6-Day Body Makeover

Though some of the diet information is sound, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone based on the dubious weight loss promises (up to 10 inches in 6 days), the questionable breathing techniques he claims will help you burn fat and his outdated, often myth-based exercise advice. He includes no scientific evidence for any of his advice and almost no information on strength training. This diet would be very hard to follow for more than 6 days.

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In his book, '6-day Body Makeover' Michael Thurmond offers a diet and exercise program that promises you'll drop a size in just 6 days. The diet is based on body type, though there's no scientific evidence that different body types require differnet diets, and his diet tips (choosing good carbs, lean protein and vegetables) are reasonable except for his advice to cut out dairy products and most fats. He also says to drink 12 glasses of water a day (have fun in the bathroom!) though, again, there's no science behind these recommendations. The eating plans include 6 days worth of meals and snacks for both men and women. For exercise, Thurmond recommends low-intensity exercise, stating: "the harder you workout, the less fat you burn." The 'fat burning zone' myth was debunked years ago and he provides no scientific basis for this advice. He even includes exercises you should avoid such as the elliptical trainer and kickboxing because they're too intense, something that might turn off people who enjoy these activities. He also claims you can "breathe yourself thin" with his Abdominal Breathing Technique to tone your stomach and help you burn more fat, another questionable claim with no scientific basis. There's almost no information about strength training, a key component for fat loss. Overall, this book makes questionable weight loss claims as well as exercise advice that is not based on science or fact. Reader beware!