Slim Down Now: Shed Pounds and Inches with Real Food, Real Fast

by Cynthia Sass

The Surprising Superfood Secret to Weight Loss

Cynthia Sass, New York Times bestselling author of S.A.S.S. Yourself Slim and coauthor of Flat Belly Diet!, introduces a new superfood that holds the power to whittle your waistline in no time. Called “pulses,” this unique class of protein-rich carbs includes lentils, chickpeas, and many varieties of beans. By incorporating just one serving of these supershredders into your daily meals, you’ll burn more fat, feel more full, and have more energy. The weight will come off immediately, and you’ll reap the many rewards of Sass’s Pulse Plan:

• lose up to 8 pounds in the first four days

• no counting calories

• eat carbs and still get great results (that’s right, they’re not the enemy!)

• enjoy over 100 delicious, satisfying, and affordable recipes

• adopt a less-is-more exercise philosophy focused on fun methods that don’t feel tedious or punishing

• protect your heart, lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and cancer, and improve your overall nutrient intake

“My skin looks better and the dark circles under my eyes are gone. I feel great, and I’m happy with the amount of weight I was able to lose in thirty days.” —DIONNE, age 43

“I think the Rapid Pulse really did reset my system. Flavors became more prominent (I can actually taste the sweetness in tomatoes!), and I’m now eating less because I can pay attention and stop when I’m full.” —YADIRA, age 39

“Throughout the thirty days, I felt confident because I knew I was getting healthier and my body was changing. My husband also lost 10 pounds by loosely following the plan with me. He was surprised that he could lose weight while eating healthy meals that tasted great with bold flavors.” —AMY, age 28

Genres: Diets, Health, Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2014

About the author

Cynthia Sass is one of the first registered dietitians to become Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD). She is the nutrition consultant to the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays, was the sports nutritionist for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2007–2009, and counsels professional athletes in numerous sports. Cynthia is the nutritionist behind and coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller Flat Belly Diet!, and the author of the book Cinch!: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches.

Cynthia Sass appears regularly on television programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Early Show, and her "Weight Loss Coach" column appears each month in Shape magazine.

Shaklee Corp. offers an unrelated line of Cinch™ weight loss management products. See http://www.shaklee.com/cinch.shtml.

Reviews

[Doan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing. I didn't like it.

[Lachelle Saieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I got it for $1 at the Dollar Tree but was so glad I picked it up.

I followed the diet for one month and lost 10 pounds. I probably could have lost more if I had exercised during that time and in the future, I would like to incorporate both for optimal health. The quick pulse for 4 days was tough, especially because I had a cold at the time. The first two days were fine because I had chose the chocolate pudding pulse and I love chocolate pudding, even when it's a healthy one. However, the next two days, I had to do the smoothie option. After the four days, I was glad just to eat regular food again, who cares if it's healthy.

Cynthia Sass' book is informative and helpful. From the daily meditation to incorporating more beans, legumes, lentils, etc., I found it to be just what I needed. She gives case studies that are interesting and help along your journey. Great book!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been loosely following the eating strategies in the author's previous book, 'Cinch!; conquer cravings, drop pounds, and lose inches', for several years, but found myself getting bored with the recipes and sloppy in my choices. I ordered this book from the library with the thought that reading and following the new plan would be a good way to re-set my eating habits.

I feel as if the author 'phoned in' portions of this book, I found myself wondering if she had been going through a tough time healthwise or personally before or during her writing. The wardrobe analogy is just plain cheesy. However, I'm enjoying most of the new recipes I've tried and the pudding fast start was much easier and less painful to follow than the previous five food/five day fast start. I'm seeing results and will continue for the remainder of the 30 days. Past that, I'll probably make some adjustments (must.have.cheese!, and I'll add a snack so I'm not done with all food before 6pm), but I'm glad to have a new set of recipes to continue to try.

[Kim Veach · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated to put this in the category of "health" since this book has all the hallmarks of being a fad diet. It starts with a strict 4 day plan where you eat nothing but pudding (full of good things, but still ridiculous) at set times. She has all sorts of science she discusses - some of which is correct, but other parts she seems to pick and choose what parts she likes. I found this book because of it's emphasis on pulses (beans, legumes) and it said it was suitable for vegans. However, since she insists on protein being in every meal, a vegan would need to have beans at all meals since all other proteins on her list were animal based. And she continues to have an emphasis on when to eat (9am, 1pm, 6pm). Otherwise, it's a standard, restricted calorie diet.

[Pipina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent about pulses and the real superfood they are, but I didn't like the actual plan, with phases and recipes.

I have incoporated the advice to eat pulses once a day (about 50 g dry) and have found I keep full and satisfied for hours and hours.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the pudding recipe but that was the only good thing about the book