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| review of: |
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| The 90/10 Weight Loss Plan |
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Review
Summary |
The 90/10 Weight Loss Plan is a book by Joy Bauer, a nutritionist and editor of Self magazine. The name is derived from the book’s apparent concept that dieters can eat healthily 90% of the time, balanced with “10% Fun Food, whatever they want, whenever they want.” The plan is said to offer three different calorie levels, which are based on the individual’s weight loss needs, and 42 meals for each chosen calorie level. The diet claims to work because it does not cause a feeling of deprivation.
While we understand this book’s focus on minimizing feelings of deprivation, we have serious reservations about its apparent license to eat “whatever, whenever,” even sporadically. Because permanent weight loss is about changing behavior patterns, we feel it is unfair and potentially confusing to alternate healthy habits with questionable ones. We would also emphasize that one of the major reasons people seek to lose weight is to improve their health; it has been reported that even moderate weight gain can lead to premature death. Our concern with this book is that for those who may have certain “trigger” foods, the sort of free reign offered during the “fun” phase may be potentially dangerous. We feel any diet granting a “free-for-all” to those already prone to overeating is potentially irresponsible. We will assess this book for the merits of its overall premise.
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| Concept |
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The book claims that “the reason so many diets fail for so many people is that they force the dieter to cut out the foods they love and crave.” The book’s promotional material touts, “It is healthy but still fun, because you don’t have to give up Twinkies or chocolate.” The diet apparently offers a 1,200 calorie plan and a 1,400 calorie plan, providing 42 different meals for each plan. The book includes recipes, tips on exercise, and information about “the fun foods.” There is also information on how to log one’s weight loss progress, as well as advice about maintenance.
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| Website |
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At the time of review, the Website for Joy Bauer seems to consist only of a promotion for another of her diet books, “Food Cures.” We wonder why, if this book is as powerful as advertised, it is not mentioned on her Website. We were, however, able to encounter some consumer reviews about this book. One dieter expressed concern at the unnecessary temptation presented by some of this book’s sanctioned fun foods: “The danger point for anyone trying to lose a significant amount of weight - certainly more than 15 or 20 pounds - is in the 'fun foods.' The list of acceptable fun foods is NOT realistic. This is a very LONG list of unhealthy food that varies quite a bit in sugar/fat content and thus, portion size - and for an audience that may already have difficulty with that.” Another complained about the number and quality of the meals: “There are not enough menus or variety for someone who needs substantial weight loss.”
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| Diet Lifestyle |
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Obviously, the diet and lifestyle of an individual on this diet is likely to vacillate back and forth between healthy moderation and “fun” Twinkie-eating. Particularly for dieters who may have struggled with dieting for years, this sort of “mixed message” is likely to be very confusing. In fact, we encountered several customer reviews expressing frustration -- not gratitude -- with the “fun food” loophole. This sort of exposure to temptation, particularly for one who has chronically struggled with food choices – seems to verge on torture. We cannot help but wonder if, for all of her knowledge, Ms. Bauer has ever been truly overweight.
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| Positives |
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• Advocates exercise
• Offers menus
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| Negatives |
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• “Fun foods’ may be confusing and self-defeating
• Some consumers have complained of too few menus
• At time of review, does not seem to have a detailed Website, this may change in the near future
• Some consumers have reported no results
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| Final Thoughts |
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While this book seems well-intended and may work for some, it definitely seems to be a “danger zone” for anyone who may be triggered to overeat. It is our opinion that ongoing moderation seems to make more sense than zigzagging between deprivation and decadence.
We were also disappointed that this book does not seem to emphasize healthy herbal supplementation. There are currently some products that can greatly enhance a moderate, responsible diet. We have heard especially favorable reports about the ingredients Hoodia and Advantra-Z®. Consumers may be wise to evaluate these products prior to purchasing them, in order to be sure of their quality.
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Week
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This website is only for the purpose of providing information. Please consult with your doctor before starting any weight loss program or supplement.
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