Flat Belly Diet Review
The Flat Belly Diet is being called the Breakthrough Plan by Prevention Magazine and it has had remarkable success using a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
About the Program
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Based on a study in Diabetes Care, eating monounsaturated fatty acids can help prevent weight gain in your belly. The researchers compared the effects of 3 different diets, one high in carbs, one high in saturated fat and one high in monounsaturated fatty acids. The diets were equal in calories. The diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids was the only one to reduce the accumulation of visceral fat in the belly.
Prevention's nutrition director, Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, helped develop and test the Flat Belly Diet based on this research. The test panel consisted of women over 40 with busy, stressful lives, and all of them had tried most of the diets out there but were unable to get the results they wanted.
They had their measurements taken, weighed in, and had their photographs taken and were sent on their way for the 32 day test. The results... 100 % lost weight, some lost as much as 15 pounds; 100 % lost inches, some lost as much as 11.25 inches and the combined panel lost 86 inches; 91 % lost belly fat, the combined panel lost 23 inches.
Foods You Can Eat
This plan consists of two stages, The 4-Day Anti-Bloat Jumpstart and the 4-Week Eating Plan. MUFA's (monounsaturated fatty acids) are the center of each meal. You'll eat every 4 hours to prevent hunger.
The 4-Day plan includes foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins that help reduce water retention, fluids, and ease constipation and gas. You'll also drink "Sassy Water" (named for Cynthia), and it has ingredients like fresh ginger root, lemon and mint leaves. It's very refreshing!
The 4-Week Plan allows you three 400 calorie meals and one 400 calorie Snack Pack Daily. You'll find excellent recipes in the book to use for your meal plans. Breakfast includes dishes like Banana-Pecan Oatmeal, Cherry-Chocolate Waffle, and Cashew Crunch. Lunch has Dijon Turkey Wraps, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Turkey Cranberry Muffin. Dinners serve up Cheesy Veggie pasta, Pineapple-Ham Pizza, and Turkey Quesadillas. There are a lot of choices plus you get the Snack Pack!
Exercise
The Flat Belly Diet does claim this diet is special because you can lose belly fat without exercising, however they do include an excellent fitness regimen. By exercising you will see faster results and improve your health. It's recommended if you are not currently exercising you wait until you have completed the first 32 days of the diet because this allows you to concentrate on one lifestyle change at a time.
The fitness regimen includes cardio, strength training and core focused exercises and it was created by Michele Stanton, Prevention's fitness director. You'll have two styles of walking - Fat Blast and Calorie Torch that are designed to help burn fat. Also included are The Metabolism Boost and The Belly Routine. These tone and tighten your entire body.
Costs
The cost of the book.
If you want to be part of an online community, you can purchase the book through Prevention Magazine. You'll be able to try the online community free for 30 days, after that it will costs around $45.00 every 3 months.
Pros
- The book is affordable and provides a lot of value for the money
- The book includes a daily journal to help keep you on track
- The plan also caters to vegetarians
- Proven success rates
- You'll eat healthy foods
- Excellent fitness regimen
- Online support if you join the online program
Cons
- None noted
Summary
The Flat Belly Diet is healthy and it is a lifestyle changing diet. You will have meal plans and recipes as well as a good exercise routine laid out for you. The MUFA's are a great addition to any diet because they enhance the taste of foods and help reduce belly fat! It's a win-win situation!
