Weight Loss & Diet Plans

The Cheater's Diet

The Cheater's Diet: What the Experts Say continued...

"My biggest concern with the Cheater's Diet is that there are no references or research provided to back up the author's claims, even though he frequently refers to research in the book," Sass says.

Sass' apprehension is that no studies have been carried out to test Rivas' weight loss theory that cheating on weekends boosts metabolic rates. "Studies on people who have successfully lost and kept weight off in the National Weight Control Registry find these individuals do not cheat on weekends, but rather indulge in treats in moderation throughout the week," reports Sass.

Sass also dislikes the supplement recommendations because, once again, there are no references to document the effectiveness of the supplements in weight loss. "Some of the recommendations are potentially unsafe, with adverse effects for certain individuals, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), and they defy up-to-date science-based references," adds Sass.

Sass also found it to be a stretch that the cinnamon in a high fat, high sugar food like cinnamon buns would help improve blood sugar and lower LDL cholesterol.

The Cheater's Diet: Food for Thought

Sass suggests saving your money on the Cheater's Diet, and instead log onto mypyramid.gov for a much more logical approach to successful weight loss. Her tip: Follow the 2005 Dietary Guideline's recommendations for small daily splurges (called discretionary calories).

"The general public likes the idea that a diet must include sacrifice, and they mistakenly believe that is what it takes to be successful," Rivas says. He maintains that the Cheater's Diet proves that cheater's win, and the plan will result in weight loss.

If you like this plan's recommendation of regular exercise, splurging a bit on the weekends, and enjoying a Mediterranean-style diet (minus those unnecessary supplements), you may have found a diet you can stick with for life.