Choose to Lose

November 7, 2011
Powellâs celebrity status from ABCâs Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition will likely spur readers seeking their own little miracle as he promises results that are âeasy, fast, and funâ; certainly the story of a 630 lb. 26-year-old who lost 401 lbs. in 22 months should convince some doubters. Moreover, his perspective of body fat as âunusedâ energy and the self as âan athlete-in-trainingâ are as helpful as his visual aids. Included are master grocery lists and directions on how to prep food for three to four days in just 45 minutes. However, Powellâs regimen gets complicated once the alternating exercises are added to the diet mixâand for those who make it this far, Powell then demonstrates both proper and improper workout methods. The bottom line is that Powellâs regimen sounds great as long as heâs around to administer it and dish out daily encouragement. Unless he comes with the book, though, it could be difficult to achieve the desired results.

December 1, 2011

Claiming that most Americans eat like Sumo wrestlers (little at breakfast but gut-busting portions for lunch and dinner), this book by Powell (known as the fitness trainer on the TV show Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition) is aimed primarily at the already morbidly obese. His upbeat message is that yes, you can lose weight; in fact, this group of dieters tends to find the early days easier than others do. Powell's carb cycling plan loads carbs (good ones, not bad ones) on alternate days, purportedly fooling the body so it won't go into the starvation mode that keeps the pounds on. But all dieters must make a commitment, and that is what Powell aims for, inspiring readers to change their lives for the better.

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