Manhattan internist Stuart Fischer, MD, created a six-week weight loss program to help people attain a slim and svelte look.
At first glance, the title might suggest that the book is for high maintenance women but the principle of the book is that you do not have to belong to Park Avenue to look good; instead, you only need to follow the Park Avenue diet.
The book states that there are seven indicators of good health – body weight, physique, hair, skin, clothing, self esteem and interpersonal skills. Only when each of these components is nurtured can one have the best chance of overall improvement. Therefore, the book features the writing of experts like Joel Warren (hair stylist), Tinsley Mortimer (socialite), Laura Geller (makeup specialist), Bernadette Penotti and others.
The portion involving the diet plan has been suggested by chef Marrie Annick Courtier. The basic premise of this diet plan is a low calorie temporary diet, which, by restricting individuals to 1,200-1,400 calories per day, enables followers to lose substantial amounts of weight.
It must be remembered that this kind of diet is not meant to be a permanent one, although the meal plan is fairly balanced with the inclusion of plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and sea food. Some amount of whole grains and dairy is also allowed. Followers are required to follow this eating plan for six weeks only.
To be of maximum help to people with little or no free time, one part of the book is organized into daily meal plans with detailed recipes. These recipes are accompanied by a complete nutritional analysis so that followers can make a note of their exact calorie intake.
There are many valuable pieces of advice. For instance, artificial sweeteners are out. Artificial foods, alcohol, fruit juice, sugary foods and full fat milk are taboo. Although there is a very small selection of sweets among the recipes, for the most part, followers will need to rely on fresh fruits to satisfy a sweet tooth.
The diet plan includes an exercise plan covering the span of six weeks, with intensity going up over time.
The Park Avenue Diet Review
Recommended foods are rich in nutrients and quite diverse. The meal plans leave off unhealthy foods and recommend the intake of healthy foods. However, for a book that calls itself a diet book, the section dealing with weight loss is lamentably small. Instead, attention is focused on other aspects like how to dress, eat, stand and sit.
Pros:
- Provides a detailed meal plan for the full length of the diet
- Encourages healthy food choices
- Encourages exercise
- Provides important information on the psychological aspects of looking good
Cons:
- Highly restrictive and may lead to hunger and fatigue
- No maintenance plan is provided
- Recipes are high in sodium
- Could lead to yo-yo dieting
- Requires a fair amount of time and energy
- Quite women-centric
In Conclusion
There is no doubt that a low calorie diet in combination with rigorous exercise can help people lose weight. However, this diet is too restrictive. Such a diet could lead to rebound weight gain.
There is too much information on too many aspects of looking good. So, if your focus is on losing weight (and not looking good), then, you might find yourself shortchanged by the Park Avenue Diet.
