The targeted nutrition tactics (TNT) diet is a three-month regimented weight-loss program specifically designed for men. Registered dietitian Jeff Volek details the program in his 2007 book "Men's Health TNT Diet," with the subtitle "The Explosive New Plan to Blast Fat, Build Muscle, and Get Healthy in 12 Weeks." The book is associated with "Men's Health" magazine.
Features
The TNT program is tailored to the body composition of men and helps men lose weight by focusing on exercise and proper dieting with whole foods prepared at home. The book offers five eating plans, and guidelines in the book steer you to the best plan for your weight loss and health goals. Volek encourages readers to follow a low-carbohydrate menu for the first four weeks.
Specifics
A fundamental requirement of the TNT diet is preparing meals at home. You should not use canned, frozen or heavily processed foods. Restricting calories isn't necessary, because calories go down simply by replacing processed and fast food with healthier alternatives, according to Volek. For the first four weeks, you'll eat protein at every meal, as well as non-starchy vegetables and small amounts of fat. Later you can add more carbohydrates, including fruit and whole-grain foods.
Supplements
Volek encourages supplementing the TNT diet with fish oil for its beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Also, take a quality multivitamin that does not contain iron, as you will get plenty of iron from eating meat. In addition, drink black, green and herbal teas, particularly herbal roobios tea, for their antioxidant-rich properties.
Exercise
The TNT diet includes a 12-week workout plan consisting of three phases. Short workouts of intense aerobics are required each day, along with a weight training session three times per week, with a resting day in between each session. The workout program is designed to stimulate metabolism, burn fat, build muscle and increase overall fitness.
Considerations
Weight loss on the TNT diet is gradual, so you are more likely to maintain the weight loss compared with crash diets, as noted by Diet Choices. The regimented program eliminates any need to make decisions about food and exercise, but you'll need to accept this as a benefit rather than be irritated about the lack of freedom. Some dieters may have difficulty sticking with a plan that requires preparing all meals at home and not eating at any restaurants.
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