Bob Greene Best Life Diet Checklist
Bob Greene may be best known for his stint as Oprah Winfrey's personal trainer, but with seven fitness and food books under his belt this exercise physiologist is a major force in the weight loss arena. Oddly enough, Greene claims that 'Get With the Program!' (Simon & Schuster, 2002) is not a diet or fitness book. Rather, it focuses on teaching people how to get back in shape both emotionally and physically. Greene contends that emotional eating is epidemic in the United States, and he encourages readers to recognize feelings that can trigger these negative eating behaviors. Dieters don't set goals about weight, size, or getting as "thin as a pin," but about building a healthy mind and body. Greene's first book, 'Make the Connection,' (Hyperion, 1996) follows this same weight control philosophy.
Basic Principles of the Bob Greene Best Life Diet
This is no quick fix. Instead, it's a four-phase regimen that focuses on slowly developing good lifelong food and exercise habits. There's no set time frame for results; dieters take each step of the program at their own pace. Phase 1 consists of written exercises aimed to help dieters get to the heart of their individual weight problem and begin functional (stretching and flexibility) exercises. The remaining phases spell out specific behavior changes, more exercise strategies, and eating guidelines.
How the Bob Greene Best Life Diet Works
Dieters eat three meals and up to two snacks a day. It's important to set a meal schedule where you stop eating at least two hours before bedtime. Cardio workouts start at 50-75 minutes per week in phase 2 and build to 100-125 minutes in phase 3. Strength training exercises don't begin until phase 4 when abdominal muscles are stronger and good eating habits are firmly in place. (That's because weight lifting can cause an increase in appetite.)
What You Can Eat with the Bob Greene Best Life Diet
It all boils down to "Limit 24-7." Dieters limit fat to 25 to 50 grams by choosing lean foods, steering clear of sugars and refined grains (white bread, white rice.) The phrase "24-7" is shorthand for the number of daily servings from three food groups: Two (2) fruit servings. Four (4) vegetables. And up to seven (7) servings of whole grains. As for meats, keep them lean. Eat lots of fish. Two snacks, no more than 150 calories apiece, are allowed.
Eating Out: Limited. Restaurants usually aren't careful about fat or portion sizes, so it's best to avoid them. A guidebook (purchased separately) dishes up specific advice.
Alcohol: Try to avoid. Alcohol is dehydrating, has a high calorie tab, and is easily converted to fat. Even worse, it slows down metabolism for several days.
Caffeine: Keep to a minimum. The caffeine in sodas, coffee, tea and chocolate can be dehydrating. Try herbal teas instead.
Vegetarian: Maybe. Greene doesn't offer specific guidelines, but the diet should be easy to modify since it emphasizes fruits, veggies and whole grains.
Expense: Not bad. With a diet low in fat, the grocery bill won't be steep. Exercise equipment (dumbbells and benches) might require a health club fee.
Professional Counselors: Not really. Dieters can e-mail Greene with questions, but answers are directed at dieters as a group - not individuals.
Interaction With Other Dieters: Limited. Dieters can log onto message boards at the Web site.
Length of Diet: Forever. This is all about making permanent changes in the way you eat and exercise.
Activity Recommendations: Mild to intense. Simple moves progress to a full slate of strength training and aerobic exercises by phase 4.
Teaches Behavior Skills: Yes. There's in-depth coverage of many behavioral issues, particularly emotional eating. Keeping a journal helps pinpoint feelings attached to overeating.