The 4 Hour Diet

LuciaLongIsland

Hello MFP Friends:

I was just watching the Doctors and the author of the 4 Hour Diet was on. He was only on for a few minutes. I googled the book but didn't get too much information. I have never been one to buy diet books or look for "gimmicks" for weight loss as I have consulted with several doctors, including an endocrinologist. I have not seen a nutritionist yet.

I was wondering if anyone has read or utilized the techniques in this book.

I would appreciate your feedback.

Sidesteal

I would appreciate your feedback.

If you're referring to the Tim Ferris book I would stay far away from it unless you like filling your head with mostly crap.

JeSuisPrest

Don't know what it's about, but the only successful way to lose weight is to make it a lifestyle change. Diets are temporary.

JeSuisPrest

Here's some info...it's called the "4 Hour Body"....can't imagine who has the kind of schedule to take 6 - 20 minute naps a day instead of sleeping 8 hours a night. Sounds crazy to me, but to each his own, right?

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/expert-reviews-timothy-ferriss-4-hour-body

UponThisRock

If it sounds like a gimmick, it is.

rml_16

A friend was telling me about this last week. Something about eating certain foods at certain times a day. It sounded like every other fad out there.

DarkAngellEyes

The book is "The Four Hour Body"... I read it - and tried the diet for a couple weeks. To be honest - I thought the book had some very interesting facts/topics, but of course you have to take it with a grain of salt (as you do any published information, in my opinion). This diet did not work for me - I just could not wrap my head around the "no fruit" thing and incorporating so many beans (sorry - legumes) into my diet. My sister in law on the other hand saw some good results with it and lost somewhere around 17 pounds in a month.

Not sure if this is helpful at all, but just wanted to add my 2cents.... but give it a shot if you curious! what works for one doesnt necessarily work for others.

ilovedeadlifts

If you're referring to the Tim Ferris book I would stay far away from it unless you like filling your head with mostly crap.

This.

There are no shortcuts.

DarkAngellEyes

Oh and just to add - I dont think its a gimmick at all. Tim Ferris is an extremist - and did a lot of experimenting with different things (including using supplements and ice baths and such)... In the end, it wasnt for me - but I thought it was an interesting read at least.

hkovich

I read it and tried the diet very very briefly. It is terrible, unless you like eating huge amounts of eggs, no fruit and only very specific vegetables. Also, lots of sauerkraut. Ugh, it was gross I read reviews after trying it, and all the legitmate sources said it was crap. Also, his "4 hour body" examples are not really good examples because he used people who used to be really fit, and muscle memory plays a big part in how fast you regain your previous shape.

My Advice: Don't Do It! It is unsustainable and unhealthy.

MinnesotaManimal

Here's some info...it's called the "4 Hour Body"....can't imagine who has the kind of schedule to take 6 - 20 minutes a day instead of sleeping 8 hours a night. Sounds crazy to me, but to each his own, right?

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/expert-reviews-timothy-ferriss-4-hour-body

do yourself a favor, click the link. even if its just for a good chuckle....

Sidesteal

Oh and just to add - I dont think its a gimmick at all.

How do you define gimmick?

rml_16

Here's some info...it's called the "4 Hour Body"....can't imagine who has the kind of schedule to take 6 - 20 minutes a day instead of sleeping 8 hours a night. Sounds crazy to me, but to each his own, right?

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/expert-reviews-timothy-ferriss-4-hour-body

OMG! I think a 15-minute orgasm might become more pain than pleasure after about the first minute or two. Yikes!

JeSuisPrest

There are no shortcuts.

Now that's a fact, Jack!!!

tecallahan

I can't believe they put this GARBAGE on a show called "The Doctors"... it's pure junk.

Carlamere84

I have the book. It's crap, don't buy it!! Just another way for someone to make money. DON'T BUY IT!

DarkAngellEyes

Oh and just to add - I dont think its a gimmick at all.

How do you define gimmick?

When i think of a gimmick, i think more of the "new and improved fast acting diet supplements/pills/juice/whatever".... I found this book to have some interesting information - especially the suggested workouts and such. Again - the diet portion is a bit extreme (for me), but it may work for some that have the discipline to be that strict with their diets.

LuciaLongIsland

Sorry, i meant "The 4 Hour Body", guess I wasnt paying too much attention.:laugh:

Sidesteal

When i think of a gimmick, i think more of the "new and improved fast acting diet supplements/pills/juice/whatever".... I found this book to have some interesting information - especially the suggested workouts and such. Again - the diet portion is a bit extreme (for me), but it may work for some that have the discipline to be that strict with their diets.

I see. Could it work? Yes.

But to use an analogy, I could sell people a cute little red weight-loss hat. They can pay me $150.00 for the hat and the instructions are to put the hat on before bed, and the next day, eat at a calorie deficit and exercise, then repeat the next day/etc.

Is it gimmicky?

Not picking on you here as I don't mean to dwell on the semantics of "gimmicky". My point is just that sure, the book could work, but the information in the book is just unneccessary garbage. It will work if it causes people to eat in a deficit over time but that's the only reason -- not all the other crap he tries to insist on.

rml_16

When i think of a gimmick, i think more of the "new and improved fast acting diet supplements/pills/juice/whatever".... I found this book to have some interesting information - especially the suggested workouts and such. Again - the diet portion is a bit extreme (for me), but it may work for some that have the discipline to be that strict with their diets.

I see. Could it work? Yes.

But to use an analogy, I could sell people a cute little red weight-loss hat. They can pay me $150.00 for the hat and the instructions are to put the hat on before bed, and the next day, eat at a calorie deficit and exercise, then repeat the next day/etc.

Is it gimmicky?

Not picking on you here as I don't mean to dwell on the semantics of "gimmicky". My point is just that sure, the book could work, but the information in the book is just unneccessary garbage. It will work if it causes people to eat in a deficit over time but that's the only reason -- not all the other crap he tries to insist on.

I think those people should give ME that $150. My diet is better than yours: Eat one green M&M every day and along with diet and exercise, you will lose weight. Guaranteed.

susanswan

Don't know what it's about, but the only successful way to lose weight is to make it a lifestyle change. Diets are temporary.

I second this. Kick out your bad habits and keep building up your good habit repertoire for LIFE!

DarkAngellEyes

I see. Could it work? Yes.

But to use an analogy, I could sell people a cute little red weight-loss hat. They can pay me $150.00 for the hat and the instructions are to put the hat on before bed, and the next day, eat at a calorie deficit and exercise, then repeat the next day/etc.

Is it gimmicky?

Not picking on you here as I don't mean to dwell on the semantics of "gimmicky". My point is just that sure, the book could work, but the information in the book is just unneccessary garbage. It will work if it causes people to eat in a deficit over time but that's the only reason -- not all the other crap he tries to insist on.

I see your point- and of course most weight loss plans/products out there seem to have profit as their #1 motive. I dunno - guess all I'm saying is I've read worse.

Oh and the chapter on the 15-minute orgasm was.... uh... interesting. lol

zippo32

Hi everyone,

I have this book by Tim Ferris, and just wondered if anyone has tried it and ask, if they would be happy to share their experience with me?

Sarah

zippo32

From the thread: TOPIC: The 4-Hour Body / Slow-Carb Diet

Anyone ever try this? The book, The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss sounds really interesting and by his own admittance, can be extreme in some areas. Some of it sounds like solid research on his part, but not the normal of calories in versus calories out and achieving a deficit. The idea of "slow carbs" vegetables, legumes, good fats, protein and supplements all sound promising, but I'm a bit hesitant to jump on the band wagon. I certainly like his idea of a once a week, "cheat or free" day which many plans advocate. Just wondering if anyone has tried his plan.

Thanks!

CaptainGordo

Here's some info...it's called the "4 Hour Body"....can't imagine who has the kind of schedule to take 6 - 20 minutes a day instead of sleeping 8 hours a night. Sounds crazy to me, but to each his own, right?

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/expert-reviews-timothy-ferriss-4-hour-body

do yourself a favor, click the link. even if its just for a good chuckle....

Comedy gold!

Here's the summary at the end...

Hack or Quack?

Ferriss may make his living by “hacking the human body," as he puts it. But Stephen Barrett’s, MD, life work is exposing medical frauds as the owner and director of quackwatch.org. Barrett is a retired psychiatrist who resides near Chapel Hill, N.C.

Barrett has not read this book in its entirely but “it is clear that [Ferriss] is promising more than he can deliver,” he says.

Red flags for quackery include such broad claims as boosted immunity, Barrett says. “The amount of research it would take to show that any product or behavior would increase immunity in a practical way would be enormous and would take many years,” Barrett says.

To critics like Barrett, Ferriss says the proof is in the pudding. “It all works,” he writes in his book. “It can help you do what most people would consider superhuman."

Ahluvly

Hola,

Right you have to remember this is an experiment Tim Ferriss did for a month. What works for one does not work for another! The book is pretty interesting but like others have said, you have to take it with a pinch of salt! If you're curious to find out if it works, there's only one way to find out! Good luck if you do it!!!!

engineman312

does anyone want to buy this?

zippo32

There are other 4-Hour body threads on MFP boards. I am a fan of doing a search...............................

tecallahan

QUACKERY at its best! Don't buy it and don't be fooled by this junk.

debstanley4

I've read it and don't think I could stick to the diet. I have started making sure I get atleast 20 gm porein at each meal. I also added lintels to my diet and love them. I feel fuller longer and am getting more fiber in my diet than ever before with out the gas most beans give you.

fakeplastictree

does anyone want to buy this?

I kind of do.