December 4, 2006
Every diet plan has a gimmick, but Pasternak's is simpler than most: the number five. The author's "five factor" system (previously seen in his 2005 book, 5-Factor Fitness) includes five small meals a day, five workouts a week and a list of five factor foods-basics like egg whites, lean poultry and beans-in each of five food categories. More than 100 pages of low-calorie-if not particularly imaginative-recipes are included (such as Chicken and Rice Miso Soup and Roast Beef with Carrot-Pear Slaw), each of which include five ingredients and take five minutes to prepare. The in-demand author, whose clients' testimonials are scattered throughout the book (Kanye West and John Mayer among them), never fails to sound cheery, so even if daily rounds of five-factor strength-training sound daunting, his liveliness will help give readers courage: "Don't worry, my plan is the easiest, most effective exercise program you'll ever use." Though it might help to have the schedule of a Hollywood star-getting in five meals a day presents its own challenge for busy nine-to-fivers-his exercise plan is mercifully brief, the diet itself is flexible, and he doesn't require giving up any foods. In fact, Pasternak gives readers one "cheat day" a week-the better to demonstrate "how well the 5-Factor Diet is working."