Set Goals
Before starting the Belly Fat Cure, Cruise asks that you clearly detail your goals. Write down your weight loss target, your current waist measurement and weight. Cruise suggests target waist circumference goals of 35 inches or less for women and 40 inches or less for men. He also advises that you develop a support team of three friends or family members to help you along your weight loss journey.
Sugar/Carbohydrate Values
Cruise's Carb Swap System, or S/C value, helps you track the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you consume each day. Your daily goal is 15 grams of sugar and six servings of carbohydrates, which equates to 120 grams. Do not count foods with fewer than 0.5 grams of sugar. Calculate carbohydrate servings based on the total number of carbohydrates a food item contains: 0 to 4 grams of carbohydrates are not counted; 5 to 30 grams equals one serving; 21 to 40 grams equals two servings and 41 to 60 grams equals three servings. Using the planner included in the book, you will mark off each day the S/C values as you consume them. If you follow the menu suggestions given in the book, the daily servings of both sugar and carbohydrates are calculated for you.
Fruit and Dairy
Cruise writes that even natural sugars, such as those found in milk and fruit, contribute to belly fat. For that reason, he suggests that you restrict your fruit consumption to low-sugar fruits, such as blueberries or blackberries. All fruit you consume counts toward your daily S/C value. Cruise also advocates replacing dairy products with whey protein, almond milk and small servings of organic whipping cream or half and half.
Losing Weight
The Belly Fat Cure consists of a series of one-week eating plans, or challenges. After successfully completing one week, you simply repeat the plan for another week, following the same 15 sugar/6 carbohydrates formula.
Maintain
Once you reach your weight loss goal, to maintain your results, you continue following the tenets of the Belly Fat Cure. You will still restrict your fruit consumption, although you may add in up to two extra servings per day. Increase your vegetable consumption to obtain essential vitamins and minerals.
Tips
Throughout the "The Belly Fat Cure" book, Cruise offers helpful tips and guidance to help ensure your success. They include: always eat breakfast; bring along artificial sweeteners when you travel; never allow yourself to become hungry; plan your weekly meals ahead of time; and pack your own meals.
Effectiveness
The American Dietetic Association often reviews popular diet plans. In her review of "The Belly Fat Cure," nutritionist Elisa Zied writes that although the book's view on sugar are laudable, its views on fruit and dairy lacks merit and may cause "nutritional deficiencies." Zied also criticizes the book's failure to list the calorie content of suggested meals or to advocate portion control. Zied suggests that a better weight loss plan would be combining exercise with a well-rounded diet comprised of lean meat and poultry, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables and healthy oils, such as olive oil.
