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Ultimate New York Diet
A follow up to David Kirsch's blockbuster ‘The Ultimate New York Body Plan,' which was born out of his experience as a trainer on the hit TV show ‘Extreme Makeover,' the Ultimate New York Diet isn't just for New Yorkers (or those who need an extreme makeover), it's for any time-crunched person who wants to lose weight and maintain the results for life. Founder and owner of Manhattan's Madison Square Club and personal trainer to the stars (including Victoria's Secret Model Heidi Klum), Kirsch uses a three-phase program to help dieters maximize nutrients, stave off hunger, boost metabolism and start seeing results . The crux of Kirsch's plan is on restricting foods: He presents what he calls an A, B, C, D, E list of what you won't be eating in each of the three phases (think alcohol, bread and carbs, etc.), as well as staple lists of what you will be eating in each of the phases. Meals are protein-heavy and supplemented with vitamins and herbs. And exercise is a must with Kirsch's 10-minute workouts you can do anytime, anywhere. With calorie counts coming in below 1,000, it's easy to see why Kirsch promises dieters results within two weeks.
Fitness trainer to busy CEOs, new moms, and top celebrity models, David Kirsch's Ultimate New York Diet promotes physical activity and provides specific workout recommendations for even the most time-crunched people. But with severe food restrictions and significant emphasis on supplements (which may or may not be helpful), the diet may be a recipe for disaster for some dieters. The detailed meal plans weigh in well below 1,000 calories during all three phases. And his lists of prohibited foods may be overwhelming and intimidating for readers. In fact, many dieters may fail the plan long before they reach the "lifestyle phase." Supplement mumbo jumbo aside, Kirsch's advice regarding high-fiber vegetables, lean meats, portion control and physical activity is solid. And he offers some fabulous workout instructions for those who live life on-the-go.
Is the Ultimate New York Diet healthy?
Yes and no. Kirsch's focus on fitness is healthy and his prescriptions for 10-minute workouts anytime, anywhere are a boon. But the calorie counts for each of the phases are dangerously low -- even for dieters. What's more, he advocates taking a variety of supplements, many of which are not supported by sound science, despite his claim that he "would never recommend something that might ruin your health." While a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement may help make up for nutrient deficiencies caused by low calorie intakes, Kirsch also endorses both Hoodia and 5-HTP even though nutrition experts argue that both are questionable in terms of effectiveness and may be downright harmful.
What do the experts say?
According to Andrea Giancoli, M.P.H., R.D., of the American Dietetic Association, The Ultimate New York Diet is overkill. "It lacks fruits and dairy foods and you can only have one serving of whole grains per day," she says. "But you're going to lose weight because of all the foods you're eliminating." The problem: There's a slew of research touting the health benefits of calcium, vitamin D and whole grains and this diet lacks vital nutrients. Giancoli is also concerned about Kirsch's detailed supplement recommendations, but she likes the plan's emphasis on exercise. "He uses a lot of encouraging tips for reducing stress," says Giancoli.
Who should consider the Ultimate New York Diet?
Giancoli hesitates to recommend the diet and supplement portions of the plan to anyone, but the exercise component is a great motivator for Americans who are pressed for time.
Bottom line
The Ultimate New York Diet is very restrictive and strives to compensate for dietary deficiencies with supplements. More than half of the book is devoted to meal plans, exercise instructions and recipes. So if you want to boost your fitness level and you're willing to make some hard-core dietary changes, you can lose weight on this diet –- if you can stay on it!
Checklist
- Cost: Reasonable. Even though the diet’s emphasis on lean animal protein sources, fatty fish like salmon, nuts and organic vegetables may increase your bottom line at checkout.
- Meals Provided: No.
- Diet Duration: Eight weeks, but it’s really a lifetime diet plan. Phase one lasts two weeks (or more, depending on how much weight you need to lose), phase two for two weeks, and phase three for four weeks (or life).
- Fitness Requirements: Absolutely. Kirsch provides detailed instructions for office workouts, hotel workouts and home workouts that can be performed in 10-minute bursts.
- Time Commitment: Minimal. The diet is designed to fit into even the busiest of schedules.
- Eating Out: It doesn’t seem possible during the first phase, but Kirsch offers tips to help you get by in most restaurants during the final two phases.
- Alcohol: Nothing during phase one -- and not much after that, unless it’s your chosen food from the A, B, C, D, E and F lists.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Kirsch claims that vegetarians can successfully substitute his high demand for animal protein with vegetarian sources such as quinoa, tofu and tempeh.
- Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Strict.
| Ultimate New York Diet Books | ||
  The Ultimate New York Diet |
  The Ultimate New York Body Plan (Book with DVD) |
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