Jorge Cruise has rapidly become known for his approach to weight loss, spelled out in his bestselling book "The Belly Fat Cure." Cruise's methods are supported by respected individuals in the health and fitness field, including Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Terry Grossman and the late Jack LaLanne. The diet looks at abdominal fat specifically, as it is linked to a number of health conditions including cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Sugar, Insulin and Leptin
The impetus behind Cruise's "Belly Fat Cure" diet is the connection between insulin and fat storage, an association that is supported by research conducted at Purdue University and other institutions. Since many people's diet is high in sugar -- the average American consumes 47 tsp. of sugar each day -- insulin levels tend to be high. Since insulin is a hormone that facilitates fat storage, taking measures to lower your levels can help you to lose weight. Cruise also touches upon leptin, a hormone that helps to control appetite. Eating sugar does not produce this hormone, but fats, proteins and complex carbohydrates do, which can lead to a reduction in abdominal fat.
Carbohydrates
Limiting carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates, is the mainstay of Cruise's eating plan. The measurement used on this plan is an S/C value, which stands for sugar and carbs. Cruise recommends a daily S/C value of 15/6, which means that you can consume 15 g of sugar and have 6 servings of carbohydrate-rich foods. Note that foods that have fewer than .5 g of sugar or 5 g of carbs per serving are not counted.
Menus
Cruise provides a variety of menus for people who prefer carbs, those who enjoy red meat, chicken and seafood lovers, people on the go and those who have a sweet tooth. All menus adhere the ideal S/C of 15 mg sugar and 6 servings of carbs. Cruise offers a checklist for dieters to track their intake of these foods.
Carb-Swap Meals
One appealing feature of Cruise's diet plan is the carb swap meals. The book features over 200 pages of photographed meals presented in full color. The left page shows the "belly bad" meal while the right shows an equivalent "belly good" meal that appears just as delicious. "Belly good" meals are low in carbohydrates and include recipes. On "The Belly Fat Cure" diet, you can enjoy foods such as "Heavenly Berry Pancakes," "Mouthwatering Meaty Pizza" and "Simple Shrimp Tacos." Cruise also includes several pages of processed "belly bad" foods along with their healthier alternatives.
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