Total Body Makeover

Bob Greene’s goal is rather simple, he has created a plan that he hopes will alleviate yo-yo dieting, which plagues many dieters, who lose weight, only to regain it when the dieting process is over. He wants to help users of this plan strike a balance between healthy eating and fitness, in order to create a desire on the user’s part to integrate these two aspects into their lifestyle for the long term, in order to rid them of the yoyo dieting syndrome.

Total Body Makeover begins with demanding that users make a commitment that lasts 12 weeks. This commitment extends to participating in a compete fitness plan, which includes a cardio workout, combined with strength and functional training. Given Greens fitness background it is no surprise that the fitness aspect of this plan is so heavily stressed.

In Greene’s system beginners participate in a high-intensity aerobic workout, which lasts about 15 minutes daily; while those who are more experienced participate in longer ‘workouts”. Those who are intermediates use a 30-minute work out and the advanced users workout for 45 minutes. These “workouts” are performed 6 out of 7 days per week. Also, each work out is increased by 2 minutes every week.

The diet part of this plan is rather abstract and consists of 5 rules. However, many of them you have seen before, such as drink lots of water, and stop eating at the same time every single night.

Greene's plan is based on the concept that if users change their attitude towards food, as well as how they eat and their method of fitness, then weight loss will follow. He begins this process by addressing emotional eating which is a growing problem that can cause many dieters to fall off the diet wagon. He attempts to do this by beginning a process in which he discusses that food is for nourishment, health and life; and not for comfort.

However, it often takes more than one book or internet based plan to help those who wrestle with this issue get relief. We seriously question if those who really have this issue will be able to curb it after reading Greene’s book.

• Discusses a fitness component

• Fitness aspect may require a 6 day a week, 12 week commitment
• Many not be effective for everyone
• Concepts in book may not translate into action

Clearly, Greene’s Total Body Makeover is not for the faint of heart or those who do not want to make a commitment to working out as much as this plan requires. However, for other consumers this may be just want the doctor offered in terms of fitness and nutrition. Some consumers may want a bit of additional help when on this plan, because many may wrestle with hunger, which can really cause a lot of diet related frustration.

Some savvy consumers have started seeking out Hoodia to help them manage their hunger, because it has been shown to be able to convince the brain that the stomach is full, even if that may not exactly be the case. Those who are on a specific diet plan, and those with extremely good results have often used the popular herb Hoodia as part of their diet program.