You may know him as Oprah Winfrey's diet adviser and trainer. Bob Greene is a regular on the Oprah show and his book, "The Best Life Diet," forms the basis of Oprah's own diet and lifestyle program. In his book, Greene outlines the steps for losing weight and keeping it off through regular weigh-ins and recipe suggestions, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition." Although Green's diet may help you lose weight, contact your own doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
History
Armed with a Master's degree from the University of Arizona, Greene directed the physiology branch of a medical management firm and worked as a fitness trainer in Colorado before meeting Oprah and co-authoring the 1996 book, "Make the Connection: 10 Steps to a Better Body -- And a Better Life," with Winfrey. To complement his diet, Greene also published recipe books and a book detailing the healthiest brand-name food products on the market. Bob Greene's diet is a complete food and lifestyle program that requires fitness and journaling.
Features
The diet features three phases. During the first phase, you learn to set and follow healthy eating and exercise patterns, including daily workouts, eating three meals a day and not eating before going to bed.
In Greene's second dieting phase, you learn how to control impulsive eating and how to assess your emotional reaction to foods. You gradually eliminate unhealthy foods and begin to eat progressively smaller meals. As you become accustomed to physical exercise, you begin to increase the amount and duration of your workouts.
The third phase of the Bob Greene diet lasts a lifetime, and begins only after you have lost all the desired weight. By now, you are eating wholesome foods and exercise is a way of life. You continue to weigh in at least once a month.
Healthy Foods
On the Bob Greene diet, you will learn to choose healthy foods, such as whole grain products, fruits and low-fat dairy, instead of eating breads made from refined flour and high-processed junk foods. You will get most of your protein from lean sources of poultry, fish, seafood, soy products, nuts and legumes, according to EveryDiet.
Additional Diet Help
Although Greene's book is inclusive, dieters who want more of a personal touch can join Greene's online diet program for $9.95 per month, as of 2010. On the website, you can receive personal instruction and encouragement and share weight loss experiences with other members.
Pros and Cons
According to the "Gale Encyclopedia," Bob Greene's diet is healthy for most individuals. Greene's educational background provides a credible reference and his diet meets the dietary guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The downside to Greene's diet is the time commitment required to record everything in a journal and the long-term commitment to following the diet, since weight loss is gradual. No health risks are identified for healthy dieters, but a visit to your doctor is still an important factor in starting any new diet.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2008
- Every Diet: Best Life Diet
- The Best Life: Official Website
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