Faster, Better, Stronger by Eric Heiden, MD, Max Testa, MD, and DeAnne Musolf
Max's Jump-start Diet
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Max’s Jump- Start Diet

 

Everyone wants to lose weight when they get fit, and success with weight at the

start is very motivating. The problem with many diets that promise immediate

short- term success is that they are unbalanced and simply cause weight loss

through dehydration or muscle loss. I have a diet that I’ve been using for fifteen

years that helps my athletes lose weight without dehydration or muscle loss.

 

Normally, I propose this diet to my patients for two weeks just to give them a

boost for weight loss. When that happens, and they lose five or six pounds, and

start to feel their pants are a little loose at the waist, and they have to punch a new

hole in their belt, they get very motivated. They can feel their stomach sucking in

maybe for the first time in a while and they feel good. It is worthwhile to have quick,

visible improvement in the first two weeks as a source of motivation.

 

maybe for the first time in a while and they feel good. It is worthwhile to have quick,

visible improvement in the first two weeks as a source of motivation.

 

The diet consists of 1,600–1,800 calories. It doesn’t matter where they are when they start, if

they eat like this for two weeks, they all lose at least three or four pounds.

 

Please note: This is a starter diet for healthy people (those who have checked

with their doctor and have no medical problems). It is also intended for very

short-term use only—no longer than two weeks.

 

BREAKFAST

The day starts with a half liter of tea—the equivalent of two or three normal cups of

tea. You can add one spoon of honey and skim milk, if you like. You sip that for the

first hour after you get up.

 

MID-MORNING SNACK

Around mid- morning, eat two servings of fruit. I favor one banana along with an

apple, a pear, a handful of strawberries, a peach, or a plum. Vary the fruit you eat

each day with your banana. Drink two glasses of water beforehand.

 

LUNCH

At midday, I suggest another piece of fruit and a sandwich with whole wheat

bread. It can be turkey or ham and cheese, or plain tuna, with tomato and lettuce,

but no mayonnaise, no mustard. Drink another two glasses of water beforehand.

 

MID- AFTERNOON SNACK AND/OR BEFORE EXERCISE

Have a protein bar in the middle of the afternoon, along with another two glasses

of water. I encourage eating a bar or another carbohydrate snack buffered with

protein before exercise because to get the full benefi t of exercising you don’t want

to get hungry and hit the wall during training.

 

DINNER

For your evening meal, eat salad, a serving of fruit or vegetables, and a serving of

fish or meat. No bread. And, again, water.

 

I have never known anyone who did this for two weeks and did not lose

weight. This is by no means a diet that one should continue long-term, but for a

short time it’s not harmful.