Book Review

The 5-Factor Diet

By Harley Pasternak, MSc Meredith 2006

Reviewer: Cathy Nonas, MS, RD, CDE, CDN

Claims:

The 5-Factor Diet has shaped some of Hollywood's hottest celebrities and it will do the same for you. The five week program reduces hunger and feelings of deprivation.

Diet Plan:

Everything in The 5-Factor Diet is built on the number five, from eating five times a day to making recipes with no more than five ingredients and which take five minutes to prepare. You also exercise five days per week and your workout includes five exercises, each of which you perform five minutes. The book includes pictures of how the strength training exercises should be done, in addition to more than 100 pages of recipes, a supermarket shopping and a chapter on the importance of recording what you eat. No multivitamin or supplements are recommended.

Nutritional Pros and Cons:

Although the number five theme is gimmicky, there is no gimmick to the diet plan itself. This is a healthy plan that incorporates all the food categories in appropriate proportions, including plenty of fiber, low-fat protein choices and low-fat dairy suggestions. The exercise is a combination of cardio and strength training and you don't need any expensive equipment to do it - just some weights and a balance ball.

Ironically, the only drawback is the author presents this as a five-week plan. In fact, it is really a lifelong plan for a healthy lifestyle.

I wish every other page didn't quote celebrities in big letters about how wonderful the author and diet are. This makes the book seem gimmicky and less credible, which is unfortunate since the diet plan is quite good.

Bottom Line:

The 5-Factor Diet is a good, simple idea that sends a healthy message: Eat a variety of foods in appropriate amounts and you'll lose weight, be healthy and probably get most of the vitamins and nutrients you need from your food. I would recommend this diet.