Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5249 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-28
• Released on: 2008-10-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 368 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781594868511
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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About the Author

Customer Reviews

Flat and Healthy Belly
Ask your doctor about belly fat. You will learn about a special kind of fat that resides deep within your torso. This so called `visceral fat' is the kind of fat that is the most difficult to get rid of. Not only that -- too much of visceral fat is also dangerous to your health.

The co-author of the book, Cynthia Sass, has developed a "belly-shrinking eating plan that is grounded in the latest and most credible science and offers the most filling, satisfying, and delicious meals that you will ever have the pleasure of eating." However Liz Vacareillo's vision went beyond food. In her book she proposes mental tips, tricks and strategies that are designed to inspire, motivate, and "set you up for a better relationship with food for the rest of your life!"

The Flat Belly Diet Program takes 32 days and it is divided into two parts - the Four-Day Anti-Bloat Jumpstart, and the Four-Week Eating Plan. These 32 days is just enough time for one to make appropriate dietary changes leading to a new lifestyle. After you learn the program and observe desired changes in your body, Liz gives you the tools to keep your belly flat for the rest of your life.

The program is not only about getting your body to fit your desired dress size, but it is also (and especially so) about feeling confident, powerful and proud of you body. Essentially Liz offers to her readers to adapt a new way of living. And this is what appeals most to me. The new lifestyle that results not only in a flat belly, but that also has a detoxifying effect and lets you live healthier and longer. This is a good continuation of the idea so well presented in Your Body Maintenance Handbook with a few chapters specifically devoted to dieting programs and body cleansing. To properly understand how your body works and to get the most of the program I suggest reading "The Body Maintenance Handbook" BEFORE "Flat Belly Diet."

Just another restrictive diet
The book begins with a lecture about different types of fat. The authors of the book explain the difference between two types of primary body fat: subcutaneous and visceral. Not only the visceral fat is very difficult to get rid of, but according to the authors it is also far more dangerous to your health.

So far I was very impressed with the book. It seemed to be well based on scientific research. Then the authors introduce the concept of MUFA, the mono-unsaturated fatty acid. According to recent research MUFA diet is the only diet that reduces belly fat. And this is where the fun begins. The authors practically limited themselves to focusing exclusively on MUFA diet. In effect this diet is very difficult to follow, especially because of the many ingredients that are often to be found only in specially shops.

In addition, as much as I trust the scientific research I do not support the idea of another restrictive diet. It might well reduce your belly fat at some point (the book cites a number of stories of people who have lost inches off their waistline using this program), but because of being a restrictive diet it is bound to fail sooner or later. Therefore I suggest reading books that are not so much about dieting as about accepting a healthy lifestyle. One of such books with a much more comprehensive approach to nutrition, health and longevity is "Live 150 Years". You will find there not only proven tips for losing weight but also great advice on general nutrition and proper food combination, as well as most common habits that lead people to obesity, all kind of gimmick dieting programs being just one of them...

It works for me!
This diet works for me. In any successful weight loss program you must be able to incorporate it into your life style and enjoy the foods that are recommended. Changing habits and adjusting your life style is not easy and requires a commitment to a program you can adhere to. The four small meals and whole grains, nuts and seeds seem to be the best diet for my tastes. I also love avocado and dark chocolate.
I am 57 years old and as many others my age can attest to, I have had the pounds creep on year after year. I have tried Weight Watchers, South Beach and many others and had some success but always ultimately quit.
Constant hunger was my struggle while on Weight Watchers and when I fell off that wagon I would hit the ground hard with more cravings than ever. South Beach is healthy, but as soon as I added even a few extra carbs I would quit loosing and seemed to have a lot of nagging headaches.
I almost didn't buy the Flat Belly Diet book thinking it would be one more diet book on my shelf, but I am glad I did buy it!
I was a little hungry and bored the first two days! Now I am never hungry if I stay with the program. I travel and the suggestions on little snack packs are great! Little things that I can carry in my purse really help. (The whole wheat english muffin and peanut butter is my favorite!) I love the abundance of whole grain foods. They really fill me up and keep me from getting hungry. As the weight slowly comes off, I am exercising more and enjoying it.
At first it didn't seem like I was loosing much weight nor did the tape measure prove that I was loosing many inches, but my family and friends kept commenting on my weight loss and actually thought that I had lost more weight than I actually had! Maybe it is because it does seem to be coming off my mid-section. (Could be the middle age thing for me.)
I would suggest joining the on-line Flat Belly Prevention site if you plan to stay with it. The site helps me to log my meals, makes suggestions for menus and you can create shopping lists.
I too am frustrated with those who shoot this diet down and have not tried it. I am glad that their diet and life style works for them, but this one works for me. Good luck to anyone struggling to control their weight, I feel your pain!