Read these, a flat Belly; No exercise; No starvation – the most attractive words found on the  flat belly diet search. But does a flat belly diet work? According to the Flat Belly Diet book, written by Liz Vaccariello and Cynthia Sass, editor-in-chief and nutrition director, respectively, of Prevention Magazine, it does. So, what is exactly the 32 day flat belly diet? A fad or Fact?

The Flat belly diet book says:

1. 4 meals- 4 times a day plan with a 1600 calorie limit.
2. It takes off from a Mediterranean diet type and focuses on unrefined whole wheat.
3. An anti-bloat concept by drinking a mixture of veggies, fruits-herbs with water called Sassy water.
4. Targets the belly region by eating monounsaturated fats to reduce and reveal a flat belly.
5. Contains recipes and a whole menu that makes your dietary intake under 400 calories per meal and full of variety.
6. “Not a single crunch required”- If you do judge the book by its cover, then, this line on its’ cover is its USP.

Point no.1-Now, about the question whether it works or not, it is a mixed bag actually. Initially, there is a 4 day jumpstart which involves lots of drinking of the Sassy water. If you look at the ingredients of this sassy water, ginger, lemon, cucumber, mint and water! Loads of water…All of these are healthy and cleansing anyway, even if you would have them without any diet in mind, it would help you, so Point no.1- Nothing new here!

Point no.2-, The dietary intake revolves around nuts, not literally, it is highly focused on monounsaturated fats, therefore, nuts like almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds etc. Good, but how much can you live on these. It is repetitive and pretty starving. 

Point No.3- Is there no flat belly exercise? Well, this is not entirely true. The flat belly diet book does have a chapter dedicated to belly exercises. So, honey there are a few crunches you will need to twist to.

Point No.4- Are there any meals to modify in the flat belly diet? The answer to this would be yes. If you follow a healthy diet without tons of cheese or red meats, with fruits, chances are that the meals mentioned in the flat belly diet book are your way of life already.

Point No.5- This is the most exciting, the claim to fame for the flat belly diet book is the point that it specifically targets the belly region. It is a common trend that if you were to suddenly cut-down your calorie intake from 2200 to 1600, chances are the first part of your body to grumble and flatten would be your tummy. Go figure!

Claims of Flat belly diet book -

• 15 pounds in 32 days- Maybe; but it didn’t seem too healthy, as the body will not be having any proteins to feel satiated, only fats.
• Delicious food, no starving- I wouldn’t call avocado salads delicious exactly.
• Conquer emotional eating- Psst! apparently this teaches you mind tricks to curb mental hunger (?)
• Never do a single crunch- False!!!! From a walk after a meal i.e. 4 times a day to flat belly exercise, it’s all in there!
• Flatten your belly- It may work for a short time period, but I guess once, you get back to regular eating, this might just backfire.

So, does the flat belly diet work? I would say, everything that glitters on the Vegas marquee and says NO EXERCISE is not gold! The best way to have that flat belly, I still believe, is the morning jog and healthy balanced diet. No pain, no gain!
 

Image Credit-ifood.tv