5-Factor Diet

With the 5-Factor Diet, Harley Pasternak, M.Sc., presents a five-week diet and fitness program that encourages grazing instead of gorging. Born out of Pasternak's experience as a husky teenager who watched his two younger brothers struggle with Type I diabetes, the 5-Factor Diet encourages dieters to eat five normal size meals (on a schedule rather than waiting until they're hungry), which means less food at each meal, less insulin released and less fat stored. And instead of pushing pricey supplements and specialty foods, Pasternak promotes lean proteins, whole foods, fruits and vegetables -- so you'll get the necessary nutrients from food, not pills. Unfortunately though, dieters are left to guess approximate portion sizes. As a follow up to Pasternak's blockbuster 5-Factor Fitness, the plan isn't short on activity recommendations. In fact, exercise guidelines and instructions take up a good chunk of the book and include a combination of cardio and strength training. All you need are weights and a balance ball. The only drawback: Pasternak presents the diet as a five-week plan when it should be a way of life.