Cinch! by Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD (Review)

First, a bit about the book . . .

Cynthia Sass, the creator and co-author of the New York Times Bestselling Flat Belly Diet presents her new break-through, 30-day weight loss program Cinch! targeted to end overeating, leaving dieters feeling full and satisfied while enjoying the best food combinations to burn fat and boost metabolism.

The program starts with the 5-day Fast Forward plan that ends erratic eating by focusing on five simple foods—spinach, almonds, raspberries, eggs, and yogurt (or vegan-friendly alternatives) - eaten in a variety of combinations. These first 5 days promise up to 8 pounds of weight loss. Each of the five foods is low in calories yet loaded with nutrients and natural satiety-boosters, which allows you to “detox” from junk foods without feeling deprived.

The remaining 25 days of the program are packed with foods that offer maximum fat-burning, improving metabolism while unlocking the secret to the body’s satiety center with foods that the latest research shows turn on the body’s “I’m full” signal. As in Flat Belly Diet, all of the meals for the full 30-day program are created for you and are fully interchangeable. As an added feature, vegan and vegetarian options are covered so the plan can be adapted to fit any lifestyle.

Cynthia is also the Weight Loss Blogger for Shape magazine.

What I liked:

After reading the first three chapters, I was completely on board.  I was committed.  I went out and purchased spinach, eggs, yogurt, raspberries and almonds.  Her logic and explanations made sense.  Cynthia states that you need to eat four evenly spaced meals every that that each contain all of her five food groups - a lean protein, produce, whole grain, plant based fat and SASS (seasonings).  If you do that, you will remain full longer, you will lose weight, and you will be getting all the nutrients that you need.  She also provided evidence by referencing studies to back up her claims.   The book was thorough.  It included references, recipes, and detailed explanations so that you knew why you were making the changes you were.

What I didn't like:

After chapter 3, the book gets into the meat and potatoes of the diet.  This is where specific recipes are listed.  While I love that the recipes are provided, unfortunately, many of the recipes are not for me.  I can eat fairly clean (I stuck to the Power 90 diet and exercise plan for the full 90 days), but not as clean as Cynthia recommends.  I come from a family of meat eaters.  While I don't think that we overindulge in red meats, I am not willing to eliminate all red meats and pork products from our diet, as she suggests.  In addition, Cynthia rarely makes any reference to exercise.  She briefly mentions walking, but nothing else.  When making a lifestyle change to lose weight, my goal is not just to be thinner, but to be healthier overall.  I think that by eliminating this aspect of weight loss from her book, she is doing a bit of a disservice to many of her readers. 

Overall:

This is a great book for the right person.  With the detailed information and recipes provided, you could definitely be on your way to living a healthier, thinner life.  Unfortunately, I am not that person.  If one of my readers thinks they would enjoy reading this book and giving it a try, let me know.  I'd be happy to pass my copy on to you.  (*Note - I received an uncorrected proof that has a significant number of noticeable omissions and notes to the author/editor within the text of the book)

*Disclaimer - I received a copy of this book from One2One in exchange for my honest review.  I did not receive any other compensation.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.