Bob Greene, best known for co-authoring two health and fitness books with TV talk-show host Oprah Winfrey (as well as helping her lose 90 pounds), has a master's degree in exercise physiology, is a certified personal trainer, and is a member of the American Council on Exercise. Greene's latest dieting program, The Best Life, is designed to help individuals lose weight and keep it off, with manageable dieting tips and exercise suggestions.
Those who are interested in the program can always buy the book, but the program is now offered online as well, with a user-friendly format and support groups. Greene's program is based on manageable goals that can be maintained for a lifetime.
The Best Life Diet Plan
The program has three phases, and unlike many diets, Greene's diet begins with the most liberal phase, so that unhealthy foods are slowly cut out of the diet in "baby steps." The program does not entail counting calories, but instead advises of healthy food choices (as users slowly weed out unhealthy foods such as regular pasta, white bread, and fried foods) and recommends portion control. According to the article "The Best Life Diet" on WebMD.com, which was reviewed by Dr. Jonathan L. Gelfand, Greene also factors in splurges for phase 3.
The Best Life Exercise Suggestions
While Greene's program is ultimately a dieting plan, he also gives his subscribers exercise tips, including fitness videos so they can easily visualize how to perform each activity. He also provides useful tips regarding how to fit exercising into a busy schedule.
Community Support for Fellow Dieters
A key feature of Greene's online program is the community support it offers. The Best Life Public Community is a collection of message boards where members can get emotional support from other members during the dieting process, as well as useful tips, recipes, exercises, and more.
Criticism of the Best Life Diet
The WebMD article cited above calls the diet safe and effective. It also cites Cathy Nonas of the American Dietetic Association as saying that the Best Life Diet's gradual approach "helps dieters stick with the plan;" however, she claims that many people who are overweight will not gravitate toward this program because they prefer a "quick fix." Greene's diet, because it is intended to be a lifelong change, tends to produce more gradual weight loss due to its gradual approach to dietary and exercise changes.
Greene's diet might not produce the rapid results dieters want, but Nonas suggests that the diet might help dieters keep off the weight long-term, whereas many fad dieters gain back the weight they lost because the diets are so strict they cannot remain consistent with their dietary changes.
How to Start the Best Life Program
Currently, the program's website, Bestlife.com, offers a free 30-day trial, followed by monthly payments of $9.95, or followed by a payment of $69.95 for the year, with the second year free. Those who try the 30-day trial should be aware of the fine print: make sure to cancel within 30 days or they will charge your card for the yearly rate of $69.95, which is non-refundable. The website offers recipes, articles with tips, fitness videos, and more. Greene also advertises for his new Best Life brand of foods, but these foods are not required for the diet.
References:
WebMD.com, "The Best Life Diet" (accessed January 5, 2010).
Bestlife.com (accessed January 5, 2010).
Jenna Pack - Jenna Pack graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in English literature, before moving on to get a master's ...
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