The Dissociated Diet is based on the theory of equilibrium between acids and bases. It works according to the laws of digestion. The main idea is to avoid eating the three major food groups at the same time, as this is said to wreak havoc on the digestive system. These three groups are glucides, proteins, and neutral foods. Here are some of the principles.

Eat a breakfast that is rich in glucides and in proteins or one rich in fruit. If you eat fruit for breakfast, that's all you'll eat. For lunch have a protein dish, such as meat, ripe cheese, soy products, fish or seafood, berries, citrus fruits, or fruit juice, and eggs. Accompany your choice with vegetables and salad. Or you could select a neutral food such as vegetables, milk, whole milk products, ripened cheese with over 45% butterfat, raw and smoked meat or fish, and vegetable or animal oils such as mayonnaise or butter. For supper eat either a glucide-rich dish or a neutral dish. Eat snacks. The mid-morning snack may come from any of the three groups. The mid-afternoon snack may be rich in glucides or in neutral elements but should not be based on proteins. Drink a lot, about 2.5 liters or quarts. And you should practice a sport such as bicycling or walking. Start slowly but do it on a regular basis.

An advantage of the Disssociated Diet is the balance and variety of its meals. It relies on good dietary habits. But you must learn how foods are classified when preparing your meals.

Here are two sample menus: Menu 1 Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with ham and mushrooms. A glass of soy milk. Tea or coffee. Lunch: Spaghetti with leeks. Mid-afternoon snack: Carrot drink. Supper: Corn and zucchini stew.

Menu 2 Breakfast: Muesli with oats and apples. 150 grams (5 ounces) of light yogurt. A tablespoon of honey. Tea or coffee. Lunch: A green salad. Potato curry. The mid-afternoon snack consists of yogurt and watercress drink. Supper: Bell peppers stuffed with rice.

Some of the information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes over 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and a whole lot more. La Bible des Regimes at present is available only in French. For additional information consult the publisher's website.