The Miracle Carb Diet: Making Calories and Fat Disappear the F-Factor Way—with Fiber!

Dietician Zuckerbrot (The F-Factor Diet) rolls out a four-stage weight-loss plan of filling up with high-fiber foods, reducing calories, losing weight, and reaping many other benefits of fiber consumption: lower risk of major illness, particularly cancer; stable moods; more energy; improved sleep; longevity; clear skin; and a flat belly. The daily regimen consists of three meals and a snack—combining lean protein and carbs to fire up metabolism—dessert, and at least three liters of water. During the first stage, lasting two weeks, carbs are limited to high-fiber crackers, cereal, and fruit. In the next two stages, more fiber is added and, by the end of two months, readers should have lost about 20 pounds. Cooking at home is key to the program, but Zuckerbrot also lists options for dining at restaurants and while traveling, and suggests methods to combat emotional eating. The exercise component is low-key, as she contends that diet “trumps exercise” in the weight-loss equation and recommends strength training to build lean muscle and burn more calories. Her recipes are easy to make, include nutritional content, with most well under 400 calories, and her creative flair with whole foods is impressive—for example, she spices brussels sprouts with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and soy sauce; makes ice cream sandwiches with high-fiber crackers, Greek yogurt, and powdered peanut butter. Those stressed by the thought of losing their favorite foods along with extra pounds can take comfort in Zuckerbrot’s wry sense of humor, knowing that her version of steak fajitas will keep them, she says, from “looking like an overstuffed piñata.” (Jan.)