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The Abs Diet by David Zinczenko, Ted Spiker (2004, Hardcover)
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Author: David Zinczenko,Ted Spiker
Publisher: Rodale Pr
Publication Date: 2004-06-01
Language: English
Format: Hardcover
ISBN-10: 1579549985
ISBN-13: 9781579549985
Product ID: EPID30230364
Description: How do you lose weight? Diet and exercise, they say. How do you lose weight and look good? By eating and by working out according to a sensible plan. The critical difference is in this book by Men's Health magazine editor Dave Zinczenko,...
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Top Reviews
The Abs Diet - Not for Me, But Most Love ItReview created: 10/01/05
by:
) 
20 of 25 people found this review helpful.
The Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Stomach and Keep You Lean for Life is not the book that I would necessarily recommend for those looking to eat healthier and live healthier (my preference is Body for Life)... but, I have only heard rave reviews and success stories about The Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Stomach and Keep You Lean for Life.
While Ted Spiker provides excellent content in the Abs Diet (the meat of the book is very strong, if you will) but I am quite turned off by the approach - suggesting that healthier eating and living should be done so that readers / dieters have better looking abs is silly to me. In fact, I think its the wrong approach to entering a diet. That said, Spiker's route to achieving better abs is a good one - it suggests balance and general lifestyle healthiness.
From the book synopsis: "How do you lose weight? Diet and exercise, they say. How do you lose weight and look good? By eating and by working out according to a sensible plan. The critical difference is in this book by Men's Health magazine editor Dave Zinczenko, who offers basic, rational lifestyle adjustments that are intended to make a big difference on the body. He offers a six-week plan that eliminates foods from the diet that he considers especially bad and adds things that will help, without totally eliminating fun food. His exercise workouts help build muscle and improve metabolism. Nothing extreme here, no starvation required, and he builds in a maintenance plan to use after the initial six weeks."
Summary: If you like Men's Health, you'll certainly enjoy this book. Its intelligently written and suggested a permanet life and eating change - both positives in my mind. My only critique is that dieting shouldn't be started purely to achieve abs - because, if thats the motivation, diets usually aren't successful for more than a few months.
While Ted Spiker provides excellent content in the Abs Diet (the meat of the book is very strong, if you will) but I am quite turned off by the approach - suggesting that healthier eating and living should be done so that readers / dieters have better looking abs is silly to me. In fact, I think its the wrong approach to entering a diet. That said, Spiker's route to achieving better abs is a good one - it suggests balance and general lifestyle healthiness.
From the book synopsis: "How do you lose weight? Diet and exercise, they say. How do you lose weight and look good? By eating and by working out according to a sensible plan. The critical difference is in this book by Men's Health magazine editor Dave Zinczenko, who offers basic, rational lifestyle adjustments that are intended to make a big difference on the body. He offers a six-week plan that eliminates foods from the diet that he considers especially bad and adds things that will help, without totally eliminating fun food. His exercise workouts help build muscle and improve metabolism. Nothing extreme here, no starvation required, and he builds in a maintenance plan to use after the initial six weeks."
Summary: If you like Men's Health, you'll certainly enjoy this book. Its intelligently written and suggested a permanet life and eating change - both positives in my mind. My only critique is that dieting shouldn't be started purely to achieve abs - because, if thats the motivation, diets usually aren't successful for more than a few months.
Review ID: 10000000000007048
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A Women's Take on the Abs Diet WorkoutReview created: 11/09/06
by:
sotolicious ( 1 )
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
My husband bought the Abs Diet book and talked me into trying it with him. We were already pretty healthy eaters and exercised regularly, but wanted to shed those last few pounds (15 for him, 10 for me). To be honest, I didn't read the book cover to cover, I used it more as a reference guide and did try to focus on choosing the power 12 foods and just making better choices (i.e., eating more veggies and smaller portions). The main changes we made were eating throughout the day, and instead of large dinners just having a big salad with tons of veggies, grilled chicken breast and vinegar and oil, about 3 days a week.
I did, however, change my exercise program from the Body for Life style to what the Abs Diet recommends. I dropped 10 pounds in about 2 months, not starving myself in any way (but not eating dessert everyday, either). The key for me was the metabolic workout. I did the weight program 3 days a week, twice through the cycle each time; and I did cardio for 30-45 minutes an additional 2 days a week. The weight workout takes me 45 minutes (not the 20 min the book says) to go through it twice, and I do the hardest "legs" day every time, really challenging myself with the weight. I sweat a lot (more than any other weight program I have ever done in the past 15 years) and breathe heavy throughout the workout. I am definitely stronger and more defined muscularly.
For women, I think the book is worth buying for the information it offers, and if you are looking for a change in weight workouts, it is worth a try. I think I just burned more calories than I consumed.
Also, my husband followed the Abs Diet dilegently for 10 weeks and while he dropped weight, he found that actually altering every 3 months from Body for Life to the Abs Diet weight workouts works best for him to maintain muscle and keep the weight off. He is still working toward the six pack :)
I did, however, change my exercise program from the Body for Life style to what the Abs Diet recommends. I dropped 10 pounds in about 2 months, not starving myself in any way (but not eating dessert everyday, either). The key for me was the metabolic workout. I did the weight program 3 days a week, twice through the cycle each time; and I did cardio for 30-45 minutes an additional 2 days a week. The weight workout takes me 45 minutes (not the 20 min the book says) to go through it twice, and I do the hardest "legs" day every time, really challenging myself with the weight. I sweat a lot (more than any other weight program I have ever done in the past 15 years) and breathe heavy throughout the workout. I am definitely stronger and more defined muscularly.
For women, I think the book is worth buying for the information it offers, and if you are looking for a change in weight workouts, it is worth a try. I think I just burned more calories than I consumed.
Also, my husband followed the Abs Diet dilegently for 10 weeks and while he dropped weight, he found that actually altering every 3 months from Body for Life to the Abs Diet weight workouts works best for him to maintain muscle and keep the weight off. He is still working toward the six pack :)
Review ID: 10000000002324042
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Lighten Up in more ways than one.
) 2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Follow this book to the T and you will lose weight. To bash it because of it's title or because it DOES point out the flaws (yes it does) of the other "popular" diets is just wrong. Eat what it says, avoid what it says, and keep your "cheater" meal somewhat in check and you'll drop the weight with no problem. Read labels and have some self-control and this diet\meal planning\attitude will work. When I started this change to my diet I weighed 228. After 5 weeks I weighed 210 and most of my weight loss was my spare tire around my waist. 18 pounds in a little over a month is amazing. I do workout with free weights 3 times a week and have been for over 10 years. I changed nothing with my workout plan except I added a few extra ab routines. I do NO cardio right now except for my normal work and yardwork. If I did cardio I would easily drop to 200 or 195. You get out of this what you put into it just like with anything else. If anything, it's a good read to learn what to avoid at the grocery store or when going out to eat. Since reading this book and seeing the movie "Super Size Me" I completely avoid any kind of fast food and drive-thru meals.
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almost a four, but not quiteReview created: 03/07/06
by:
) 
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.
I would have given this book a four star review, save for the constant self-promotion throughout the book. For gosh sakes! We are already READING the book, can't you save the advertising for someplace else? In addition, the author bashes every other diet he can think of--with the exception of Body for Life (which has nothing he can bash, so he ignored it). No need for that. I'd rather read what's good about THIS and why we need the certain things he touts, rather than read about how bad these other diets are. As we know, Atkins works for a lot of people.
The Abs Diet is one of the only books I know about that is pretty much exclusively for men. A lot of women, however, have found this book to be right for them, too. With this in mind, I wish the author would have specified the fact that women really need smaller portion sizes than men and less calories, as well. This is a criticism I really believe is well-founded. I haven't read the updated version that was exclusively sold by Rodale yet. Maybe that information is in there.
The Abs Diet is founded on solid and current information. It's important to eat approximately every three hours so that our metabolism is at optimal speed. When we do not eat and skip snacks, not only are we more likely to feel we're "starving", and overeat later, our bodies are also more likely to go into starvation mode--and begin to burn muscle for fuel. . . a state we want to avoid.
The author explains how our body utilizes different foods (although I thought the acronym made out of ABS DIET (something else, I forgot), was not useful for me), how our body responds to exercise and rest and how to go about beginning this program.
It's an entertaining read, as well, and the recipes are pretty tasty!
The Abs Diet is one of the only books I know about that is pretty much exclusively for men. A lot of women, however, have found this book to be right for them, too. With this in mind, I wish the author would have specified the fact that women really need smaller portion sizes than men and less calories, as well. This is a criticism I really believe is well-founded. I haven't read the updated version that was exclusively sold by Rodale yet. Maybe that information is in there.
The Abs Diet is founded on solid and current information. It's important to eat approximately every three hours so that our metabolism is at optimal speed. When we do not eat and skip snacks, not only are we more likely to feel we're "starving", and overeat later, our bodies are also more likely to go into starvation mode--and begin to burn muscle for fuel. . . a state we want to avoid.
The author explains how our body utilizes different foods (although I thought the acronym made out of ABS DIET (something else, I forgot), was not useful for me), how our body responds to exercise and rest and how to go about beginning this program.
It's an entertaining read, as well, and the recipes are pretty tasty!
Review ID: 10000000000784513
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BEST BOOK EVER!Review created: 09/16/08(updated 09/16/08)
by:
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I bought my first copy of this book in Jan. Since the first purchase I have lost 47lbs by simply folowing the guidelines set by the book. I've gone from a 36-38 inch waist to a 30 inch waist. I've tried all the other diets out there but this really works! I bought this copy for my brother in law and he is going on the program soon. My start weight was 202lbs and I am down to 155lbs. The book is very simple to follow and is the best lifestyle change I have ever made. I would recommend this book to anyone who is serious about losing weight and getting into the best shape of their life.
Review ID: 10000000008739323
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Great book1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
This is the first diet book that really enjoy. You can eat most foods just in smaller amounts. When I first read about eating 6 times a day I thought WOW thats alot of food. But I was wrong. You're just eating smaller amounts. The book is really great. I have also lost the weight by following the book. The good news is you have a cheat meal once a week and you can eat whenever you want. Hope that this helps other people out. Clermont, Fl
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The Abs Diet by David ZinczenkoReview created: 07/06/09
by:
I am still working on getting there. The smoothies are great the exercises are what I expected. Just what I was looking for with a great price.
Review ID: 10000000012647339
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diet and absReview created: 06/09/09
by:
) Perfect, because of the lay out of my routine and because of the contents. The valved contents is what I wanted. The cost has a lot of why I buy it.
Review ID: 10000000012343888
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You must read this!!!Review created: 03/20/09
by:
I am a bodybuilder and I would recommend that anyone and everyone should read this book. It will change your mind about nutrition, dieting and health in general. SOOO much helpful information, easy to read, you will never have to diet again!! Everything in this book is true! A lot of the information will blow your mind and make you feel sick about the foods that we eat on a daily basis. I dont want to say anymore, just buy this book, it will be one of the best investments you have ever made.
Review ID: 10000000011231745
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Excellent hints for good eating and working out.This is an fun and easy to read book that contains many valuable hints to enhance your metabolism, and way of eating and exercising. However, if you have a sweet mouth, it is not as easy as it seems to accomplish the 45-days diet.
Review ID: 10000000010586439
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diet booki have used this diet book in the past and it really works lost 100 pounds with it 3 years ago. i highly recomende to any one who intersted in losing weight it is right on target .
Review ID: 10000000009480488
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Yes, It works.Review created: 09/18/08
by:
The Abs Diet is an amazing fitness program, it's put quite simple - workout, eat right, and ta-da you get muscles and no fat. No pills, no bs, just the truth of it all - you gotta exercise to stay fit.
It takes a page from the Bowflex, and gives you 3 days, 20min workouts, while the rest of those 'off days' involve walking, and various cardio.
For the food aspect, I've always been that loser that never really liked doughnuts, and other sweet crap, I blame the healthy and bland diet I was raised with. For the most part - expensive health foods. I have always told my friends and co-workers, the real reason why America is fat is because we can't afford to eat right. (milk is almost 5 bucks, where as soda is barely a dollar)
So the food is steep, I saw a boost in my food bill 65%. The weekly cost for my family went from 120 a week to 190-230. Also may I add, you get *one* day a week you can eat whatever (I use this bonus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my Birthday, those Holidays) but It's only once a week. Normally it was biscuits and gravy for me, then lean for lunch, and whatever Holiday/Restaurant meal I wanted for Dinner.
For the stats, I lost only 12lbs, and packed on the muscle (initially lost 19 in the first 6 weeks of 'basic training' with the book). My BMI shrank from 27% to 6% in just a year. My Doctor flipped out, and the nurses battling their own weight confided.
The book is all around easy formatted, plenty of guilds and recipes, and damn worth the money.
It takes a page from the Bowflex, and gives you 3 days, 20min workouts, while the rest of those 'off days' involve walking, and various cardio.
For the food aspect, I've always been that loser that never really liked doughnuts, and other sweet crap, I blame the healthy and bland diet I was raised with. For the most part - expensive health foods. I have always told my friends and co-workers, the real reason why America is fat is because we can't afford to eat right. (milk is almost 5 bucks, where as soda is barely a dollar)
So the food is steep, I saw a boost in my food bill 65%. The weekly cost for my family went from 120 a week to 190-230. Also may I add, you get *one* day a week you can eat whatever (I use this bonus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my Birthday, those Holidays) but It's only once a week. Normally it was biscuits and gravy for me, then lean for lunch, and whatever Holiday/Restaurant meal I wanted for Dinner.
For the stats, I lost only 12lbs, and packed on the muscle (initially lost 19 in the first 6 weeks of 'basic training' with the book). My BMI shrank from 27% to 6% in just a year. My Doctor flipped out, and the nurses battling their own weight confided.
The book is all around easy formatted, plenty of guilds and recipes, and damn worth the money.
Review ID: 10000000008759938
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the abs dietI bought the book looking for some new ideas on how to transform my body the way I want it to be. The book has a lot of valuable information on diet, exercise, and just an overall healthy lifestyle. The book was also like brand new.
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Abs diet review
) I bought this book for my husband who was very interested in reading and learning about the diet. He enjoyed it - although a little repetative. He has been using quite a few tips and doing lots of the excercises and is seeing great results!
Review ID: 10000000007476256
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Easy readingI found the book to be written in an unpretentious and plain manner, easy to read and understand, and easy to follow. The author breaks it down in a way to make the rad entertaining and effortless, as well as motivating. I highly recomend this book to anyone wanting to learn how to shed some weight and improve their physical conditioning.
Review ID: 10000000006971617
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THE ABS DIETI LOVE IT. ITS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS IVE EVER READ AND USED. ESPECIALLY THE CONCISE INFORMATION ON DIET AND EXERCISE. IVE BEEN A BIG FAN OF DAVE SO WHEN I SAW THIS I JUMPED ON IT. ITS ONE OF THE MOST ACCURATE BOOKS ON DIET AND NUTRITION AS WELL. WITH THIS BOOK YOU CANT GO WRONG! THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO ADD TO THIS REVIEW BUT TIME AND SPACE WOULDN'T PERMIT.
ONCE AGAIN, I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT
ONCE AGAIN, I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT
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"The Abs Diet" a great source of health knowledge.Review created: 03/04/08
by:
This book is great because it not only tells you what to do and how to do it but also tells you why the concepts work. It appears a lot of research and science is behind this book along with good common sense.
Review ID: 10000000005953960
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The Abs DietGreat book. Knowledgable approach to both nutrition and working on a six pack ab. great exercises and the recipes are great. I have been working out steadily for over two years now and have seen the benifits from this book. I always keep it close by to refer to often. buy it with confidence and like any thing always you need to be committed to health and a solid exercise program. highly recommend.
Review ID: 10000000002871406
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The Abs Diet by David Zinczenko, Ted SpikerReview created: 01/08/07
by:
Book was in great condition, better than anticipated. It Shipped quickly and was significantly less than buying new. This was my first time w/ half.com and would definitly use again.
Review ID: 10000000002699603
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It rocks!!!Review created: 08/07/06
by:
This book is awesome!! It is very informative where diet is concerned and has a ton of good exercises to help you really hit those problem areas. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to lose belly weight and gain muscle mass.
Review ID: 10000000001539891
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Good, solid nutritional advice.Review created: 08/05/06
by:
I decided to buy this book because I had heard that it was an excellent diet to try. What I discovered is that the book is more of a lifestyle change than a diet. Diets are restricting and temporary, but the Abs Diet gives you guidelines for healthy eating that are very easy to follow and keep with. There is no magic trick to this diet, or elimination of one food group. The book provides you with easy, simple guidelines to nutrition. The book shows you that by eating the right foods, you can lose weight and never feel hungry. The book was also an easy read, and filled with success stories. I enjoyed reading this book and am trying to incorporate what the book has taught me into my daily eating habits.
Review ID: 10000000001510701
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The Abs DietI have this book, the audiobook and the companion guide as well. This is the heart of nutrition and weight loss as well as overall healthiness. If you just stop to think about the logical conclusions to David Zenzinko's logic, you can't help but want to jump in with both feet. Forget the diets, the counting and the agony. Give your body the proper octane of fuel it requires and it will do the rest.
Now the hard part. GETTING OFF YOUR REAR AND DO IT!!!
Good luck and bon apetit.
Now the hard part. GETTING OFF YOUR REAR AND DO IT!!!
Good luck and bon apetit.
Review ID: 10000000001468769
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