That's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gifThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Dukan Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/dukan-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/dukan-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/dukan-diet-review/#commentsFiled under:

Diet Review
The diet breaks down into four phases. In Phase One (the Attack Phase), you're allowed to eat unlimited amounts of protein from 2 to 10 days (depending on how much weight you have to lose). You'll also drink plenty of water and eat a tablespoon of oat bran (these two foods are staples throughout every stage in the entire diet plan.)

During Phase Two (the Cruise Phase), you'll alternate between eating unlimited amounts of protein one day and eating a combination of unlimited protein and non-starchy veggies the next day (until you finally hit your target weight). In Phase Three, (the Consolidation Phase), you'll continue to eat a combination of unlimited protein and veggies every day, but you'll add in a piece of fruit, a serving of cheese and two slices of bread (You're also allowed two cheat meals during the week.) You'll stay in this phase for five days per pound of weight you lost in Phase Two. Finally, in Phase Four, (the Stabilization Phase), you can eat anything you want, so long as you eat nothing but protein one day a week, eat three tablespoons of oat bran daily and walk 20 minutes each day.


Is the Diet Healthy?
In many respects, the Dukan Diet in a lot like the Atkins Diet with its' high-protein, low-carb approach. Unfortunately, that also means that dieters are subjected to the same issues that are typically associated with high-protein programs. Reducing your carbohydrates drastically can place your body in a state of ketosis, which leaves some people experiencing side effects that range from dizziness, nausea, constipation, sleepiness and even bad breath. Another issue is that you're never asked to count calories. Because you're allowed to eat as much protein-rich foods as you wish, it may be easier for some dieters to accidentally overeat.
On the plus side, the diet does encourage consuming a lot of water and non-starchy vegetables, so dieters might end up monitoring their hydration levels and eating more fiber than they would typically do following on a low-carb, high-protein diet.

What Do the Experts Say?
"When it comes to a diet's effectiveness, it's crucial to be able to see the research and science behind it to make sure that's it's sound, but this diet doesn't appear to be evidence-based," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. "The diet eliminates portion control, allowing you to eat what you want. That may sound attractive, but the diet is also highly restrictive when it comes to which specific foods you can eat. Even if you're able to eat as much food as you want (which isn't wise regardless), that kind of restriction can be become boring for many dieters fairly quickly."

Other issues that Giancoli found with the diet is that's it's nutritionally imbalanced. "Anyone with any type of health problems-such as kidney disease, diabetes, osteoporosis or cholesterol issues, for example-shouldn't consider trying it because being on this type of diet for even a short amount of time could be very dangerous," stresses Giancoli. Even though she feels there is less of a health concern for the average person, it's still not balanced enough because it doesn't include many essential good-for-you foods-such as whole grains, fruits, healthy fats


Who Should Consider the Diet?
Men typically have a better time sticking to high-protein diets (since they are more attracted to the notion of eating nothing but meat all day long), but any dieter that wants to see the effects of adding protein while cutting back bad carbs (such as white bread and rice) may find the diet revealing. Beyond that, it doesn't really teach many of the fundamentals that most nutritionists recommend for long-term weight loss, such as calorie counting and balancing your diet.

Bottom Line
If you don't abuse the 'all-you-can-eat' edict, consume the healthiest versions of high-protein foods as possible (such as fish or lean chicken), and try to select more nutritious veggies (such as broccoli and spinach) over the less nutrient-rich veggies you're also allowed to eat (such as celery and cucumbers), you might be able to make the diet healthier than it really is. But the elimination of many proven nutritional assets for weight loss and overall health (such as nuts, whole grains and fruits) make it difficult to back the program.

What You Can Eat
Oat bran, lean beef, lean chicken, lean ham, tofu, fish, eggs, fat-free Greek yogurt, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, celery, tomatoes, onions, and broccoli.

What you can't eat
(For the first two phases) Butter or oil, sugar, starchy veggies, potatoes, bread, all types of fruit, and rice.

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]]>atkinsdiet planDukan Diethigh proteinlow carbweight lossThat's Fit EditorsMon, 04 Apr 2011 14:00:00 ESTThe Dukan Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/the-dukan-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/the-dukan-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/the-dukan-diet/#commentsFiled under:

dukan diet bookAmazon

Our Reviewer Says ...
"In many respects, the Dukan Diet in a lot like the Atkins Diet with its' high-protein, low-carb approach...On the plus side, the plan does encourage consuming a lot of water and non-starchy vegetables, so dieters might end up monitoring their hydration levels and eating more fiber than they would typically do following on a low-carb, high-protein diet."

At a Glance
This four-phase program (created by French medical doctor Pierre Dukan) is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that allows dieters to eat unlimited amounts of protein-rich food selected from Dukan's pre-approved list of 72 lean, low-fat protein sources. Gradually, dieters are allowed to begin eating unlimited portions of non-starchy vegetables every other day, then eventually encouraged to eat whatever they want, so long as they follow three simple rules: eat nothing but protein one day a week, consume three tablespoons of oat bran daily and walk 20 minutes each day.

  • Cost: Average.
  • Meals Provided: No.
  • Diet Duration: Initial weight-loss depends on how much weight you have to lose. After you've hit your goal, the program is mean to be a life-long commitment.
  • Fitness Requirements: You are expected to walk for 20-30 minutes each day.
  • Time Commitment: Average.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: No (during the first two phases), acceptable during the last two phases.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: No.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Fairly strict for the first three phases; more flexible during phase four.


Books:
The Dukan Diet

Online:
The Dukan Diet


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]]>atkinsDukan Diethigh proteinlow carbThat's Fit EditorsMon, 04 Apr 2011 14:00:00 ESTGreen for Life Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/12/green-for-life-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/12/green-for-life-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/12/green-for-life-diet-review/#commentsFiled under:

Diet Review
Although it does sometimes lean towards the holistic side at times, "Green for Life" is a bit different than other books based on the notion of blending raw foods for health, vitality and weight loss. Even though the author spends a lot of time explaining the importance of adding greens into your diet, she doesn't leave readers with the sense that they can't accomplish their health and wellness goals without using her smoothie recipes. Instead, "Green for Life" aims to help people add greens to their diet, which should leave them feeling more full throughout the day (and therefore making them less likely to eat as much during meals) and boost their nutrient intake as they get more vitamins, minerals and fiber into their daily routine.

What's most interesting about "Green for Life" is that it reveals how nutritious certain parts of vegetables that we typically throw away actually are. For example, the green leaves of a beet are seven times richer in calcium and 192 times more fortified in vitamin A than the actual beet. Even the leaves of a turnip have 2,500 times more vitamin K than the turnip itself. This kind of information is useful for dieters, who may gain a better understanding of the nutritional value of certain foods they otherwise would pass by. However, the biggest concern is how the book leaves the reader somewhat confused at the end. In the book, the author does a thorough job of explaining the difference between vegetables and greens (yes, there's a difference, and according to the title of the book, eating more greens is the ultimate goal). However, nearly all of the smoothie recipes recommended at the end of the book are made from assorted fruits and vegetables, not greens. Even though the smoothies are tasty and packed with nutrients, they don't sync very well with the rest of the information.

Is the Diet Healthy?
For the most part. The problem with the word "smoothie" is that it's attached to fad diets that are typically nutritionally imbalanced. But because "Green for Life" is less of a diet and more of a "suggestion," it's hard to argue that getting more nutrient-packed greens on a daily basis wouldn't be beneficial. The smoothies in "Green for Life" are not meal replacements but are meant to be enjoyed throughout the day as you would any beverage. Since many people typically turn to less healthier and/or sugar-dense beverage choices (such as soda, fruit juices and coffee drinks), advising people to drink all-natural smoothies that are richer in nutrients and fiber instead is certainly a smarter option.

What Do the Experts Say?
"One positive of 'Green for Life' is that I love anyone that promotes eating more fruits and vegetables," says registered dietician, certified dietician/nutritionist and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association Keri Gans, "I'm also happy to see that the smoothies are made in a way that retains the food's fiber content, since eating plenty of fiber isn't just essential for its' nutrient value, but giving dieters a more satiated feeling throughout the day." However, there are a few points that concern Gans, the first being some of the benefits behind blending vegetables into a smoothie form. "Although it claims that the nutrients within certain foods are more effectively absorbed after rupturing their cellular walls, I am not familiar with science that supports that theory," she says. Gans' other big concern is with the loose guidelines on how much you should drink throughout the day. Although it seems to recommend drinking one quart daily, there are times when it seems perfectly fine to consume larger quantities. "Because many of the smoothie recipes in the book are higher in calories because they're fruit-based, some individuals looking to lose weight might end up drinking additional calories per day that may not be needed, depending on what the rest of their meals look like," she says. "I also wouldn't want to see dieters 'only' drinking smoothies to get their vegetables, instead of also having them with their meals as well, since eating vegetables 'with' meals is essential to help fill you up," says Gans, "Although I agree that most people need to eat more vegetables in general, I would still prefer to make sure they're eaten in whole form, as well as with their meals, instead of only in between."

Who Should Consider the Diet?
Anyone looking for a way to sneak more nutrients into their current diet without having to change what they're already doing.

Bottom Line
Don't let the word 'smoothie' scare you into thinking Green For Life is another "lose weight fast" fad diet. In a nutshell, the book is really a non-preachy approach to explaining the importance of eating more plant-based foods, then shows you how simple it is to add them into your daily routine with little effort and a lot of healthy results.

What You Can Eat
The smoothies may include a variety of fruits, vegetables, weeds, herbs and sprouts, including bananas, celery, blueberries, Romaine and red leaf lettuce, mangos, pears, kale and spinach. What you can't: Nothing in particular (Although the author did create Green For Life as a way to add more nutrients into a raw food lifestyle -- and is a raw foodist herself-dieters that don't follow a raw food lifestyle can still use the book.)

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]]>diet reviewgreen for liferaw foodsmoothiesMyatt MurphyFri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:00 ESTGreen for Life Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/12/green-for-life/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/12/green-for-life/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/12/green-for-life/#commentsFiled under: ,

Barnes & Noble

Our Reviewer Says ...
"Green for Life" is a bit different than other books that revolve around the notion of blending raw foods for health, vitality and weight loss. Instead, "Green for Life" helps people add greens to their diet, which, in turn, should leave them feeling more full throughout the day.

At a Glance
"Green for Life" was originally conceived as a way to make nutritional improvements on the classic raw food diet. After researching the dietary differences between the standard American diet and the diet of wild chimpanzees (which share around 99.4 percent of their genes with humans), author Victoria Boutenko noticed the most obvious dissimilarity: Chimps eat far more green leaves than humans do. To help people to enjoy more greens in their daily life, she devised a series of tasty green smoothie recipes that let dieters fulfill their daily need for greens in a more pleasant way.

"Green for Life" centers around adding plant-based foods (such as kale; red leaf lettuce; chickweed; mint; fresh dill; and other assorted vegetables, weeds, herbs and sprouts) into a dieter's daily routine in the form of blended smoothies. Whipping up greens into a creamy consistency allows you to rupture the vegetables' cell walls, which, in turn, helps release even more of the nutrients locked inside.

  • Cost: Moderate to high.
  • Meals Provided: No.
  • Diet Duration: Lifestyle change.
  • Fitness Requirements: None.
  • Time Commitment: Average to high.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: Not specified.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: Yes.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Moderate.


Books:
"Green for Life"

Online:
GreenforLife.com


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]]>green for liferaw foodRawFoodsmoothiesMyatt MurphyFri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:00 ESTMediterranean Prescription Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/25/mediterranean-prescription-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/25/mediterranean-prescription-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/25/mediterranean-prescription-diet-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Diet Review
Unlike a lot of fad diets that promote the same basics of healthy eating, then try to re-spin them into something innovative and ground-breaking, The Mediterranean Prescription takes an honest approach to eating healthy and offers dieters a tastier way of accomplishing their weight loss and longevity goals. To start, the book takes the time to discuss a variety of health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obesity, then explains how eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, legumes and healthy fats can lower your risk of developing a disease and increase your life span. Its science is actually factual sound and accurate, pointing out well-documented studies that support how adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet can help lessen your odds of being obese, having a heart attack and even developing cancer. In fact, the diet is so honest, it even admits a few things that most diet books wouldn't dare -- that 30 to 40 percent of any weight lost on the diet will be muscle and not fat, if you don't exercise while following it. (It even goes a step further explaining how even more muscle is lost when following nearly all low-calorie, crash diets.) Its two-week weight-loss program is what you might expect from most diet books: a restrictive "first phase" that's meant to show an immediate loss in weight to keep you motivated. But what's refreshing about its two-week program is that it's not that depriving at all. Dieters are allowed to eat as much fish, vegetables, egg whites and other assorted low-carb fare as they want for two weeks. After that, the book advises dieters how to basically make healthier food choices that fall in line with a Mediterranean lifestyle, including eating more healthy fats (through fish, olive oil and nuts, for example) vegetables, adding red wine and performing more exercise as a daily habit. The real sell point of the diet is the list of recipes you're allowed to try after the initial two-week program. Each is well designed from a nutritional standpoint and absolutely delicious (since many were created by some of New York City's finest Italian chefs). With soups, salads and appetizing dishes ranging from Sicilian-style calamari to broiled chicken with garlic and lime, dieters won't find themselves feeling starved or unsatisfied following the program, whether it's for the short term -- or as the book suggests, for life.

Is the Diet Healthy?
Yes. Unlike some diets that eliminate certain vital nutrients to promote rapid weight loss, the diet is a smart mix of healthy fats, fiber, complex carbohydrates and many other foods containing high amounts of antioxidants and phytochemicals.

What Do the Experts Say?
When it comes to the all-you-can-eat two-week phase of the diet, Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, LD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, warns that it's important to focus on both the quality and the quantity of what you're eating. "If they're not careful, dieters can still gain weight on a routine like that, no matter how healthy the food may be, because they might take in more calories than their body actually needs," she says. Her advice: Skip past the two-week phase and move right into the second phase --the actual life-long eating plan. In fact, Blatner often recommends dieters skip past the initial restrictive phase of any diet that promises dieters will lose weight dramatically at the start. "Most of these types of 'primer' phases tend to be caloric-deficient and usually exclude one or more food groups to achieve that instant result," says Blatner, "You're always better off to dive right into whichever phase is a more realistic lifestyle approach instead of wasting time on the quick fix." Blatner says the quality of foods eaten on a Mediterranean-style diet -- fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and healthy fats, along with minimal amounts of red meat -- is generally superior compared with what most people eat on average. "The diet itself is virtually the backbone of what is recommended by most nutritionists and major medical associations," says Blatner, "However, watching your portion sizes is still extremely important when following this type of program." Because the guidelines in the book give dieters more freedom with how much they can eat of certain healthy foods, the only suggestion is to make sure you don't end up eating too much of a good thing. Blatner is also satisfied with the emphasis placed on exercise, specifically resistance training and walking, in the program. "Most diets minimize exercise in their programs to trick dieters into thinking they can lose weight with little effort," says Blatner. The problem? "Whenever you drop any amount of bodyweight on a diet, what you're actually losing is a mixture of bodyfat, muscle and water," says Blatner, "That's why it's vital to add an exercise component into any weight-loss program. Doing so can help you burn more fat while it prevents you from losing as much lean muscle tissue." The more lean muscle you have, the higher your metabolism stays revved 24/7, which keeps your body burning excess calories throughout the day, even when at rest.

Who Should Consider the Diet?
Anyone looking for a few more ways to eat healthy without sacrificing taste.

Bottom Line
Dieters already familiar with the usual healthy eating tips most diets recommend may feel they've read the advice that The Mediterranean Prescription delivers, but there's no denying that its delicious recipes are a more satisfying -- and believable -- way to adhere to them. It's a no-spin, all-win book that's worth it for the meals alone.

What You Can Eat
For the first two weeks: whole-wheat bread, broiled chicken, olive oil, diet soda and as much fish, seafood, salad, non-starchy vegetables and egg whites as you can eat. After two weeks: a variety of Sicilian-style meals, including pizza, chicken cacciatore and baked zucchini with eggplant and tomatoes. What you can't eat: For the first two weeks: sugar, alcohol, dairy, bread, butter, starchy vegetables, juices, fruits, nuts and potatoes. After two weeks: nothing is technically restricted, but the book advises on smarter ways to eat foods that may not be on the plan.

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]]>Myatt MurphyMon, 25 Oct 2010 14:00:00 ESTMediterranean Prescription Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/25/mediterranean-prescription-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/25/mediterranean-prescription-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/25/mediterranean-prescription-diet/#commentsFiled under: ,


Amazon.com

Our Reviewer Says ...
Unlike a lot of fad diets that promote the same basics of healthy eating, then try to re-spin them into something innovative and ground-breaking, The Mediterranean Prescription takes an honest approach to eating healthy and offers dieters a tastier way of accomplishing their weight loss and longevity goals.

At a Glance
The Mediterranean Prescription may sound medically-based, but it's actually a very simple approach that shows dieters how to follow the same nutritional habits of a Mediterranean-style diet, which consists of eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, olive oil and fish (as well as modest amounts of low-fat dairy and small amounts of red meat.) The program is divided into two parts: a strict two-week weight-loss stage, then a set of guidelines and delicious recipes that dieters are meant to follow for the rest of their lives.

  • Cost: Moderate.
  • Meals Provided: No.
  • Diet Duration: The first phase last two weeks, followed by a lifetime plan.
  • Fitness Requirements: At least 150 minutes per week of varied activity.
  • Time Commitment: Average.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: Red wine is allowed in moderation.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: Yes.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Strict in phase one, then flexible.


Books:
The Mediterranean Prescription: Meal Plans and Recipes to Help You Stay Slim and Healthy for the Rest of Your Life



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]]>diet reviewmeditteranean dietMyatt MurphyMon, 25 Oct 2010 14:00:00 ESTThe 5 Factor World Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/18/the-5-factor-world-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/18/the-5-factor-world-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/18/the-5-factor-world-diet-review/#commentsFiled under:

Diet Review
Half of this unique diet book pinpoints the healthiest places on the planet, why they eat the ingredients the way they do and how they prepare food. It even includes take-home recipes from far-flung spots such as Hong Kong and Macau. Maybe more interestingly, author Harley Pasternak sets up a series of criteria from the World Health Organization and explores the unhealthiest places in the world. Guess where the United States falls? Of the 14 places with the fattest and most unhealthy citizens, Harley has found that the United States comes in ninth! The utmost unhealthy country is Nauro, a small island nation in the South Pacific, with Argentina, Malta and Kuwait also topping the Fat List. Pasternak offers takeaway diet lessons from the healthiest countries in the world, such as Singapore and Japan, and provides must-have ingredients, simple recipes and cooking techniques from each region.

Is the Diet Healthy?
Rather than counting calories like a traditional diet book, Pasternak creates an entire meal plan that gives a daily menu from each distinct place. This makes for a very interesting, if complicated and ingredient-heavy, diet program. For instance, I discovered that super-healthy Swedes have a long life expectancy, have less than 11 percent of obesity within the population, and eat mostly fish, grain products and yogurts. Pasternak delivers mouthwatering Swedish recipes and to-go food tips, such as preparing sandwiches with only one slice of hearty Swedish bread. So, yes, the diets included are healthy, but the information is invaluable, too, and the recipes in the back of the book seem delicious and balanced with a unique global twist.

What Do the Experts Say?
"I love the idea of discovering what makes a healthy versus an unhealthy culture, and delivering the facts so we Americans can reap the benefits," said registered dietitian Jill Place, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. "Along with the World Health Organization research, the book's theories behind longevity based on food and activity levels is fascinating. Helpful and interesting factoids dot the book and yet these meal plans are not strict diets, per se, so it's more of a lifestyle read," said Place, a nutrition consultant and founder of Supplement Savvy. "I'm a big fan of Harley's simple 10-minute recipes because they're doable and delicious, and they're based on ethnic cuisine. The big takeaway lesson is that we should all eat globally."

Who Should Consider the Diet?
Again, strict dieters will be better off with a different calorie-counting food plan. This book is more about exploring your healthy options when it comes to eating all over the map. Especially helpful from a dieters' perspective are Pasternak's sections on the common cooking methods (and primary ingredients) of the healthiest countries, which include Japan, Italy, Spain and South Korea. Another useful and motivational section is How They Burn It, where Pasternak discusses common exercise modalities per healthy country.

Bottom Line
This isn't a diet book but a primer for healthy folks (or wannabe healthy folks) who need to shake up their recipe routines and embrace a global perspective on eating. Reading about the self-control and willpower techniques common in Japan or even the trick to combating heart disease in France (it's not only the wine, folks!) is fascinating. Pasternak also examines why we Americans have "portion distortion" and tend to eat too many calories at every meal.

What You Can Eat
That's the best part -- every food group is offered in the bulky recipe section in back, from ginger beef and noodles to red lentil puree. Pasternak's food shopping suggestions and cooking shortcuts (buy frozen peas for your stir-fry!) go far beyond the norm. "The 5 Factor World Diet" takes a true global approach to eating healthfully by utilizing the cultures and customs of the word's healthiest countries. You'll learn a thing or two!

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]]>5 factor dietdietdiet reviewHarley PasternakNicole Dorsey-StraffMon, 18 Oct 2010 15:00:00 ESTThe 5 Factor World Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/18/the-5-factor-world-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/18/the-5-factor-world-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/18/the-5-factor-world-diet/#commentsFiled under:

Amazon.com

Our Reviewer Says ...
Harley Pasternak offers takeaway diet lessons from the healthiest countries in the world, such as Singapore and Japan, and provides must-have ingredients, simple recipes and cooking techniques from each region.

At a Glance
Best known as a celebrity trainer to Halle Berry, Eva Mendez, Orlando Bloom and some of Hollywood's most beautiful people, fitness expert and personal trainer Harley Pasternak goes where no other diet book has gone before: around the globe. On his jet-set travels with A-list clients, like exotic movie locations around the world (tough life), Pasternak did in-depth research on the activity levels and food strategies of local cultures. From as far away as Malta and Palau, to fast food habits in the United States and South America, he closely examines the reasons behind the fattest countries in the world versus the healthiest countries based on significant data from the World Health Organization. Pasternak's yummy recipes and must-know advice from those places can benefit us all.

  • Cost: Moderate.
  • Meals Provided: No.
  • Diet Duration: Lifetime.
  • Fitness Requirements: Varies.
  • Time Commitment: High.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: Varies.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: No.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Flexible.


Books:
"The 5 Factor World Diet"

Online:
5 Factor Diet

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]]>5 Factor DietHarley Pasternakrecipesweight lossNicole Dorsey-StraffMon, 18 Oct 2010 15:00:00 ESTThe GenoType Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/04/the-genotype-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/04/the-genotype-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/04/the-genotype-diet-review/#commentsFiled under:

Diet Review
Five million copies of "The Blood Type Diet" book were sold, with author Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo pioneering a revolutionary approach to dieting linked to your own blood type. In "Change Your Genetic Destiny," he takes this highly controversial research to the next level by identifying six unique genetic types. Whether you are a Hunter, Gatherer, Teacher, Explorer, Warrior or Nomad, D'Adamo offers a customized program that complements your genetic makeup to maximize health and weight loss, as well as prevent disease. In sometimes confusing prose, D'Adamo explains how a host of environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle, dictate how and when your genes "express themselves." He goes on to demonstrate how to alter your genetic destiny by turning on the good genes and silencing the bad ones. Using family history and blood type, as well as self-diagnostic tools like fingerprint analysis, leg length measurements and dental characteristics, D'Adamo illustrates how to map out your genetic identity and discover which of the six genotype plans you should follow. Without a visit to the doctor, "Change Your Genetic Destiny" supposedly reveals hidden genetic strengths and weaknesses.

Is the Diet Healthy?
This question gets confusing from the onset. If you're a Hunter genotype, you have a speedy metabolism and a toned torso, and you can start pigging out right about now. If you are a Teacher genotype, however, you have bowel problems and a higher risk of breast cancer, so you should stop eating all those trans fats and start aging gracefully just like your genetic composition says you should! Pretty out-there stuff from a scientific perspective. And in order to narrow down exactly which of the six genotypes you are comes with pages of quizzes and a hodgepodge of tests. Each type has a huge list of foods to avoid, and nowhere in the history of science is there research to substantiate how the shape of your own jaw will affect your nutrition levels.

What Do the Experts Say?
"Dr. D'Adamo has a clever and informative way of making the science of genetics accessible. He describes how prenatal environment, diet and exercise influence genetic expression through chemical changes and even alterations in shape," said registered dietician Nancy Bennett, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and founder of Enlightening Choices. "However, I found his categorization of genetic variations quite troubling. Dr. D'Adamo postulates that one can predict how to react to an environmental or dietary change based on a genetic subtype and then divides all humans into only six subtypes," said the weight management expert from San Francisco. "I find it puzzling that sex, race and level of physical activity are not taken more seriously into account in the book calculators. I am also suspect of the Advance Genotype Calculator, which involves sending one's saliva sample away for further analysis," she said. "I recommend more reliable sources to investigate this fascinating subject of nutritional genomics."

Who Should Consider the Diet?
If you don't mind doing the lengthy self-diagnosis, are curious to see what your genetic "type" is and don't mind diet that restricts a large number of foods, you could give this a try. However, it's important you keep in that these genotypes read more like updated horoscopes than a sensible and scientific rationale for improving health and wellness. If you're searching for a sound, effective weight loss plan, we suggest you look elsewhere.

Bottom Line
This book is a fascinating read, but there's no proof that eating according to your genotype can boost energy, improve immunity or aid in weight loss, which the book jacket promises.

What You Can Eat
Vegetable broth, olive oil, lemon juice, lean white meat chicken breast, fish (including salmon, cod and herring), fresh vegetables, non-citrus fruits, legumes and beans, brown rice, walnuts, ground flaxseed, and filtered water.

What You Can't Eat
Each one of the six genotypes in the book has a completely different set of food criteria. For instance, the Hunter diet is high in red meats and fish but restricts cheese and yogurt; while the Gatherer diet is big on legumes and vegetable oils but recommends passing on most red meats. The Teacher diet suggests more grains and fatty fish but advises against spinach and other leafy greens, and the Explorer diet is high in game meats and poultry but recommends against most fish and cheese. Confusingly, the shellfish-loving Warrior diet completely omits poultry and red meat, while the Nomad diet suggests lean cuts of meat and proteins but not pasta or vitamin-rich fruits like oranges or bananas.

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]]>dna dietgene dietgenotype dietNicole Dorsey-StraffMon, 04 Oct 2010 14:00:00 ESTThe GenoType Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/04/the-genotype-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/04/the-genotype-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/10/04/the-genotype-diet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Amazon.com

Our Reviewer Says ...
Author Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo explains how a host of environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle, dictate how and when your genes express themselves and how to alter your genetic destiny by turning on the good genes and silencing the bad ones. If you don't mind doing the lengthy self-diagnosis or sticking to a diet that restricts a large number of foods, you may want to give this a try. However, it's important you keep in mind that these genotypes read more like updated horoscopes than a sensible and scientific rationale for improving health and wellness.

At a Glance
With the Blood Type Diet book series, D'Adamo started a controversial health craze and proved that when it comes to dieting, one plan does not fit all. In "The GenoType Diet," which has been renamed in soft cover to "Change Your Genetic Destiny," Dr. D'Adamo now states that a host of environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle, will dictate how and when your genes "express themselves" when it comes to losing weight, becoming healthier and boosting your immune system. D'Adamo actually says that with the proper self-diagnostic tools (including your own fingerprints, and your individual jaw angle), you may actually be able to turn on your good genes and shut down the bad ones once and for all. Using family history and blood type, D'Adamo shows you how to map out your genetic makeup to discover which of the six genotype plans is appropriate for you.

  • Cost: Moderate.
  • Meals Provided: No.
  • Diet Duration: Lifetime.
  • Fitness Requirements: Varies.
  • Time Commitment: High.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: Varies.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: No.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Strict


Books:
"Change Your Genetic Destiny"

Online:
The Genotype Diet

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]]>dna dietgene dietgenotype dietpeter dadamoNicole Dorsey-StraffMon, 04 Oct 2010 14:00:00 ESTUltraSimple Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/ultrasimple-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/ultrasimple-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/ultrasimple-diet-review/#commentsFiled under:

Diet Review
This seven-day program sets out to detoxify and reduce inflammation in your body. How will that help you lose weight? According to the diet, it's inflammation and stress that causes your body to store fat. By eating and avoiding certain foods, along with using other tactics that include relieving stress and consuming broths and shakes that supposedly cleanse your system, you can remove toxins, reduce inflammation and ease stress. The end result is that you'll lose weight -- up to a possible 10 pounds in seven days. The biggest issue most doctors and nutritionists have with the diet is that there isn't much scientific proof out there that truly proves that environmental toxins are to blame for weight gain. Instead, most prescribe to the obvious science that you probably already suspect is making most people fat -- which is eating too many unhealthy, calorie-dense foods on a regular basis. Ironically, it's unhealthy, calorie-dense foods that dieters are asked to avoid when following this plan, but not because they are calorie-packed, but because they are deemed toxic and inflammatory instead. The truth is, take away the connection between toxicity and weight gain and the UltraSimple Diet isn't a bad mini-program to try if you want to see the positive effects of eating healthier foods on a more regular basis. It also may help dieters to see the importance in finding more time to de-stress, as well as monitor what they're feeling each day. But as for the weight loss, experts say that any 'pounds' lost during the seven-day program is most likely water and not actual fat.

Is the diet healthy?
Yes and no. Some of its positive attributes is that it encourages dieters to eat more healthy fare (such as fresh vegetables, lean meat, brown rice and water) while avoiding many bad-for-you foods (such as processed foods, artificial sweeteners and trans fats). However, it also advises skipping certain healthy foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and eggplant, which nutritionists say may leave dieter missing out on certain key nutrients (such as Vitamin C and lycopene, for example.)

What do the experts say?
The UltraSimple Diet gets mixed reviews when reviewed by those in the field. On the positive side, "the author suggests consuming a diet of fresh fruits (non-citrus except for lemons), vegetables and healthy oils and eliminating processed foods, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated oils. In addition, he recommends consuming healthful fluids such as green tea and water and daily journaling of progress on the diet," says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, MEd, RD, LD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, "All these are consistent methods and techniques that have been clinically shown to support long-term weight loss."

On the negative side, the cost of sticking with the diet could exclude some dieters from being able to try it. "The diet consists of very healthy foods but is extremely restrictive," says Jamieson-Petonic, "It recommends purchasing organic products, which are more expensive, making it cost-prohibitive for some people."

Another issue with the program is what it delivers nutritionally. "The seven-day plan is ultra-low in calories, protein and other key nutrients including calcium and vitamin D," says Lona Sandon, MEd, RD, LD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Even though the diet is meant to only be used for seven days, "prolonged use of this plan could result in nutritional deficiencies and loss of muscle mass due to insufficient calories, vitamins, minerals, protein and weight bearing exercise," says Sandon.

Finally, there's the whole detox theory that the entire diet is built around. There are many unsubstantiated claims, such as one made by the author that the lavender in his UltraBath will lower your cortisol. The hard truth is, "there is little scientific evidence to support the need for detoxifying diet plans of this type," says Sandon.

Who should consider the diet?
Anyone looking to see the effects of removing unhealthy foods from their diet for a short period of time.

Bottom line
If you're looking to use the diet in the hopes of getting down to your ideal weight -- or even as a quick fix to drop ten pounds before vacation -- there are far better programs out there that incorporate a better balance of foods, the right amount of exercise (which experts agree is a vital tool for losing weight) and more accurate scientific data.

What you can eat
Vegetable broth, olive oil, lemon juice, lean white meat chicken breast, fish (including salmon, cod and herring), fresh vegetables, non-citrus fruits, legumes and beans, brown rice, walnuts, ground flaxseed and filtered water.

What you can't eat
Dairy products, meats, eggs, citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods or any products containing artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, additives, coloring, preservatives, trans fats or saturated fats.

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]]>mark hymanultrasimpleultrasimple dietMyatt MurphyFri, 24 Sep 2010 13:00:00 ESTUltraSimple Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/ultrasimple-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/ultrasimple-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/ultrasimple-diet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Amazon.com

Our Reviewer Says...
This seven-day program sets out to detoxify and reduce inflammation in your body. The diet claims that the end result is that you'll lose up to a possible 10 pounds in seven days. The biggest issue most doctors and nutritionists have with the diet is that there isn't much scientific proof out there that truly proves that environmental toxins are to blame for weight gain.

At a Glance
Created by alternative medicine expert Dr. Mark Hyman, the UltraSimple Diet is a seven-day fasting program that has dieters change what they eat to reduce toxicity and inflammation within the body. According to Hyman, once you take away the things that make your body toxic and add foods and activities that help reduce inflammation, your body can renew and restore itself. For dieters, this rejuvenation doesn't just mean better heath, but losing weight as well

The program involves following six basic steps: 1. Avoiding foods that cause toxicity and inflammation. 2. Eating foods that detoxify and reduce inflammation. 3. Drinking a special cleansing broth (the recipe's in the book) that also acts as a laxative. 4. Drinking anti-inflammatory shakes. 5. Taking a detoxifying bath every night. And finally, 6. Writing what you're learning and how you're feeling in a journal as you perform the entire seven-day cycle.

  • Cost: Moderately high.
  • Meals Provided: No.
  • Diet Duration: Seven days.
  • Fitness Requirements: Walking for a minimum of thirty minutes daily.
  • Time Commitment: Average.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: No.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: Yes.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Strict


Books:
The UltraSimple Diet

Online:
The UltraSimple Diet

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]]>mark hymanultrasimpleultrasimple dietMyatt MurphyFri, 24 Sep 2010 13:00:00 ESTSpark Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/spark-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/spark-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/spark-diet-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Diet Review
Using SparkPeople isn't quite like following a specific diet plan or relying on a weight loss center like Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. Instead, it's a collection of tools, resources and information at your disposal via a website that allows you to find the answers to a host of weight loss, nutrition and fitness questions. After you input a few details about yourself and your weight loss goals, you'll receive your own recommended fitness regime, as well as information on how many calories you should be eating on a daily basis. You can even let the site calculate the nutritional breakdown of your daily nutritional habits -- such as how many calories, carbs, protein and fats you've consumed -- by inputting which foods and what amounts you've eaten throughout the day.

The site actually offers a lot of useful tools that can make the process of losing weight a little more manageable and fun. However, if you're the type who needs to follow a certain plan and hate to be left on your own when making the right nutritional and fitness choices, the site could be a bit overwhelming. There's so much information on the site that it can be confusing for beginners or those not as knowledgeable when it comes to exercise and diet. One major problem is its accuracy rate when it comes to reliable information. Dieters could get themselves in trouble on the forums, where they can meet other dieters to share advice and information, as well as support each other. While being guided and motivated by other people is a great way to hold yourself accountable for your actions, members could end up following the wrong advice.

Is the diet healthy?
Depends on whom you listen to. The information in most of the site's articles, databases and tools doesn't deviate from the standard nutrition and exercise advice you might find in your average weight loss magazine, so it's fairly safe. However, there's no guarantee that the opinions and recommendations of other members will always be sound and accurate.

What do the experts say?
For the person who wants a lot of information -- and is patient enough to find it -- SparkPeople is a decent site to sign up for, especially because there's no cost to it. "Because of how it's organized and the volume of information they place on the site, it can be a little overwhelming and slightly difficult to get to the nuts and bolts you may be looking for," said Andrea Giancoli, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, "However, that aside, the diets are fairly balanced, and the basic advice that's offered on the site is pretty sound." Giancoli would prefer to see more recommended vegetables, whole grains and fiber, although she says the site does a good job of making sure there are a variety of foods to select from in the diets offered. Also, Giancoli suggests that dieters watch what information they pull from the forums. "The attractiveness of the forums is that you can find other dieters and be motivated by what they do," said Giancoli, "The thing is, that type of environment does create the danger of being given misinformation by other people that may not be qualified to do so. It's not that clear how quickly and efficiently the experts at SparkPeople oversee the information placed in the forums to ensure that everything up there is accurate. That can be a serious concern, especially because there are a lot of people out there that aren't educated in the areas of nutrition and exercise -- but still offer their own advice."

Who should consider the diet?
Anyone looking for access to helpful weight loss tools, recipes and support but doesn't want to pay for it.

Bottom Line
They say you can't get something for nothing, but SparkPeople's free service for dieters proves them wrong. The resources offered by the site are fairly accurate, plus it's a great place to meet other like-minded people that are also looking to lose weight.

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]]>diet reviewonline dietsparkpeopleMyatt MurphyFri, 17 Sep 2010 14:00:00 ESTSpark Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/spark-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/spark-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/spark-diet/#commentsFiled under: ,

sparkpeople.com

Our Reviewer Says ...
Using SparkPeople isn't quite like following a specific diet plan. Instead, it's a collection of tools, resources and information at your disposal via a website that allows you to find the answers to a host of weight loss, nutrition and fitness questions.

At a Glance
The weight loss site offers nutrition, health and fitness tools, as well as support and other resources. Once you join (it's free), you can do everything from monitor your meals, track how much weight you've lost and check out exercise video demonstrations to access hundreds of fitness, nutrition and motivation articles; chat with other members; and find recipes and menus that can assist with your weight loss.

  • Cost: None.
  • Meals Provided: No.
  • Diet Duration: Not applicable.
  • Fitness Requirements: Exercise is encouraged often.
  • Time Commitment: Average.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: Yes.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: Yes.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Depends on your goals.


Online:
SparkPeople

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]]>diet reviewsparkpeopleMyatt MurphyFri, 17 Sep 2010 14:00:00 ESTMayo Clinic Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/mayo-clinic-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/mayo-clinic-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/mayo-clinic-diet-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

The very readable and on-track Mayo Clinic diet is sliced into three different sections: Part one, the Lose It phase, is a two-week quick-start weight-loss program designed to help dieters shed six to 10 pounds in just 14 days. After dieters complete the Lose It phase, they progress to part two, the Live It phase, which is created to help dieters continue to lose one to two pounds each week until they reach a desired and healthy goal weight. Live It offers a customized guide to using the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid and makes it possible for dieters to keep track of their body goals and successes. Along with the hardcover diet book, the third section is an essential companion called "The Mayo Clinic Diet Journal," where you record your daily progress, suss out food issues, list exercise and weekly activities, and a whole lot more. The "Journal" is a struggling dieter's best friend since it tackles behavioral issues for emotional eaters, which is sorely lacking in most other diet books.

Is the Diet Healthy?
The diet section in part one (Lose It) absolutely emphasizes nutrient-dense food plans and offer quizzes to self-identify if you're a troubled eater. The two-week phase also banishes snacks (other than fruits and vegetables) and actually prohibits dieters from eating out at restaurants for the duration, so, yes, this diet section is healthy but very strict! As any dieter knows, shedding up to 10 pounds in 14 days means working diligently, truly transforming your eating habits and significantly upping your exercise levels. That's a lot of pounds to drop in two weeks! More realistic is section two (Live It), where you examine behavioral changes, overcome food issues and exercise plateaus, and learn about healthy ethnic cuisines. There's a ton of valuable data here if you can get past the formidable two-week kick-start plan, which may prove too stringent for many dieters.

What Do the Experts Say?
"This lifestyle plan is based on reliable nutrition knowledge, and the book has easy-to-follow diet and health guidelines; it also contains necessary information to eat less and exercise more," said registered dietician Ruth Frechman, an official spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. "I found the book's general layout and graphics visually pleasing and interesting." Frechman wants readers to keep in mind, however, that every person loses weight differently, depending on their unique goals and circumstances. "The two-week quick-start plan designed to help you lose up to six to 10 pounds may be unrealistic for most people," said Frechman. "People are not robots that can be programmed to lose exactly two pounds a week. People have to slowly transform their lifestyles, which takes much more time than the book allows."

Who Should Consider the Diet?
Led by Dr. Donald Hensrud, the associate professor of preventive medicine and nutrition at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, every chapter is written by a different top-notch health and/or medical expert who has treated thousands of overweight and obese patients. Anyone who wants to totally revamp the way they eat and live -- and drop up to 10 pounds in two weeks -- should consider this educational diet and lifestyle guide. The sections on practicing portion control and breaking negative behavior chains are excellent and should be read immediately by every consumer who has ever attempted a silly or trendy diet.

Bottom Line
The book is most appropriate for dieters who need to lose substantial pounds for health reasons, and the team of nutritionists and doctors really flesh things out in layman's terms. Unlike many other diet books, "The Mayo Clinic Diet" places a huge emphasis on daily exercise and also coaxes you into making exercise an actual habit for life. This is one of the best written and effective diet books on the market today, although the start-up nutrition plan (within the first two weeks) is very exacting. And the handy companion "Mayo Clinic Diet Journal" that accompanies the book is super motivating and helpful for anyone who's obese or overweight or simply frustrated with misinformation.

Foods You Can Eat
Most fruits and vegetables; proper smaller portions of whole-grain cereals and breads; egg whites; low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese; fat-free salad dressings; skim milk, some nuts and seeds; small portions of lean poultry, fish and meats; tofu and legumes; whole-grain pasta; vinegars, hummus and most spices.

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]]>diet bookdiet reviewmay clinicMayClinicmayo clinic dietNicole Dorsey-StraffFri, 10 Sep 2010 15:00:00 ESTThe Mayo Clinic Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/mayo-clinic-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/mayo-clinic-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/mayo-clinic-diet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Amazon.com

Our Reviewer Says ...

This lifestyle plan is based on reliable nutrition knowledge, and the book has easy-to-follow diet and health guidelines. It also contains necessary information to eat less and exercise more.

At a Glance


The tagline on this diet book is eat well, enjoy life, lose weight, and you can't get more practical advice than that from the medical professionals and researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. For more than 100 years, overweight and obese patients have flocked to the Mayo Clinic to work with 3,600 physicians, experts in endocrinology, metabolism and nutrition. In fact, the Clinic treats 500,000 patients each year, so I'm betting that they're the ultimate experts on the topic. This common-sense diet bible is packed with realistic meal plans, thoughtful exercise strategies and simple lifestyle tweaks that can benefit everyone who wants to live better and lose substantial weight. You may lose six to 10 pounds in two weeks!



Checklist


  • Cost: Minimal.
  • Meals Provided: None.
  • Diet Duration: Lifetime.
  • Fitness Requirements: 30 to 60 minutes of moderately vigorous physical activity or exercise on most days of the week.
  • Time Commitment: Minimal to moderate.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: In moderation.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: Yes.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Moderate.

More Info


Books:
"The Mayo Clinic Diet"



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]]>diet bookmayo clinicmayo clinic dietweight lossNicole Dorsey-StraffFri, 10 Sep 2010 15:00:00 ESTCrack the Fat-Loss Code Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/20/crack-the-fat-loss-code-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/20/crack-the-fat-loss-code-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/20/crack-the-fat-loss-code-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Carbohydrates have been the focus of several diets, and Crack the Fat-Loss Code is no exception. That's because during the first week of this diet, you'll significantly reduce the number of carbohydrates you're eating to less than 20 grams a day, which supposedly teaches your body to use fat instead of carbohydrates for energy.

Once you hit the second week, you'll gradually add carbohydrates back into your diet, but you'll alternate between baseline days, where you're giving your body the carbohydrates it needs; carb-up days, where you increase your carbohydrate intake; and carb-down days, where you reduce calories and carbohydrates. Overall, you'll eat four to five meals a day.

By going through these cycles, or what Chant calls macro-patterning, you're teaching your body to look beyond carbohydrates for energy. In the end, this apparently resets your body's metabolism.

As convincing as this might sound, the macro-patterning philosophy isn't backed by research. "I haven't seen any science to say that alternating the amounts of carbohydrates you eat each day can change your metabolism," said registered dietitian Karen Ansel, New York City media representative for the New York State Dietetic Association and contributing editor for Woman's Day magazine.

The title might intrigue you, but don't let this diet sway you: It's simply not healthy. It limits carbohydrates too severely, promises unrealistic weight loss and isn't grounded in solid nutrition.

Is the Diet Healthy?
The title might intrigue you, but don't let this diet sway you, as it's simply not healthy. It limits carbohydrates too severely, promises unrealistic weight loss and isn't grounded in solid nutrition.

What Do the Experts Say?
Although there may be some salvageable points to the diet -- like eating every three to four hours, exercising regularly and consuming protein with every meal -- this diet doesn't score high marks with nutrition experts. "There are many other diets that are much better for losing weight," Ansel said. For starters, any diet that restricts food groups should raise red flags. "Low-carb diets do work for some people, but this one is so extreme that by eating so few carbohydrates, which your body needs to fuel itself, you could feel faint, dizzy and ill," she added. Plus, the claim that you can lose up to 25 pounds in eight weeks is unrealistic. Even if you do lose that amount, your body won't be able to sustain it, and you'll eventually regain the lost weight.

Who Should Consider the Diet?
Nobody, as it's not a healthy approach to losing weight.

Bottom Line
This isn't a nutritionally sound diet. There are healthier diets for weight loss, so veer toward something with more research to back its claims.

Foods You Can Eat
You'll follow a different set of rules for each week of this eight-week diet. For starters, foods are separated into the following categories: protein, starches, vegetables, fat, fruit, sweets and alcohol.

The first week of the diet is the strictest phase, as you can eat only certain vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, asparagus) and protein (egg whites, fresh fish, lean beef, tuna, chicken breast, turkey breast). Because this phase is called the carb-deplete cycle, you'll eat less than 20 grams of carbohydrates every day. Alcohol is also prohibited in the first week.

In the second and subsequent weeks, you introduce carbohydrates back into your diet, alternating between days where you eat more, less or adequate amounts of carbs.

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]]>crack the fat loss codediet reviewlow carbLowCarbKaren AspFri, 20 Aug 2010 11:00:00 ESTCrack the Fat-Loss Codehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/20/crack-the-fat-loss-code/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/20/crack-the-fat-loss-code/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/20/crack-the-fat-loss-code/#commentsFiled under: ,

Amazon.com

Our Reviewer Says ...

Carbohydrates have been the focus of several diets, and Crack the Fat-Loss Code is no exception. Chant claims macro-patterning, which means alternating between low- and high-carb intake, teaches your body to look beyond carbohydrates for energy. In the end, this apparently resets your body's metabolism. As convincing as that might sound, the macro-patterning philosophy isn't backed by research.

At a Glance


Outsmarting your metabolism and conquering diet plateaus is what the Crack the Fat-Loss Code Diet is all about. Created by Wendy Chant, certified personal trainer and specialist in performance nutrition, the eight-week diet centers around macro-patterning, in which you alternate between "carb-up," "carb-down" and baseline days. Essentially, you're tweaking the number of carbohydrates you feed your body each day so that you can lose 25 pounds in eight weeks.



Checklist


  • Cost: minimal.
  • Meals Provided: none.
  • Diet Duration: eight weeks.
  • Fitness Requirements: Daily exercise, including cardiovascular activities and strength training, is recommended.
  • Time Commitment: minimal to moderate.
  • Eating Out: possible.
  • Alcohol: yes.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: yes.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: strict.


Books:
Crack the Fat-Loss Code

Conquer the Fat-Loss Code

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]]>crack the fat loss codeCrackTheFatLossCodediet reviewsDietReviewslow carbLowCarbKaren AspFri, 20 Aug 2010 11:00:00 ESTThe G-Free Diethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/16/the-g-free-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/16/the-g-free-diet/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/16/the-g-free-diet/#commentsFiled under:

Amazon.com

Our Reviewer Says...

"While the diet sounds restrictive at first glance, there are entire food groups that are naturally gluten-free. If you're addicted to breads and bagels, the G-Free Diet will surely be hard to swallow, but you can still enjoy several gluten-free grains without guilt."

At a Glance


Millions of people suffer from gluten intolerance, which can result in medical reactions ranging from temporary fatigue and depression to high cholesterol, arthritis and chronic autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease. Common signs that a person is among the three million Americans who might have a gluten allergy include an upset stomach, ulcers, headaches, bloating and abdominal pain, anxiety or depression, skin rashes, mouth sores, muscle cramps or joint pain. But gluten appears in many carbohydrate-rich diets (think wheat, barley, oats, rye, most breads and pizza) and can be nearly impossible to detect unless you begin painstakingly scrutinizing labels and avoiding most gluten sources. Celeb author Elizabeth Hasselbeck adeptly does it for you, breaks down the most frustrating information into manageable bites to provide new hope to all food allergy sufferers.



Checklist


  • Cost: Average.
  • Meals Provided: None.
  • Diet Duration: This diet involves lifestyle changes that people are expected to maintain for their lifetime.
  • Fitness Requirements: None.
  • Time Commitment: Average.
  • Eating Out: Possible.
  • Alcohol: Yes.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: Yes.
  • Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Fairly flexible.


Online:
The G-Free Diet
Books:
The G-Free Diet

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]]>celiac diseasediet reviewdiet reviewsDietReviewelisabeth hasselbeckg-free dietglutengluten-freeNicole Dorsey-StraffMon, 16 Aug 2010 14:00:00 ESTThe G-Free Diet Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/16/the-g-free-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/16/the-g-free-diet-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/16/the-g-free-diet-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Millions of Americans suffer from food allergies and gluten intolerance, which can result in medical reactions ranging from temporary discomfort to high cholesterol, depression, arthritis, and celiac disease. "The G-Free Diet" simplifies all this work for the estimated three million Americans who have Celiac Disease, plus the 30 million consumers who have mild food intolerances, and the millions more that want to reshape their bodies both inside and out. As The View's celebrity author Elizabeth Hasselbeck adeptly explains in layman's terms, gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, contaminated oats and a multitude of other everyday food products. Pizza, bagels, soy sauce and even some lipsticks contain gluten. It's also a food additive found in everything from ketchup to pharmaceuticals. Signs you may actually have a gluten allergy include an upset stomach, ulcers, headaches, bloating and abdominal pain, anxiety or depression, skin rashes, mouth sores, muscle cramps or joint pain. But Hasselbeck assures you from the outset: There is hope!

Is the diet healthy?
While the diet sounds restrictive at first glance, there are entire food groups that are naturally gluten-free, including all fruits and vegetables, organic chicken and poultry, all nuts and seeds and whole eggs as well. If you're addicted to breads and bagels, the G-Diet will surely be hard to swallow, but you can still enjoy the following gluten-free grains without guilt: millet, buckwheat and quinoa.

What do the experts say?
"I use a lot of different testing for gluten allergies in my own practice and it's often quite difficult to determine for people who have confusing symptoms and inflammatory reactions," said registered dietician Megan Forbes, whose nutrition consulting company is based in Boulder, Colo. "I think that Elizabeth Hasselbeck has opened the eyes of many American consumers on her frustrating quest for medical help -- when she identifies very common food sources -- oats, wheat, gluten, for instance -- that may produce a wide variety of symptoms."

A spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, Forbes said, "Gluten is one of the more hard-to-digest proteins and consumers can even find it in gravy, salad dressing, some spices, soup bases, even Play-Doh, which is scary enough."

Hasselback lists all major sources in an upbeat way, and even suggests taking a good look at your own home and pantry first. "The G-Free Diet' is very helpful to anyone with food sensitivities, not just gluten, so I would recommend it to my clients," said Forbes, owner of Nutritional Consulting.

Who should consider the diet?
Most people will do well on this diet. Typically anyone with a food allergy is a healthier and more aware eater anyway -- simply because they have to be. While a gluten-free diet is usually medically approved, eliminating carbohydrate-rich gluten foods can do wonders for your waistline since you must veto cakes, cookies, breads and most processed fast foods. Many dieters who are forced to give up gluten also experience a big boost in energy and stamina, and lose excess body fat along the way.

Bottom line
A small percentage of the population actually has dramatic gluten allergies. Most helpful here is Hasselbeck's "The G-Free Restaurant Guide" where she illustrates how to place an order and speak to wait staff about your needs, tips for calling ahead and deciphering menu ingredients, and a translation key for items that may have hidden gluten on any menu. To sum up, if you wish to lose weight, feel healthier and sidestep most food sensitivities (to nuts or seafood, for instance) these dining and cooking strategies are helpful to most of the population.

Foods you can eat
The closer a food is to its natural state, the more likely it is to be gluten-free, and most processed food manufacturers use gluten to preserve food. So, whole fruits and vegetables are fine; lamb, pork and all beef are generally gluten-free, but beware hot dogs and bacon products since they're often packed with gluten fillers. You can also eat nearly all fish and shellfish, seeds, beans, tofu, spices and popcorn. Also, some condiments are gluten-free (olive oil, butter, mayo and vinegars) but read labels carefully to make sure they don't use flour, wheat, rye or barley in the cooking process.

Fitness expert Nicole Dorsey Straff is a Los Angeles-based exercise physiologist and author, and frequently writes about diet, health and wellness.




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]]>dietdiet reviewDietReviewelisabeth hasselbeckg-free dietgluten-freeNicole Dorsey-StraffMon, 16 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST