The Overnight Diet: The Proven Plan for Fast, Permanent Weight Loss

Apovian, Director of the Nutrition and Weight Management Center at Boston University Medical Center, describes herself as "an obesity medicine physician." As one of the world's leading research-ers on obesity and weight loss she is privy to "the most up-to-the-minute scientific findings on what makes people fat." According to Apovian, many diets fail because they lead to muscle wasting (aka sarcopenia, or Shrinking Muscle Syndrome) which lowers metabolism. Her "hybrid" plan of two diet strategies promotes lean muscle for efficiently burning calories. Apovian calls her first strategy the "1-Day Power Up": no solid foods one day per week; instead, dieters feast on smoothies packed with pro-tein, fiber, and nutrients. Taking a break from consuming solid foods, she explains, is a time-tested method to jumpstarts fat burning and weight loss in preparation for her plan's second phase, the "Six-Day Fuel Up." Simple yet enticing recipes for healthy, protein-rich meals are included, along with a brisk workout routine of 21 minutes four times a week. While the diet is sensible (whole grains, veg-gies, fruits, etc.) readers may be particularly drawn to Apovian's impressive medical track record and the allure of a weight loss method free of calorie-counting and deprivation. (Apr.)