The Belly Fat Cure Fast Track: Discover the Ultimate Carb Swap and Drop Up to 14 lbs. the First 14 Days

by Jorge Cruise

For years, fad diets and infomercials have overwhelmed you with unrealistic—and often unsafe—methods for losing belly fat quickly. It’s time to know the truth. Avoiding hidden sugars—not calories—is the true key to weight loss. Combining this discovery with the burn-boosting power of the Ultimate Carb Swap, you will lose up to 14 lbs. in the first 14 days. This doctor-approved, science-based solution includes yummy foods such as cookies, pancakes, burgers, and even wine. So if you are ready to cure belly fat super fast with foods you already have in your kitchen, dig in!

Genres: Health, Food, Self Help, Diets, Nonfiction, Cooking

252 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2010

About the author

Jorge Cruise is a Mexican author, fitness trainer and proponent of intermittent fasting and low-carbohydrate dieting. He is the author of The Cruise Control Diet (2019) as well as books on The New York Times bestseller list: The 100 (2013), The Belly Fat Cure (2010), Body at Home (2009), The 12-Second Sequence (2009), The 3-Hour Diet (2006), and 8 Minutes in the Morning (2002).

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book last night. It was very interesting. I think at least some of the arguments for this type of diet sound reasonable to me. I might like to give this one a try. As always, I have to get psyched up real good first though. I was real excited about it last night, but already today I am starting to pick the diet apart and wonder if I can really do this. It is only a 14-day diet, but I have failed at diets in less than 14 days before... I know I'm addicted to sugars and carbs and could benefit getting control of these, but having no breads, pastas, grains, etc for two weeks sounds a bit daunting.
If I do this, I will add to my review and let you know what I REALLY thought of this book. ;)

-----I actually did this diet for a week, and for the week I did it, it worked. As with most diets after I quit doing it, it didn't work any more... go figure! ;)
Before I began, I was excited that this book included meal plans/recipes/grocery lists for all 14 days of the diet. One of the things that disappointed me most when I tried to do the diet was that I figured out that even though the book outlined 14 breakfasts, in reality it was just like 3 breakfasts shuffled around into 14 spots... and the same with the snacks & the lunches & the dinners. I quickly became bored with the actual diet & was substituting some. The lack of variation really was a big factor in me not being able to stick with an eating plan like this. Others who don't crave as much variation would probably have a better go at this.

While on this diet, I think the elimination of most carbs helped me become less "bloated". The week I did the diet I lost 4 inches around my waist. Now that I'm not eliminating carbs any more, I'm back to the same size I was before. Interesting...
Bottom line, if I can't stay with the eating plan, it doesn't matter how well it worked for me in the short term. So i ended up being disappointed in the diet, since it was hard for me to maintain eating that way.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utter rubbish

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5Stars

Will start right away. My Do actor told me to keep sugar grams to under 35 a day. I thought of Jorge. Cruise right away after remembering reading an early book by him on low-sugar consumption. This sounds even better....I tend to eat too much grain.

[June Milner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very passionate about all the forms of sugars in our diet and how to eat healthier. Includes shopping list and recipes. I cringed when I read his recommendation to MICROVAVE your eggs for breakfast, IN PLASTIC dish no less.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

So so book on weight loss

Many of the websites, including bellyfatcure are no longer live. Jorge has newer books and perhaps I should have just left this one to the undead pile

[Alwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneficial knowledge to add to your arsenal of healthy and vitality. Easy to follow 2 weeks program and practical steps to make it work.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lose weight book that promises results if you are prepared to put the time and effort in. Sounds simple, huh? But like many similar books of its genre, the success or failure of a given programme can depend a lot on the person undertaking it.

The key message of this book is that you need to watch what you eas, noting that not every so-called healthy food item is, in fact, so healthy for you as they can be full of hidden sugars and other nasties. It might promise "low fat" but it doesn't equally promise "extra sugar" too. Instead of counting points, calories or having to go on a near-starvation diet, the programme works to naturally cleanse your system of "trapped waste and melting pounds of flab with the power of skinny fats through the use of self-made nutritious meals".

Certainly when looking at the book it is a very open, inviting text that seems to provide sufficient support to the reader without stretching the bounds of credibility. It is not full of so-called inspirational texts, promises and slogans that begin to sound fake and unhelpful after the fifth repetition or so. The aim is to help you overcome obstacles and barriers to success. You need to enjoy or tolerate what you are doing for the greater benefit. It is all well and good thinking about the future success promised if there is a nightmare or two along the way as you invariably will give up.

A number of testimonials are provided at the start of this book (and spread throughout too) in a bid to show possible success is achievable and to help the reader learn a bit about the inspiration and motivation held by each successful weight-loser. Then it is on to the science and a greater explanation behind the programme, so you do not think it is just magic. Grains and starches are on the programme's black list, despite some protestations that they are necessary for a healthy diet, A look at digestive habits, supplements and other aids is then presented.

Then, drum roll, one looks at the 14-day challenge to help lose 14 pounds. And that should be just the start. One is given 14 daily menus to work through as part of the programme - and one can substitute a specific course you might not like for a course that you do. The programme is flexible to that regard. A list of substitution ingredients is also provided to further provide flexibility and inspiration, particularly if you seek to continue a for a longer term.

For greater success one cannot just blindly follow a set of recipes. Amendments to your lifestyle is required. Here you are told about things that will sabotage your weight loss programme, such as sugar, and how to reduce the risk of saboteurial success. Exercise is an important thing to consider and practical guidance is given how you can find time, motivation and enthusiasm to do this without booking an expensive programme at a gym which you may hate.

Then the book rounds off with a lengthy questions and answers list, typical shopping lists for convenience, index, glossary and bibliography. There are some references that will only be of benefit to U.S.-based readers but these do not get in the way of the book's overall usefulness.

One cannot easily review a weight loss book without undertaking the programme. If one though does not lose weight is it a fault of the book/programme or a fault of the user? Or both? So compromises have to made and a practical assessment given to the book. It doesn't read like a snake oil salesman's guide to weight loss (weight loss from your wallet?). The information seems to make sense and appears to be sincere. It is acknowledged that there is more than one way to lose weight. Maybe this programme will work for you. At least, if you can stick to the programme for 14 days, you will soon know if it works or not - and you've not invested money in special diet clubs, drinks, programmes and other stuff in the process. Just normal food, cooked normally, albeit with practical, acceptable amendments in the process.

But now the bad news. Limited coffee or tea. Max two cups a day.


// This review appeared in YUM.fi and is reproduced here in full with permission of YUM.fi. YUM.fi celebrates the worldwide diversity of food and drink, as presented through the humble book. Whether you call it a cookery book, cook book, recipe book or something else (in the language of your choice) YUM will provide you with news and reviews of the latest books on the marketplace. //

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise here is that sugar (in all forms in food) triggers insulin, which causes fatness. So eat only the most nutrition-packed carb-things (i.e., vegetables) while basing your diet mostly on protein and natural fat, and your belly will fall off. No milk, though cream and most cheeses are ok. No grains whatsoever, no legumes, little or no fruit. Try it for two weeks, then stick with it when you're shocked at the boundless energy and lust for life you discover!

I have no idea whether any of this is true, but I have noticed that I feel a lot better when I don't eat any food with added sugar. For a paleo-style diet, this one seems unusually reasonable. The only way to really know whether it would work for me is to try it, which I may do after Christmas. (Apparently there's also a non-fast-track Belly Fat Cure that includes whole grains and beans--might be more practical for the long term.)

Although this diet isn't claiming to be paleo, he does use the "we didn't evolve to eat carbs!" argument. Eh, maybe or maybe not. I have a lot of doubts about the paleo scene, especially the anti-fruit part. What, apple trees weren't invented until later, or our ancestors just didn't reach up and pick these sweet treats when they were in season? Either explanation sounds preposterous to me. Also, the idea that evolution stopped 10,000 years ago, before we all started farming and shit--then how do you explain the people who developed the ability to digest dairy products?

For me, I know this diet would not work long-term. When I don't drink enough milk, my fingernails get all flimsy. But it might be worth a try for two weeks, and eating fewer pure carbs and more protein and vegetables seems like good advice for almost anyone.

[Suzanne Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year I purchased Jorge Cruise's Belly Fat Cure and followed it with decent results. A few weeks ago, I picked up the fast Track at my local Costco after being impressed with all the testimonials and recipes (another reviewer stated that the first Belly Fat Cure was more about modifying fast foods, which is true, though you have to try Jorge's Bacon Pizza, Asian Salad and Tacos with Chipotle Crema-these have become staples at our house).

Jorge briefly describes belly fat and its dangers, then shows a two week regimen designed to help you lose up to fourteen pounds in fourteen days, plus it allows some indulgences. There are several motivators to help the reader to want to lose the belly fat whether it be ego or health. Also, each testimonial contains a tip to spur you along the way to a flat belly. All this without calorie deprivation. In eating the Belly Fat Cure way, the important thing is to control your insulin which means eliminating most processed carbs and sugars.

As for the recipes: two that I've tried were very good. The Indian Tilapia was a tad dry (mental note to grill a minute or two less), but the sauce was wonderful, and the Chicken Cacciatore got rave reviews from my husband.

I am enjoying the Fast Track, however, like another reviewer, I struggle with discipline and occasionally substitute a protein shake for breakfast. I recently reviewed Wheat Belly and decided to take it a step further and eliminate wheat and gluten from my diet. This combination seems to be working. Whichever you decide, you cannot go wrong with either of Jorge's Belly Fat Cure books. He's onto something.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've done the South Beach Diet with success but gained it back. Tried Weight Watchers, but I just can't count points. This sounds easier and it does not restrict the foods you eat as much - more similar to Atkins in that regard. Although, Jorge Cruise will point out the similarities stop there. I like that I don't have to eat all low fat or no fat foods, and (here's the big one) - I am allowed under 1 oz of chocolate (dark, at least 85% cocoa) - but after eliminating carbs it tastes good! My husband and I are on day 4, not hungry, and we've both lost weight. We don't have the best scale and I am not wearing the same thing each time I weigh, but I lost at least 6 lbs already! I measure my waist as suggested and see a little difference there too, if my calculations are correct, I lost an inch.

As Jorge states you must follow it exactly for it to work. Some of the recipes look delicious, but haven't tried them yet. If you are trying to lose, I recommend giving this a try. Carbs and sweets are out, though! This book is easy to read and understand. Sample menus, a shopping list, and list of 'belly best' foods make it easy to start and follow this diet. Jorge's explanation about sugars and insulin make a lot of sense - hope this works. The way I feel it's an ongoing battle. Can't wait to read the new book for those over 40, "The 100".

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the advice and information, I don't like the informercials (ps Jorge I already bought the book!). I didn't think that many case stories are necessary, perhaps in the sales propaganda but I'd rather have read more information as to what exactly to do, I hadn't read the first book but he refers to it a lot. Perhaps he should have re-referenced the information (although he probably wants us to go buy the first book too of course).

[Lachell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading a lot about the role that insulin plays in storing fat. As someone who has been trying to lose weight, and was just recently diagnosed as insulin resistant, I found the information helpful. The Schwarzbein Principle has much more detailed information, but I like Jorge's fun style and simplistic approach.

[Rahe · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a fast simple read. very similar to the paleo concept. stay away from suger in all forms eat healthy meat and fat and exercise and you will lose your unhealthy weight. I like how he actually does mention that the progress can't be measured with a scale. ( how you feel,energy etc.)
it's a good starting guide for healthy living. nothing groundbreaking though.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice book and non-nonsense approach to weight loss.

[Gill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not help me loose weight. Not specific enough and WAY to many success stories...

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not find this book all that beneficial.