5 Factor Diet Overview

There are many fad diets out there that just never seem to work out well for most people.  Many of them lack something or other that would get people over the hurdle; they’re too complex, take up too much time, cost too much for the specialized food, etc. Personal trainer Harley Pasternak dealt with all of these issues when he was given the task of creating a brief yet incredibly effective workout for actors during the short breaks in between shots while on the movie sets. In addition he needed to create healthy meals in a matter of minutes using simple ingredients. The result became what we now know as the 5 Factor Diet.  Harley’s clients were eating 5 times per day, exercising in short bursts and transforming their bodies.

The 5-factor diet is very simple to follow. Just remember the number 5!

5 weeks: Initially, you start off on a 5 week plan, however after that first five weeks the diet and workouts become part of your lifestyle.

5 meals per day: The 5 factor diet is easier to follow because you graze throughout the day instead of gorging at three sittings. By eating 5 small meals per day one can say goodbye to the cravings and the resulting snacking. Each meal contains 300 calories and on top of that two snacks of 200 calories are allowed.

5 ingredient meals: Each of the meal is made up of only 5 ingredients and takes 5 minutes to prepare. The meals are low in fat and low in calories.

25 minute workouts: Exercising can be difficult to get into for many of us especially if you are talking about long periods of exercise. The 5-factor diet plan promotes working out in short bursts five days a week instead of spending hours at the gym.

5 cheat days in 5 weeks: The 5 factor diet allows for one cheat day per week where the person is allowed to eat his or her favorite foods. Controlled cheating can actually help many people reach their goals and helps people maintain without getting discouraged.

In future articles, I help readers develop their ownŅ Factor Plan by coming up with specific workouts and recipes.  If you want to do what the stars do to get and stay in shape

5-Factor Fitness: The Diet and Fitness Secret of Hollywood’s A-List
Price: $10.17
Pages: 192, Paperback, Perigee Trade

The 5-Factor Diet
Price: $10.2
Pages: 256, Edition: First Printing of 2009 Trade Paper, Paperback, Ballantine Books