5 Factor Diet

5-Factor Diet, by Harley Pasternak, is a super-sized (256 pages in hardcopy) expansion of the dieting section of his 2004 book 5-Factor Fitness, which is based around the factor 5 – 5 meals a day, 5 workouts a week of 5 exercises each. He also has just released his new 5 Factor World Diet which incorporates healthy eating habits from around the world.

5 Factor Diet Basics

The book includes over 40 pages of recipes for sample meals.

The principles outlined are:

1. Eat 5 meals daily.
2. Follow the 5 criteria for each meal.
3. Spend 5 minutes in preparation for each meal, using only 5 ingredients.
4. Workout 25 minutes 5 days a week for 5 weeks.
5. Indulge in a weekly ‘cheat’ day.

5 ‘Fat-loss’ keys

1. Metabolism — faster metabolism burns more calories, hence less fat.
2. Exercise — stay in the fat-burning zone and build lean muscle.
3. Right calories — consume foods with the right kind and amount of calories.
4. Glycemic Index — low-GI foods keep blood-sugar levels steady.
5. Rest and recovery — promote growth hormone for muscle condition, and reduce cortisol (‘stress’ hormone).

5 Criteria for each of 5 meals per day

1. Low-fat, quality protein
2. Low-GI carbohydrate
3. Fiber
4. Healthy fat
5. Sugar-free beverage

Sundays are considered a ‘cheat day’ – eat what you like, while sticking to the 5-meals principle.

Costs and Expenses

The 5 Factor Diet retails for $15.00.

Click here to purchase the book at a discounted price.

Meal Guidelines

Breakfast

Sugar-free cereal with at least 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving,(eg Kashi Go Lean!), with some fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. Use non-fat cottage cheese or sugar-free yogurt in place of cereal for a change.

For something warm, use egg whites as a base for a low-fat omelette, or try the Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Frittata.

For hot cereal, make some oatmeal and blend in a scoop of whey-protein powder.

Lunch

Soups & salads, with no-flour bread or tortilla for open sandwiches or wraps, or a rice cake.

Dinner

Lean chicken/steak/fish for protein, and fibrous, moderate-GI carbs in vegetables like wild rice, squash, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, or cauliflower.

Check out other low calorie recipes here.

Sample 5-Factor Meal Plans