The title of Swiss author Romy Dollé's Fruit Belly refers to abdominal bloat often accompanied by digestive distress: a common result of some basic dietary misconceptions in many fast-track, low-fat weight loss plans. With well-defined, easy-to-ingest information about how the body actually breaks down and distributes fats and nutrients, Fruit Belly provides a clear four-day quick-fix plan not only to relieve any existing abdominal distress but to help reset the metabolism and reawaken the body's natural desire for the kinds of real food it wants and needs to function at its best - while still losing unwanted pounds.

Fruit Belly outlines the fundamental advantages of combining a primal/paleo-style diet with a well-rounded exercise routine for a balanced, nonaggressive approach to weight loss that's suitable for even the busiest modern lifestyle. The book's program provides menu guidelines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including between-meal snacks!), and lots of quick and tasty recipes with affordable and easily accessible ingredients. Common misconceptions about the distribution of fat and muscle weight are also addressed, and simple core-strengthening stretches and exercises that can be done almost anywhere are included.

Moreover, the book explains in basic terms how the human body digests and distributes the nutrients in the food we eat; how our metabolism becomes quickly and chronically addicted to sugar (which includes fruit and carbohydrates); and the bio-chemical connection between mind and body that drives our sense of hunger and satiety. Fruit Belly provides a comprehensive and holistic solution to counter the crash-course weight loss approach - and puts you back on the path to a healthful and more energizing "nondiet" diet.

Tina Leaman

Voice