Ideally, being healthy isn't just about being a certain weight: It's about having all the systems of your body performing at optimum levels for as long a time as possible. Mackie Shilstone, in his role as medical advisor to professional athletes, presents a complex plan in The Fat-Burning Bible that incorporates supplements, sleep and stress management alongside the standards of diet and exercise.

The first section of the book helps you establish your honest starting point^^it's easy to be at an acceptable weight but have unacceptably high fat percentages, cholesterol or blood sugar. Establishing this point involves a fair amount of measuring and math, and includes checklists that will help you identity potential concerns like Syndrome X or thyroid problems.

Diet and nutrition follow; the section encompasses fairly complex suggestions on intake percentages as well as simple meal plans and recipes. Portion control figures highly^^it's back to the old 'four ounces of skinless chicken breast' as a basic building block. A short section on supplements refers in a general way to recent research, but is more of an introduction than complete system. More time is devoted to the exercise program, but this could be more complex than a typical dieter feels ready for. Clear photos show off specific exercises, but they require regular trips to the gym or a set of dumbbells at home. The last section, which Shilstone suggests photocopying, is a day-to-day journal that allows you to check off goals and note areas for further work. It's a helpful tool, but also requires a fair amount of dedication.

Ultimately, this book seems designed for those who are already fairly fit, but are hoping to achieve a more ideal version of good health. It could be especially helpful for amateur athletes^^if you're prepping for a marathon or other big event, this might be just the tool you need. Jill Lightner ^^This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review
This four-week plan is based on boosting the metabolic rate. Although Shilstone identifies various foods as being able to "burn fat," a misleading concept, still the diet, recipes, and exercise plans are reasonable and not dangerous in any way. The author of Lose Your Love Handles and Maximum Energy for Life, Shilstone has worked with heavyweight champions Michael Spinks and Roy Jones Jr. This guide, although it includes a diet for women, will appeal primarily to men. (from the Diet/Fitness roundup by Susan Hagloch) (Library Journal, January 15, 2005)

This four-week plan is based on boosting the metabolic rate. Although Shilstone identifies various foods as being able to "burn fat," a misleading concept, still the diet, recipes, and exercise plans are reasonable and not dangerous in any way. The author of Lose Your Love Handles and Maximum Energy for Life, Shilstone has worked with heavyweight champions Michael Spinks and Roy Jones Jr. This guide, although it includes a diet for women, will appeal primarily to men. (from the Diet/Fitness roundup by Susan Hagloch) (Library Journal, January 15, 2005) ^^This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Contents at a Glance

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