Are you looking for answers about this diet you've begun to hear more and more about? Tim Ferriss wrote a book about getting 6-pack abs in 4 hours, they say. Ok, maybe not really that - but you get the idea. If you're intrigued by the idea, read on to find out what it's all about.
Before we get much further, if you haven't picked up The 4 Hour Body, you should begin with that. Most of your initial questions will be answered there. You'll have more, but you can ask me those later.
It's not a diet
It's important to mention that 4 Hour Body isn't a diet, it's a lifestyle. I know that sounds cliché, but it's true. Diets don't work; you have to change the way you live. If that way is making you fat, then you need to change it. Coming off the diet once you lose weight will only get the weight back on.
The book itself actually talks about a few different types of diets depending on the results you want, but for the purposes of this article, I'm talking about weight loss.
What are the rules
There are five basic rules to the slow-carb diet in The 4 Hour Body.
Eat the same thing over and over again. You do this anyway, usually. The less you have to think about something, the easier it's going to be to stick to it.
Don't drink calories. Especially if you haven't kicked a soda habit yet, you'll be surprised at how many calories you actually drink. Start loving water instead. This tip alone could help you lose 20 pounds in a year.
Don't eat fruit. You might think I'm crazy for saying that, but you need to think about how much sugar is in fruit, and how easy it is to overeat fruit. If you're trying to lose fat, just stay away for now.
Each week, take a day off and go nuts! You'll find it's really hard, especially at first, to follow the plan without really craving some of your old foods. This day helps keep you sane. It also reminds your body that you aren't starving it!
A couple tips to get started
Especially if you're just beginning this, here are a few tips to help you out:
Drink more water than you want to. This helps keep your body hydrated and your belly full. I've noticed when I drink water, I don't eat as much.
Write down your cravings so that when your cheat day comes, you have a list and are ready to go! Tell yourself you can have that thing you want, just later. It'll be easier to tolerate!
Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
You can find more great resources to help with your slow-carb diet at http://www.4hourbodies.net/. 4 Hour Bodies is dedicated to helping you get in the shape you've been longing for. Start seeing your 4 hour body now!
