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The Body for Life eating plan may be right for you....the diet debate
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I used to be a Personal Trainer. Bill Phillips is a guru in our world so it is no surprise that I tried Body for Life.
Why did I decide to try this diet?
I was in a sense training with a former Mr. Universe. His eating plan was much like Bill’s but stricter. After awhile I needed a bit more variety. I have never been a body builder. unlike John, Mr. Universe, I am not a professional body builder. This is when I bought Body for Life and ate the Bill Phillips way.
How healthy is the diet?
In my opinion Body for Life is an extremely healthy diet. There are no restrictions on healthy foods; however, there are restrictions on portions.
Summing up his plan he has 3 food groups: proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables that he considers authorized foods. In other words, they should and can be eaten. A portion (Remember, if you don’t have a scale, a portion of protein is what will fit into your palm.) of protein and carbohydrates (usually one of something, like an apple, or ½ - 1 cup of something, like cereal) make one portion. He recommends 6 meals a day and a serving of vegetables should be added to at least 2 of those meals. Fruits are in the carbohydrate category (except tomatoes), so for those of you who wonder if you would get enough fruit, the answer is yes.
Does the Body for Life Diet pose any health risks?
Phillips has been highly criticized by some because his diet consists of 3 of his shakes per day. My belief is that there are too many calories in a shake for me to have 3 and 6 meals is one too many anyway. Is that a health risk? No. I am not a doctor but unless you are gaining weight from 3 shakes a day there is nothing harmful about them.
Phillips advocates one free day a week where sugar, salt, and flour are allowed. Bill believes that for both physiological and psychological reasons a free day is necessary for many. By overeating once a week, he says it helps tell your body it isn’t starving – that’s the physiological part. The psychological part is, of course, being allowed to eat whatever you want – that gives you the notion that you do have a say in what you eat and that you may set yourself up for failure if you don’t allow yourself those “treats” once a week.
For some a free day won't work because it may trigger a binge.
How noticeable were your results? How much weight did you lose and how quickly?
I lost 25 pounds in 4 months and another 10 pounds after than. I wasn’t planning on losing that much weight, it just happened.
How restrictive are the portions and the menus?
I doubt people will feel too restricted or deprived if they eat 6 meals a day. I used to call it grazing. It seemed as if I were always eating and actually I was – every 2-3 hours.
For whom would you recommend this diet?
I recommend this diet to anyone who is not trying to lose weight but wants to maintain a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise is important. Do what you like because you will keep at it.
www.bodyforlife.com
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