Weight Loss & Diet Plans

The Brown Fat Revolution Diet

The Brown Fat Revolution: How It Works

The technique of cycling carb and protein days is aimed at controlling blood sugar levels and thus preventing yellow fat from accumulating, Lyons says. 

"When you eat high-fiber, low-glycemic index carbs, you manage insulin [and] blood sugar levels and prevent overeating, which in turn reduces yellow fat deposits and increases brown fat," says  Lyons.

Lyons says that most women will feel more energetic and less hungry on this eating plan. He says you can expect to lose 10-12 pounds and shave a few inches off your waistline and arms during the four weeks.                                                                               

He says the book's detailed exercise program, which uses bungee cords and light weights, will help build lean muscle, boost metabolism, and, again, convert yellow fat to brown fat.

While Lyons says that The Brown Fat Revolution eating plan can be sustained for life, the book does not specifically include a maintenance plan.

The Brown Fat Revolution: What the Experts Say

Washington University nutrition director and American Dietetic Association past president Connie Diekman, MEd, RD, gives a thumbs-up to the exercise program in The Brown Fat Revolution. "Exercise is essential, and the emphasis on core strengthening, along with specific daily plans, pictures and motivational tips, are the strength of this book," she says.

However, she thinks the diet plan could be difficult to sustain.

She estimates that the eating plan (not including cheat days) provides approximately 1,200-1,500 calories per day. She notes that it emphasizes healthy foods that are high in fiber and low in fat. But, she says, there's little difference between the "carb" and "protein" days -- and both phases could be inadequate in carbs.

"Depending on your activity level, most women need 100-120 grams of carbs daily, and if you follow his recommended portions, you may fall short," she says.

She says someone following the plan might need more supplements than a multivitamin/mineral, depending on whether their food choices included good sources of calcium and iron.

Further, she says, snacks following workouts should always include both carbs and protein to refuel the body, but The Brown Fat Revolution specifies only carbs.

The Brown Fat Revolution: Food for Thought

Women who prefer to age gracefully without plastic surgery may find The Brown Fat Revolution can help them fit fitness into their busy lives and improve their appearance. Middle-aged women stuck on a weight-loss plateau would benefit from the detailed exercise program and attention to core muscles.

Several studies have documented the benefits of brown fat, but there's not enough research  evidence to say that cycling carbs and protein will increase it, boost your metabolism, and help you lose weight. The cycling of nutrients and its impact on brown fat also needs more research.

If you're looking for an exercise plan, this book provides great advice. But if you need a sustainable eating plan to help you lose weight and keep it off for good, you might want to keep looking.

Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, is director of nutrition for WebMD. Her opinions and conclusions are her own.