Best known as Oprah Winfrey’s trainer, Bob Greene has recently debuted his newest diet book, the Best Life Diet. It includes primarily dietary advice, some exercise and a discussion about the emotional aspect of eating. Overall it’s a sensible plan with an emphasis on low-fat dairy (with the exception of dairy - but that’s for another post), whole grains, lean meats, fruits and veggies.

Diet Plan
Phase 1 (minimum 4 weeks)
The emphasis in this phase is less on diet and more about increasing activity levels “so that your metabolism is operating in high gear.”

• Eat 3 meals a day and 1 snack.
• Eating 2 hours before bedtime is banned.
• Alcohol is banned.
• He recommends weighing in at the start and after 4 weeks. More frequent weigh ins may disappoint, since this early phase aims to increase activity levels and boost metabolism rather than focus on weight loss.

Phase 2 (minimum 4 weeks)
This is the weight loss phase of the plan, which lasts until you reach your goal weight or at least within 20 pounds of it:

• Stresses portion control.
• Uses a hunger scale.
• Bans soda, foods that contain transfats, fried foods, white bread, regular pasta, and high-fat dairy.
• Weekly weight ins

Phase 3 (for life)
This final phase helps you develop healthier eating habits and maintain weight loss.

• Introduces concept of “anything goes” calories which is basically your “cheat food” allowance. These can include some of the no-no foods like donuts, french fries, alcohol and ice cream that you eliminated in phase 2, but still crave. These “anything goes” calories are based on your activity levels; the more active you are, the more “anything goes” calories you can “spend” during the day.
• Advice on limiting your intake of saturated fat, trans fats, sugar and sodium.

Assessment
The Best Life Diet has a nice recipe section and sample 2 week menu plan. Eating out and dining tips are lacking however. I was also disappointed not to find any specific fitness routines or plans in the book, considering phase 1 is focused on increasing activity levels. While there is some good basic diet information, it is certainly not very comprehensive and there is nothing here we haven’t heard before.

I admit to being a little annoyed by the product endorsements and pitches littered throughout the book. These are from manufacturers who have paid Mr. Greene a license to get his “Best Life” seal of approval. There are also more than a few mentions of his best life website…. perhaps that’s where you can find some fitness routines.

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