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Books : The Step Diet: Count Steps, Not Calories to Lose Weight and Keep It off ForeverIn association with Amazon.comRating:  - A kinder, gentler approach to exercise and weight lossNote: I obtained this book used and so received the book only, not the included pedomter. I was interested in The Step Diet because after purchasing a pedometer (not the one that came with this book), I was looking for some simple, easy strategies to increase my daily step totals. I should preface my comments by saying that I am not exactly the book's intended target audience: I am not trying to lose weight, and I already exercise daily. However, when I am NOT exercising, I am fairly sedentary, which is why I acquired a pedometer, and I hoped that this book would help me take further steps (excuse the pun!) towards being more active. As other reviewers have suggested, this book takes the same two-step approach to weight loss with which we are all familiar: exercise more and eat less. However, the difference here is that the authors strive to make this plan complete doable for ANYONE. The exercise part of the approach begins from wherever you are at currently--ie, using your pedometer to find your current average number of daily steps--and then striving to increase this number. For most people, this is surprisingly simple, and much easier than finding ways to add in formal exercise three times per week. However, the authors also allow credit for formal exercise by including a chart which converts other activities, such as weight lifting, into steps (oddly enough, the list includes "chopping wood" but not "aerobics"). Finally, the authors include plenty of helpful tips for increasing your daily step totals, from using the bathroom on a different floor at work to emptying the trashcans in your house daily at home. For the diet section of the book. The authors do not recommend following a specific diet; rather, you are allowed to continue eating ALL of the same foods that you are already eating, so long as you only consume 75% of what you are eating now. The authors make this sound easy, and they do provide simple strategies for how to follow through with this plan, but I recognize that in actual practice, it is likely to be quite difficult for people to remove 1/4 of their food at each meal. Another part of this book that I thought was a little hard to follow was the concept of energy expenditure. In order to have readers set weight loss goals, the authors have them calculate their BodySteps (from a chart), LifeSteps (from the pedometer and other activities), and MegaSteps (the first two numbers added together, then divided by 1000). Sounds a bit confusing, doesn't it? Some readers might feel that way too, but on the other hand, it appears to be a solid approach to healthy weight loss program. Overall, the part I liked best about this book was the specific strategies offered for increasing daily steps--I would have loved to see even more here. The diet information may be useful to someone who has struggled with other approaches and is willing to accept making slow, gradual progress towards a healthier lifestyle. However, I mainly recommend this book for those looking for a kinder, gentler way to begin an exercise program. Rating: - One Small Step for ManI lost 8 pounds in 4 weeks following the concepts in this book. I have finally set goals for my weight. I'm walking myself to a better place. Thank you. Rating:  - Totally great and helpfulI really like this book. It's helped to motivate me to walk more every day while wearing my pedometer. I've been sidelined by a knee injury for the last two years and cannot go to a gym in spite of physical therapy and doctor's care. This book helped me to realize I can still do something to keep in shape and helped to inspire me to get moving on a regular basis again. Somehow counting steps makes you feel more accountable for your habits and just tweaking my routine has helped me to get in to better shape. Rating:  - Good walking advice, not very informed diet informationAlthough I got some really good statistics on walking and how calories are burned and tips on how to increase my steps, I totally disagreed with their discussions on diets. There was very little documentation to back up broad statements on the (in their view) positive use of sweetners and very little information on the choice of using natural foods as opposed to processed foods. Rating: - ImpressedThe book has been very useful. Good sound advice. Supports what my Dr. says---Move more and adjust what you eat. Addresses what needs to be done long term---not just another one of those fad diets. |
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