By Chris Downie

Hay House, Inc. (2009)

Reviewed by Ruth Frechman, MA, RD

Claims

This book claims a 28-day breakthrough plan for losing weight, getting, fit and transforming your life.

Synopsis of the Diet Plan

Almost half lays the groundwork for the program. Don't live like an elephant tethered to a stake, unable to get free. In other words, don't limit your capability. Get the spark and become the person that you want to be. SparkPeople is a way of life. The four cornerstones are: have a focus, be fit, be passionate and accentuate the positive. There are four stages. Stage 1 is the first week. Set three small goals. Stage 2 is the start a healthy lifestyle and includes the nutrition basics, what to eat, diet plans and calorie counts. Stage 3 continues to set goals and be positive. Stage 4 is spreading the spark. Live your new lifestyle and feel better by helping others. The book includes calorie charts, recipes, meal ideas, meal plans and 10-minute workouts.

Nutritional Pros and Cons

There are many positive aspects to this diet. We all know that to lose weight you have to eat less and exercise more. However, the name of the game is getting people motivated. The major emphasis of The Spark's program focuses on motivating people, goal setting and getting other people to spread the Spark movement. The success stories, testimonials and numerous before-and-after photos of happy people who have lost significant amounts of weight is inspiring. Readers are invited to join SparkPeople online. They can join worldwide SparkTeams, grouped by similar interests, goals, medical issues or geography. The Web site is free and contains recipes, exercises and many other features, including positive community support from other SparkPeople. Many are 100-pound losers.

The motivation and support system are the strengths of the program. The weakest part of the program is the diet. The nutrition information covers the basics, which may be enough for most people, but there are occasional mistakes and inaccuracies. The exercises at the end may be too difficult for many people with excess amounts of weight.

Bottom Line

I would recommend this book and believe that the average person will be inspired and be able to safely lose weight. Losing weight doesn't seem to be the only focus. Becoming a better person and helping others are also benefits from The Spark. Chris Downie's heart is in the right place, and the author seems sincere and motivated to help others.