This book was a good read, funny, and a pleasant reminder, but really states nothing new. For anyone who has ever tried to gain muscle mass and lose fat, this diet is pretty familiar. It used to be known by other names, for example, "the lifters diet". This book basically boils down to, "Lot's of protien, mid-level carbs, low fat, high fiber, 6 times a day". This information is scientifically correct. I used to be 185 lbs-4% body fat and this is "basically" how I attained that. The "power foods" do not make or break this type of diet. They are certainly good for you. Exercising is an absolute must when you are talking about the amount of protien consumed in this diet, along with plenty of water. (Unused protien is hell on the kidneys).

Now for the cons, at least for me.

1.For most people, high fiber is a good thing. But for a lot of people with Crohns Disease like me, the diet can literally be a pain in the a#*. The sudden change to high fiber turned my colon into 5 miles of bad interstate. Even high water intake did not help. I would just suggest that people with gastrointernal issues speak with their doctor. Maybe the book says this. Maybe I just missed it.

2.The meal preparation in this book is not what I would consider "time friendly", and I am quite the cook. I am just so busy that it was not very convenient for me. The recipes are for multiple servings, which means you have to store future servings. If you have time for this, the recipes are tasty. I am just too busy.

In the end, I went back to Weight Watchers. You may ask "why don't you just do what you did before and forget using companies". Well, this is because of past problems and character defects, and I need accountablity. I feel I need to be on a program and weigh in each week to strangers, because left to my own devices, Jersey Mikes #13 would be an every night thing, and we know where that leads. Call it lack of will, but if that was not the norm, no one would need to diet. There is one universal fact about losing weight that no diet can dispute: Burn more calories than you take in, and you will lose weight. (Atkins diet is a different discussion all together). I work out 6 days a week for 1 hr (do not kill myself), stick to my points limit easily, (frozen entrees are sooooo easy), and it is working great. It is just easier. This book is a good motivator, and that is maybe all you need. :)

I like the fact that the authors explain how things work in our bodies (how protein intake relates to the increased metabolism resulting from the workout, and to the muscle growth; which foods are good for metabolism; which of them aid in weight loss or lowering cholesterol levels). Although the idea of having six meals a day does not always fit my busy schedule, the one of snacking with fruits and/or nuts between main meals does seem to be effective in my case. What I like most about the book is the well balance diet that does not exclude any food groups. I am a great believer in the nourishment based on natural foods and The Abs Diet fully supports this belief. Dr. Tombak in the book "Can We Live 150 Year" farther explains proper food combination and its effect on our bodies. For that reason his book is a very good addition to The Abs Diet.

So many complaints from women that this is not really a diet for women. In my experience, there are thousands of books specifically targeting women. I find it quite refreshing that this is a book geared towards men and their weight issues and workout needs. If you go to any bookstore, you will find that almost every "diet" book out there is for women. Buy any one of those if you don't like this one.

This is not another "diet", as we've come to know the word. Diets have become synonymous with deprivation. This book works against that idea in laying out a diet made up of delicious, healthy, nutrient-rich foods.

The book explains why other fad diets have failed and provides solid scientific proof as to why the Abs Diet will work for anyone, regardless of metabolic rate or genetics. It is, very simply, the right way to eat.

Many of the ideas found in this book were introduced in the "Body for Life" and "Eating for Life" books, by Bill Phillips. This is a way of eating that seems to be catching on - and that is a wonderful thing. The writer of the Abs Diet even published a second book called "The Abs Diet Guide to Eating Right Every Time". This takes into consideration that it is difficult to stick with a way of eating when you're living "on the go". The book makes sound recommendations as to what you should choose when eating anywhere from Burger King to Red Lobster.

Following the Abs Diet will lead you to better health. It is that simple. You get to eat delicious foods and lose weight. Coupled with weight-training and cardiovascular exercise, the Abs Diet will help either whip you into top shape or keep you there if you are already in shape.

The book is written with the usual sense of good-natured humor we've come to expect from Men's Health magazine writers and editors. The whole plan is set forth in a very realistic and easy-to-follow way. Excellent information, excellent book!

I can't begin to share with you how much this book has helped me on the road to fitness. I stumbled upon this book through Men's Health newsletters, and like you are now, I read the customer reviews and was sold. This meal and exercise plan was just what I needed. I was one of those people who always wanted to get in shape but was never sure of the best way to do it. This is it! The book is definitely worth checking out. The meal plan is extremely easy to follow and my weekly grocery bills are not as high as when I've tried other diet plans.

And the second book, "The Abs Diet: Eat Right Every Time" is a helpful supplement as well.

If you are trying to get off your butt and get started on a fitness regimen, buy this book!