Rating

	My Rating: 1 ratings 5 stars (1) 4 stars (0) 3 stars (0) 2 stars (0) 1 stars (0)

Email

	Email this page to a friend Friend's Email: Your Name: Your Email: Enter the code shown: Submitting Send Email

By Katie Lewin

This diet is entrepreneur Timothy Ferris’ brainchild, and there’s no doubt that it has a catchy name! Who wouldn’t want a diet that takes only four hours? Well played, Mr. Ferris. In reality, it’s a little more complicated. The four hours in question actually refer to “slow-burning carbs” like beans that keep your blood sugar steady for hours at a time.

The Theory: Dieters swap bread, grains and dairy for lean-meat, vegetables and a daily glass of wine. Sound like a tough trade? Good news! Every week includes a cheat day. Following this admittedly repetitive process, Ferris claims will lead to “rapid fat loss, incredible sex, and becoming superhuman,” according to the cover of his book, The 4-Hour Body.

Pros: Mexican food enthusiasts will dig the emphasis on beans. In fact, this diet even recommends splurging at taquerias. Score! The emphasis on slow-burning carbs is helpful, and so is the inclusion of nutrient-rich veggies and protein powerhouse eggs.

Cons: Four-hour faithfuls report a steady stream of eggs and beans can get a little dull, not to mention potentially bloating and gas-inducing. And that going crazy on the cheat days sometimes undoes a week’s work of hard work. No bueno.

Bottom Line: Are you OK with mealtime monotony that is only occasionally broken by splurgy cheat days? Do you have the willpower to survive those cheat days with your waistline and dignity at least somewhat intact? And really, how OK are you with taking Beano on a daily basis? These are the questions you should ask yourself before embarking on the 4-Hour Body Diet.

Published January 5, 2015.

Katie Lewin is a Bay Area-based health and lifestyle writer.  

See also: 

• The HCG Diet 
• The Gluten-Free Diet
• The Dukan Diet