The 3-Hour Diet by Jorge Cruise (2005, Hardcover)

I've never seen Jorge Cruise speak, and have no desire to. There is something about this guy that really irks me. So, keep that in mind as you read my negative review, because I definitely could be unfairly biased.

That said, Jorge Cruise calls the exercises he recommends "Cruise Moves". Isn't that enough to turn one off? No longer are they ab crunches, for instance, or swiss ball balance moves, they are "Cruise Moves". He now markets flax oil and it's "Jorge Cruise's Flax oil".

The other criticism I have regarding this book is his recommended snacks. Cruise has a diet plan in place that includes two snacks daily. And, he makes no distinction in the quality of the snack as long as they are equal to approximately 100 calories each. This means that, according to him, two oreos twice per day--every day--is just fine. This might not interfere with weight loss, but these oreos or other foods like oreos are still devoid of any nutritional value and are still NOT good for you. No matter what you want to believe, 200 calories per day made up of 1 tbsp of peanut butter and an apple, or a whole wheat English muffin with cinnamon are both better choices than oreos. And, learning to choose what's better for your health in the long term--which includes learning to say "no" to oreos, is an important lesson to learn, I think. Save those oreos for your cheat meal which you're allowed one time per week.

He also recommends a tsp of oil with every meal. Flax oil and other fats are very very good for you. Although, I'm not sure it's really necessary if you are eating properly and your diet includes lots of fatty fish, like salmon, and some red meat or chicken and if you use olive oil to cook your foods in. As healthy as certain fats are, they are still heavy in calories. And, no matter what, we still have to burn more calories than we take in to lose weight.

I'm optimistic that this diet will work, though. He keeps calories to about 1425 per day for women, which is definitely reasonable for a moderately active woman. And, the basic information is compatible with the current health information. Eating every three hours is proven to keep your metabolism moving and to avoid going into starvation mode--which starts burning muscle for fuel-- a state we all wish to avoid.

You might find Jorge Cruise is right for you. The information in here isn't groundbreaking, although the media would seem to say otherwise. Body for Life is still the best program, I think. I also think The Thin Commandments Diet is good, as are The Abs Diet (watch portion sizes, though, if you're a woman--the Abs Diet is written for men first, although it's great for women. Just decrease the portion size, remember) and-- only if you're truly really dedicated and fairly fit to begin with, The Ultimate New York Body Plan.

I come from a family of dieters. I'm not morbidly obese or anything, but I have been struggling with that extra 20 I'm carrying around since I started college. My mother has been fighting that extra 30 since she had my little brother. And when she tries something, I'll try it too, if she does well with it. So I've done them all: Weight watchers, E-diets, Atkins, South Beach, each with its own level of success (or lack of success). The thing is, with each of these diets, you end up having to eat stuff you don't like, or at the very least completely giving up something you totally love.

Jorge Cruise's method is different, it focuses strictly on portion control. For me, eating healthy isn't the problem...I prefer whole grain bread/pasta, I enjoy roasted veggies, I generally eat lean meats. My problem is portion control. The beauty of this diet is that it's easy to start and easy to follow; you needn't buy anything special, no weird supplements, no prepackaged foods...if you are a serial dieter like me, all of the stuff you have on hand will fit into this as well. He makes allowances for the fact that you will eat out (including fast food options) and this is the only diet book I've read that says "If you mess up for one meal, not a problem, just renew the committment to yourself and stay focused on the future".

The thing that is similar about this book to every other diet book is the mind-numbing repetition. I understand that there is a brand here, but the average "TM" and "R" symbol count per page is probably fairly high. I only read the first 3 chapters and had about enough. I found the visualizations patronizing, sexist, and disproportionately female-centric (I am a female, but I can see how a man would be very turned off by being told to visualize himself in a dress putting on makeup).

On the plus side, I did like reading the "testimonials" with the before and after pictures. These actually looked like real people who gave practical advice. I also found the 28-day journal (to guide you through your first weeks on the diet) very helpful. The recipes are reasonable and the specific dining-out options are really great.

So far, in 3 weeks I have lost 6 pounds (the 2lbs/week promised). I also find that on the occasions that I over-eat, I really feel it...so I've been less and less apt to binge. Plus, since I can have whatever I want, I don't end up craving something so badly that I end up eating 10 portions of it.

Overall, this is a great easy diet. Easy to follow, easy to start, easy to restart when you fall off the wagon. It's slow weight loss, but it really helps you focus on how much you eat, rather than what you eat.

Whan an eye-opener as to how the body processes food! Whether you are trying to lose weight or not, this book is a fascinating voyage of the way our bodies need to handle to food we choose to eat. Purchasing this book is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I can finally relax my mind about losing weight and learn the best way to eat the food I want. It also is somewhat motivational and covers all areas of the way you think about food. It is very enlightening.

I thought this book was going to be very informative, which was told to me
by a friend, so I decided to buy it. I did like the book very much. It gave
me lots of ideas and a plan to work by to help loose weight.

Thanks

This book has helped me in so many ways. First of all, I am not overweight by any means. I am about 6'3" and weighed just over 225 when I started this diet. Most of the weight I was carrying was in the midsection (beer belly).

I lost 8 pounds in the first week and felt great! I felt pretty bad the first couple of days but after that things seemed to get easier. I think the most beneficial parts for me was the addition of breakfast, increase in green vegetables, and the amounts of water I am drinking.

I can now have just one serving at dinner instead of going back for seconds or thirds!!! After 6 weeks I have lost a total of 20 pounds. The best part about it is that after the first 3 weeks I could still have a couple of beers and eat whatever I wanted for the weekend and not gain anything back.

Now would I say that Mr. Cruise is a guru, no. But the way he presents this information is easy to understand and follow. As far as the negative reviews for this book go, it probably just someone else trying to push a diet they themselves are on or are trying to market.

I like Jorge Cruise. I have his 8 minutes and if I could ever discipline myself to do it for more than 2 weeks, I would probably really notice it.

As for the book. It's great. I am actually tracking? and journaling which does seem to help. I love the 3 hour concept and it does help me stay more in control.

Easy to read and to implement. Has some good recipes as well.

Book came in excellent condition, price was great. Did take a seemingly long time to arrive though,(about 3 weeks) but seller did sate on website that it may take a while for those who live on the east coast (i'm in nj) would do business again with this eBayer.

I had bought this book because I had heard that Jorge Cruise had a great diet plan that really works. I really like this book and have really just started reading it. So far this is a really interesting book and I am really looking forward to start this diet as soon as possible. I believe this is a great book that others will enjoy and have great sucess with the diet.

I have been on this diet for almost 1 month...I have released or lost 24lbs now and Im feeling better than ever.

I think that Jorge Cruise is a weight loss guru, I tried all the popular diets, Atkins, South Beach Diet...none of them worked for a lifetime. This one does. Just get the book at your local library, thats my suggestion before buying it. Its worth the money, but why spend it if your not sure if you wanna go in it.

But if your trying to lose weight and have been unable to in the past, just give it a shot and see if it works for you...it did for me.

This book is easy reading and has a lot of great ideas, information and even recipes. It shows you how to kick in your metabolism and lose belly fat.
This book is a keeper and worth every cent.

GREAT BOOK! MAKES A LOT OF SENSE. WRITTEN IN A GREAT EASY TO UNDERSTAND STYLE!
JORGE CRUISE LETS YOU GET TO KNOW HIM ALONG WITH OTHER REAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD WEIGHT ISSUES. NOT JUST YOUNG PEOPLE, IT SHOWS THAT EVEN OLDER PEOPLE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR WEIGHT!

this book is great!!! I have been using it for 4 weeks now and have lost 8 pounds!!! Would highly recommend it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought it to receive more information on the 3 hour diet i.e. composition of meals. I received the information I desired.

I bought this because I had read good reviews. It's a pretty good idea. You eat a meal or a snack every 3 hours. And I found the guides to what makes up a meal to be very easy to learn and implement. If you're looking for something that doesn't include long periods of starvation or restriction to celery, something that you might actually be able to run your life upon, then this book is something to look at.

Dieting seems to be a matter of finding the program that works as a lifestyle. This may or may not be the one for you, but I think it's worth a look at Ebay book prices, which are usually very reasonable.

I bought this book for my parents upon their request. The following review is a summary of what they think of the book:

Almost finished reading the book and so far it is very GOOD! Enjoy reading it and will certainly give the diet a try. The diet sounds VERY simmilar to the South Beach Diet. So far there is NOTHING that is disliked about the book. Reason for wanting to purchase the book: Love to collect, study and read various diet & fitness books.

An enjoyable read. As for the Diet: have not tried yet but MOST CERTAINLY will try! : )

He's got some good solid advice and I think that when and if I ever have time to follow through, I could do this one. Seems like a lot of preparation though.

Still looking for the magic pill that allows those of us who don't have the time with full time work and full time family.