diet is more practical and easier to follow than prolonged calorie reduction, which is not possible for most people to sustain. And the book explains the science clearly and succinctly so that readers will approach the diet with confidence in its efficacy. In addition, the book explains how resveratrol, the naturally occurring compound that is generally credited as the key to the French Paradox, can be a booster for SIRT1. (Resveratrol is found in some red wines and is widely available in a more controlled and safe supplement form.) This newly expanded edition includes the most up-to-date research on calorie restriction and intermittent fasting as well as additional techniques (including supplementation and eating according to the body"s natural circadian rhythms) to enhance the diet"s effectiveness. Throughout, Dr. Johnson provides anecdotes and testimonials from real people who have used the diet successfully to lose weight and to find relief from a range of health issues including heart disease, Type II diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and even menopause-related hot flashes. The book concludes with a section of frequently asked questions gleaned from Dr. Johnson"s popular website.