Ultimate New York Diet
Our Reviewer Says ...
“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 …”
At a Glance
By Amy Paturel
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.
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.
