In her book, Ten Years Thinner, Dr. Christine Lydon puts forward a nutrition and exercise plan designed to amplify the body's metabolism through the choice of proper foods and short, intense exercise intervals.The nutrition plan is similar in many ways to the recent low-carb plans such as the Atkins and South Beach diets in terms of the focus on increasing the portions of lean protein eaten along with a subsequent reduction in certain carbohydrates.Where the plan differs is that carbohydrates in the form of fruits and vegetables are an integral part of this diet whereas grain-based carbs along with many carbs with a high glycemic index are eliminated or significantly reduced.I found the science behind the diet, as explained in the first six chapters of the book, interesting and informative.I was especially intrigued by the recent research on the link between diet and the body's inflammatory response.While I've grown tired of the repeated unscientific claims about what our "stone-age ancestors" may or may not have eaten usually found in these types of diet plans (and are repeated frequently here), the cited research is abundant and seems to back up the specific nutritional claims of the book's author.Coupled with the nutrition plan is an exercise component based on short workouts done at fairly high aerobic intensity.These exercises and the manner in which they are to be completed reminded me of the descriptions I've read of the Curves machine circuit training methods.While the program is adequately described, it is less completely covered than the nutrition plan in terms of the research backing it up and in terms of the informational support.It would be better if the book came with a DVD that demonstrated the routine or had a web-site with short instructional videos for the exercises and stretches for those who might be unfamiliar with them.
Contrary to the numerous claims made by the book, this is a diet plan.While the participant certainly won't feel as if they have to starve on the plan, there are fairly rigorous dietary restrictions when it comes to grain-based foods and dairy products.The plan also limits portion size to some extent while increasing the frequency of meals much like the "Body for Life" program does.Having participated for a couple of weeks using the diet portion alongside a good bit of cycling, I can say that the nutritional plan has led to substantial initial weight loss (2.5 lbs/week) in my case.
The one drawback of the book I have is that is seems to be written for the person that is slightly to moderately overweight as well as for those who have the time and space in their lives to conform their diets to the plan.Those who are obese will have a difficult time doing the exercises at the intensity required while those who are always on the go will find it difficult to meet the dietary requirements using fast food (of course, that's why some may need a diet like this).Given this, if you are able to perform the exercises listed and can give up fast food and take the time to prepare your own food at least for the first three weeks of this program you should be able to access the program and assess the claims about the diet made by its author.For this group I recommend the book.
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