The 4 Day Diet was created by Dr. Ian Smith who is also the author of the Fat Smash and Extreme Fat Smash diets.

Smith claims that this program will help dieters to avoid the common pitfalls of dieting including tedium, not allowing treats, too much repetition, and plateaus.

Diet Basics

The 4 Day Diet is not simply a diet that lasts for four days but rather it consists of seven separate dieting modules that last for four days each. Smith claims that it is much easier for you to concentrate on what you are eating for the next four days rather than what you will and will not be eating for several weeks.

Another aim of the different modules is that of increasing variety in the meal plan so you don’t get drilled eating the same foods all the time. In addition it has the gain of keeping the metabolism working well because the body is kept estimating and it doesn’t have time to adapt to the diet.

The seven dieting modules include:

Induction (detox/cleansing)
Transition (to reintroduce all food groups)
Protein Stretch (to avoid plateaus)
Smooth (when you can have some formerly forbidden foods like pizza and French fries)
Push (the sprint just before the final stretch, back to a stricter eating plan)
Pace (a comfortable module for you to catch your breath)
Vigorous (the final module to lose those last few pounds)

Dieters can follow the diet plan through the seven stages for a one month program but it is also possible to create a customized program where you start with the first two phases and then do the other five in which ever order you like.

Smith places a great deal of emphasis on the psychological factors that are essential for successful dieting and says that losing weight is 80% mental and 20% physical. Dieters are provided with instructions on how to use tools like goal setting and visualization as well as with practical strategies for avoiding temptation.

Recommended Foods

Fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy, lean protein, whole grains, legumes, nuts, avocado, low calorie salad dressing.

Sample Diet Plan

The meal plans vary dramatically throughout the different segments. The following is a sample daily food list for the ‘Induction’ phase.

2 cups coffee. Limit sugar to one packet and cream or milk to one teaspoon per cup.

2 cups of raw or cooked green leafy vegetables.

1 cup freshly squeezed lemonade with no more than a tablespoon of sugar.

1 tablespoon psyillium husk.

4 servings of fruit.

6 oz plain fat free yogurt.

2 cups green garden salad with 3 tablespoons fat free dressing.

1 cup cooked beans (chickpeas, lentils etc.)

1 ½ cups cooked brown rice

Unlimited plain water

Exercise Recommendations

Each diet module comes with specific recommendations for exercise. Dieters are advised to build up slowly in accordance with their fitness levels and if necessary to break up exercise into several short periods over the day.

Costs and Expenses

The 4 Day Diet retails at $24.95.

Pros

Unique and interesting approach to dieting.
Good for dieters that get bored easily or don’t like to follow a strict diet plan.
Addresses the psychological factors involved in weight management and dieting.
Can be customized according to the dieter’s preferences.
Highlights the importance of goal setting.
Allows for controlled cheating, which may increase adherence to the diet over the long term.
Does not require any special foods or supplements.
Suitable for vegetarians.
The author has a very motivating writing style.
Includes recipes.

Cons

Does not account for individual variations in calorie and nutritional requirements.
The meal plan lists all the foods to be eaten in the day and does not break it down into individual meals.
Will not appeal to dieters that prefer to follow a routine with their meal plans.

Conclusions

Smith has provided dieters with a unique approach that may help to keep up interest and enthusiasm that will enhance the probability of successful weight loss. The power to customize the diet as well as the differences between the diet segments will make this diet appealing to those who prefer variety or have difficulty binding with standard diet plans.