Diets are everywhere, each promising men and women alike that for ten dollars a week plus the cost of food they too can lose 20 lbs in two weeks. Often, it is difficult to decipher between the fad diets that will only leave the dieter fatter, and those that will change one's life and waistline forever.
One of the newest diets however, seems to be getting a lot of attention for its non fad-like qualities. Designed by Hollywood trainer Harley Pasternak, the 5-Factor diet has been used by celebrities like Halle Barry and Christian Slater.
Although the 5-Factor diet is considered a "fad," it is a healthy option when compared with eating nothing but cabbage soup or cutting out entire food groups, according to Janice Cochran, a nutritionist with the Wellness Center.
Instead of consuming three large meals a day (or the college diet of one large meal and greasy snacks), Pasternak advises that individuals eat five smaller meals throughout the day.
In his book, Pasternak claims this will work in five simple ways. By regulating the amount of food intake that the body gets, it is able to maintain the level of insulin flowing through the blood stream. As a result, the body stores less fat, which in turn improves mood, maintains energy, helps reduce stress and increases metabolism.
"This diet is a message that nutritionists have been trying to get out to the American public for years," Cochran said. "This is no magic formula that Harley Pasternak just came up with. Exercise, moderation and no long gaps without eating, those are all healthy diet choices for weight loss."
Only five ingredients are required to recreate each of Pasternak's meals, with plenty of protein, fiber, vegetables and water as staple items.
"Eating protein in every meal definitely gives you an advantage when trying to loose weight," Cochran said. "Protein makes you feel fuller longer, and therefore you won't snack as much during the day as you would if you ate just a salad."
One day a week Pasternak allows followers of the diet a free day in which they can indulge and eat all the yummy things they crave. He also advocates exercising 25 minutes a day at least 5 times a week. The book even contains core, uncomplicated exercises one can do from home.
There is no calorie or carbohydrate counting. The extra meals ensure the dieter eats even before hunger strikes.
Pasternak's diet may seem like a dream come true: it's easy, requires constant eating and doesn't require buying any special gadgets, pills or pre-packaged food. But for most students who can barely fit one meal into a day, let alone five, it may not be a great choice.
To overcome this obstacle, Cochran advises that students plan ahead and bring their meals to school and work with them in plastic containers. Prepare the food the night before.
"Eating balanced meals along with nutritious snacks is key to maintaining as close to the standard of five meals as you can get, " Cochran said. "Five meals isn't the law, if you can't squeeze five meals into your day don't worry. As long as you're eating consistently as your schedule allows, and exercising then you're on your way to loosing weight."
According to Cochran, there are two factors students should consider when deciphering a bad diet from a life changing diet. If the diet claims to miraculously melt fat and pounds instantly and seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.
Secondly, "fad" diets will normally isolate certain food groups and suggest that only certain foods should be eaten for the duration of the diet. The same diet will also usually have a list of foods that are bad and should never be eaten ever again. Cochran said these diets are not going to do anything but maybe help someone lose a pound or two.
Mike Veltri, a freshman pre-pharmacy major, can attest to this from first hand experience.
"I've tried the South Beach diet and the LA Weight Loss diet, but I got too lazy and the food that I wasn't allowed to have was just too pleasurable to continue without," he said.
Cochran advises that students research a diet before testing it to make sure it is safe and effective.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
