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The Digest Diet: The Fast, Effective, 21-Day Fat Release Plan
The Digest Diet
is a 21-day weight-loss plan based on groundbreaking science and newly discovered foods and habits that help your body to release fat. Reader's Digest sifted through all the weight-loss science to pick the foods, recipes, and habits that truly slim you down quickly and safely. We reviewed cutting-edge nutrition advances and myth-busting articles. We discovered some new reasons fat creeps on—and reliable ways to get it to fade away quickly.
The Digest Diet
targets surprising fat increasers in three key areas—eating, environment and exercise—and gives you the tools you need to turn the tables and shift your body into fat release mode.
The eating plan is organized in three basic stages: Fast Release,
Fade Away, and Finish Strong. Every phase loads you up on fat releasers. But the calorie and macronutrient ratios shift in each so as to maximize fat release—and results!
Fast Release (12-minute exercise routine) is a four-day fat releasing jump start. The Fat-Release Workout combines both strength training and HIIT (high intensity interval training) into a 12-minute workout that’s amazingly effective for fat burn and muscle growth.
Fade Away transitions you into lean proteins and micronutrient-rich greens. For this 10-day stretch, you continue to have a shake a day, but the lean-and-green focus gives your
body what it needs to help you release fat and build muscle, while lowering your intake of carbohydrates for faster fat fade.
Finish Strong is the last week of the plan. The meals and recipes show you how to enjoy a balanced, healthy, wholefoods diet rich in fat releasers.
The Digest Diet provides a list of 13 fat releasers, which include Vitamin C, Calcium, Protein and Coconut Oil, as well as an easy cheat sheet of fat releasing foods that can be eaten during the diet, such as broccoli, grapefruit, mozzarella cheese, almonds, fish, beef, red wine, dark chocolate and avocados, to name a few.
Inside the Digest Diet, you will also find a 21 day meal-plan, 50 fat releasing recipes with full color photos, a 12 minute fat release workout, a fat release workout calendar, before and after success stories, “laugh it off” sidebars to help keep perspective and sanity, and a free online destination for tips, videos, shopping lists and daily food and exercise journals to help make your weight loss goals easy and achievable.
To prove the 21-day eating plan truly works, we put a dozen men and women on the diet—and their results will astound and inspire you. Our top tester lost 26 pounds in 3 weeks!
The eating plan is organized in three basic stages: Fast Release,
Fade Away, and Finish Strong. Every phase loads you up on fat releasers. But the calorie and macronutrient ratios shift in each so as to maximize fat release—and results!
Fast Release (12-minute exercise routine) is a four-day fat releasing jump start. The Fat-Release Workout combines both strength training and HIIT (high intensity interval training) into a 12-minute workout that’s amazingly effective for fat burn and muscle growth.
Fade Away transitions you into lean proteins and micronutrient-rich greens. For this 10-day stretch, you continue to have a shake a day, but the lean-and-green focus gives your
body what it needs to help you release fat and build muscle, while lowering your intake of carbohydrates for faster fat fade.
Finish Strong is the last week of the plan. The meals and recipes show you how to enjoy a balanced, healthy, wholefoods diet rich in fat releasers.
The Digest Diet provides a list of 13 fat releasers, which include Vitamin C, Calcium, Protein and Coconut Oil, as well as an easy cheat sheet of fat releasing foods that can be eaten during the diet, such as broccoli, grapefruit, mozzarella cheese, almonds, fish, beef, red wine, dark chocolate and avocados, to name a few.
Inside the Digest Diet, you will also find a 21 day meal-plan, 50 fat releasing recipes with full color photos, a 12 minute fat release workout, a fat release workout calendar, before and after success stories, “laugh it off” sidebars to help keep perspective and sanity, and a free online destination for tips, videos, shopping lists and daily food and exercise journals to help make your weight loss goals easy and achievable.
To prove the 21-day eating plan truly works, we put a dozen men and women on the diet—and their results will astound and inspire you. Our top tester lost 26 pounds in 3 weeks!
Hardcover
First published September 27, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 18, 2013
My first requirement for a diet is that it should leave me healthier at the end than I was at the beginning. I don’t want to feel nauseated by a powdered drink composed of who-knows-what, or faint from days of thin vegetable soup. When I read about DD’s varied menu based on wholesome nutrient-rich foods, I thought it probably would help, and certainly couldn’t hurt.
The first four days, I most enjoyed the fast release shake. Changing up the fruits provided several great flavors, and the natural peanut butter satisfied my cravings for fat. The hearty chicken soup was tasty enough to keep me going. By day 6 or 7, I was pretty much hooked. And, as time went on, I found I enjoyed many of the recipes enough to eat them whether or not on a weight reduction diet. I have to admit I did not give up my morning coffee (organic, ground at home, w/ skim milk), and supplemented my meals with a daily multivitamin and fish oil capsule.
Among the things to consider when evaluating whether the 21-day fast release plan will work is one’s access to kitchen equipment. A blender, sharp chef’s knife, and cutting board seem essential. It’s very helpful to have a food processor, non-stick skillet, vegetable peeler, and garlic press. For me, the work involved in food preparation wasn’t overwhelming, but did require reading and re-reading recipes, and preparing strategic shopping lists. I’m fortunate that my office is about two miles from home, so it was easy to swing by and prepare the lunches. Twice, I found myself eating dinner around 8:00 pm because I arrived home to about 90 minutes of prep and cook time. Someone who commutes long distances will have to carefully prepare some dishes ahead of time in order to remain true to the plan, at least early on.
The plan reinforced areas in which I usually perform a little better, and really helped in areas in which I’m worse. While I appreciated the focus on exercise, in my case, it’s not the toughest issue. I almost always walk daily, and sometimes bike or jog. Pushups or situps seem like an acceptable “activity burst.” Meal planning is where I need help, which may sound counterintuitive to people who know me as an organizer. The way I see it, my work is so full of checklists and timelines that when I get home I need a menu and instructions I can follow without too much thinking. Perhaps the area in which I need the most work is laughing daily. I listened to favorite comedians on spotify and rented a few funny films. But I am pitiful in the sense that even when I’m trying to have fun, it often turns into work, like creating playlists. I will have to work on that -- HAH!
For those who measure diet plans by weight loss, it does the job. After 21 days, I’m down twelve pounds, or about six percent of my starting weight. Thanks, DD, for getting me off to healthy start in 2013!
The first four days, I most enjoyed the fast release shake. Changing up the fruits provided several great flavors, and the natural peanut butter satisfied my cravings for fat. The hearty chicken soup was tasty enough to keep me going. By day 6 or 7, I was pretty much hooked. And, as time went on, I found I enjoyed many of the recipes enough to eat them whether or not on a weight reduction diet. I have to admit I did not give up my morning coffee (organic, ground at home, w/ skim milk), and supplemented my meals with a daily multivitamin and fish oil capsule.
Among the things to consider when evaluating whether the 21-day fast release plan will work is one’s access to kitchen equipment. A blender, sharp chef’s knife, and cutting board seem essential. It’s very helpful to have a food processor, non-stick skillet, vegetable peeler, and garlic press. For me, the work involved in food preparation wasn’t overwhelming, but did require reading and re-reading recipes, and preparing strategic shopping lists. I’m fortunate that my office is about two miles from home, so it was easy to swing by and prepare the lunches. Twice, I found myself eating dinner around 8:00 pm because I arrived home to about 90 minutes of prep and cook time. Someone who commutes long distances will have to carefully prepare some dishes ahead of time in order to remain true to the plan, at least early on.
The plan reinforced areas in which I usually perform a little better, and really helped in areas in which I’m worse. While I appreciated the focus on exercise, in my case, it’s not the toughest issue. I almost always walk daily, and sometimes bike or jog. Pushups or situps seem like an acceptable “activity burst.” Meal planning is where I need help, which may sound counterintuitive to people who know me as an organizer. The way I see it, my work is so full of checklists and timelines that when I get home I need a menu and instructions I can follow without too much thinking. Perhaps the area in which I need the most work is laughing daily. I listened to favorite comedians on spotify and rented a few funny films. But I am pitiful in the sense that even when I’m trying to have fun, it often turns into work, like creating playlists. I will have to work on that -- HAH!
For those who measure diet plans by weight loss, it does the job. After 21 days, I’m down twelve pounds, or about six percent of my starting weight. Thanks, DD, for getting me off to healthy start in 2013!
February 20, 2021
I am about to complete a BS in nutrition, so of course I picked up this book when I found it at a relative’s house. And boy was I horrified! This book rides the line between misinformation and deliberate disinformation; it’s chock full of data that has been poorly communicated and incorrect conclusions drawn from actual legitimate data, but plenty of it is just plain false. This book is dangerous. Its claims are dubious and often not advisable (26 pounds of weight loss in 3 weeks will never be possible for most people outside of outright starvation, and even if someone did manage it, that would be considered clinically significant weight loss- again, dangerous!)
This author is either maliciously ignorant or she’s choosing to exploit people with serious body image issues and/or eating disorders.
This book is not worth anyone’s time; check out something written by a registered dietitian instead.
This author is either maliciously ignorant or she’s choosing to exploit people with serious body image issues and/or eating disorders.
This book is not worth anyone’s time; check out something written by a registered dietitian instead.
October 8, 2023
There's a fair bit of humor in this diet book that celebrates the human body. I appreciate the attempt to make it easier to lose weight.
Read
January 6, 2024186919
bibliophile
January 6, 2024186919
May 7, 2013
I've seen several articles in Reader's Digest about the Digest Diet that I decided to read it and see what it is all about. Here is the boiled down version of the plan (you could say it's the Reader's Digest version, yuk yuk):
1. Eat foods that release fat. Examples are Vitamin C, calcium, dairy, protein, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (like olives, nuts, avocados), coconut oil, resveratrol (wine), fiber, vinegar, quinoa, honey, and cocoa.
2. Change your environment. Don't sit around, get enough sleep, snack appropriately, buy organic, and laugh.
3. Exercise. Make sure you don't let your body get used to the same workout.
There's also a 21-day diet plan. The first few days consist of basically two shakes, some soup, and a snack. (The logic is that you'll be more motivated when the pounds drop, but I personally think that cutting people back that much is a bad idea.) The next few days are a more Mediterranean-style diet with lean proteins and healthy fats. The final phase allows a wider variety of food while trying to do proper portions.
The book also contains a section of recipes, very few of which actually sounded or looked appetizing to me. For example, there's a pizza recipe that has escarole, ricotta cheese, and almonds. Not really for me.
I appreciate the ideas presented here, and I think the detailed regimen and recipes might help people jump-start their weight loss. However, this plan is really not for me.
1. Eat foods that release fat. Examples are Vitamin C, calcium, dairy, protein, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (like olives, nuts, avocados), coconut oil, resveratrol (wine), fiber, vinegar, quinoa, honey, and cocoa.
2. Change your environment. Don't sit around, get enough sleep, snack appropriately, buy organic, and laugh.
3. Exercise. Make sure you don't let your body get used to the same workout.
There's also a 21-day diet plan. The first few days consist of basically two shakes, some soup, and a snack. (The logic is that you'll be more motivated when the pounds drop, but I personally think that cutting people back that much is a bad idea.) The next few days are a more Mediterranean-style diet with lean proteins and healthy fats. The final phase allows a wider variety of food while trying to do proper portions.
The book also contains a section of recipes, very few of which actually sounded or looked appetizing to me. For example, there's a pizza recipe that has escarole, ricotta cheese, and almonds. Not really for me.
I appreciate the ideas presented here, and I think the detailed regimen and recipes might help people jump-start their weight loss. However, this plan is really not for me.
January 17, 2013
This isn't your run of the mill "diet". It is a healthy lifestyle plan. Whole, real foods...fruits and veggies, lean protein, healthy fats...exercise. Our family already eats like this, but a lot of good principles are given and tips to help you maintain this healthy lifestyle. We've been eating "the plan" as a family with Mom and Dad sticking to it precisely (I have to get more calories since I'm a nursing Mama). Dad has lost 7 lbs in 1 1/2 weeks! I recommend this to anyone who eats processed foods and chocolate after 8pm!
January 12, 2013
After trying nearly every diet out there, spending thousands of dollars, and years of utter frustration, this diet finally works! I'm so happy, I lost a size in only 9 days. I'm going to continue. The book is well organized, informative, the advice is logical, and the food is delicious. I am not hungry, I have no cravings. I don't think I have lost "water weight" as some are saying, and I don't think this is a modge-podge of other diets out there at all! Liz just finally got the RIGHT information and put it into an awesome book. LOVE IT!
June 28, 2012
I read "The Digest Diet" after seeing information about it in "Reader's Digest." The book was fairly well written and made a lot of sense from a nutrition standpoint, so I started the diet four days ago and have already lost 7 pounds. I am sure that the weight is a least partially water weight, but not all of it. I haven't really been hungry and I feel great! I recommend this book to anyone needing to lose a few pounds and become more healthy. This could be your answer.
November 20, 2012
I'm glad I won this through First Reads. Digest Diet contains tips and plans on lasting weight loss. I cooked a few of the recipes and my favorites were Kale and Chickpea soup with feta. Another favorite is the Tangy Broccoli Slaw. The recipes are healthy and flavorful.
January 6, 2013
After checking it out from the library first I feel this is an actual "get started on the path to healthy eating" guidebook. Not so much a diet but a plan to change some eating habits and start a better relationship with food. I'm going to try it for 3 weeks and see.
June 14, 2012
I really like this book. It has lots of small changes that add up to a big difference and some very yummy recipes!
October 21, 2012
Don't waste your money on this book. Of course you'll lose weight because all you do is drink shakes and eat soup. My advice, invest in a low fat cookbook and an exercise DVD.
December 19, 2012
Don't bother. It's like the author read the back covers of a bunch of popular diet books and shoehorned them together.
April 9, 2013
Very informative. Doesn't sound like a fad diet, but more of a lifestyle change. Love the advice to laugh everyday!
Read
March 19, 2013Not all that helpful
September 30, 2013
Great recipes. Pretty much a practical diet. Portions, 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks. Watch the carbos! And yes you do need some fat!
Read
October 17, 2013Good book help my blood sugar go down so I didn't have to take medication. Also Cholesterol and tryglyserides
Read
December 22, 2013This should count as TWO, because I read it in ENglish AND in Spanish. Several times. !!!
December 31, 2013
Eh. I personally don't like shakes and smoothies and this diet is full of them. If someone else likes them, then they'll probably enjoy this.
June 13, 2015
Great foods to eat that reduce fat and a fast exercise routine. Works for me.
June 12, 2013
Love it. Real food and innovative recipes.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews