Customer Reviews

The Equation: A 5-Step Program for Lifelong Fitness

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Anyone who expends more than a brain cell planning a "smart" meal is labelled a dieter in our society. It's a poor use of the term, and this is one of the first books I have ever read that puts that simple knowledge to practical use. For this is not about "dieting", but rather an easy to learn method for making smart choices in the nutrition category.
Dan Isaacson smartly emphasizes the importance of CHANGE, as opposed to elimination in "The Equation". Eating, he recognizes, is as much a habit as a necessity, and working through the habit mentality to develop more healthy practices is the goal of his program. Stressing the appropriateness of burning off the calories consumed through exercise is also part of Isaacson's "equation" (as is consumption of large amounts of water), so this plan is more program than simply a diet plan.
There are a few factors that take this book a level above most eating plans. One is Isaacson's style of writing, which I found very uplifting and empowering. You feel he genuinely wants you to succeed. Second, Isaacson's methods and lessons on the "change" topic are applicable to any area of life, not simply eating. There are some very intelligent tips for making positive change sprinkled throughout this book.
This is NOT a lose 10-in-10 program, so if you are looking for a fast fix, it's best to avoid this book (it's also best to avoid lose 10-in-10 programs, but you allready know that). If you are looking for a smart method to improve eating patterns, and coonsequently improve esteem and lifestyle, this book is a wise first step.

I had a baby, and got fat. So, on my quest to loose weight, (and never really having a weight problem before) I searched for a book that wasn't too radical, and steered clear of anything promising me results in less than a month. What I ended up with was this book. I read it entirely at one sitting and was very much satisfied with it. It was ALL practical solutions, and stuff I probably already knew, with a few exceptions. He stresses the water drinking, which I liked, and also a very EASY way to integrate all these new eating habits into just that- habits. Instead of loosing weight and then shooting yourself in the foot by going back to your old routine. I've lost 6lbs in 4 weeks, guided by this book. It doesn't give you really any food or meal plans, it just tells you when to eat them, which is a nice change, and the guy doesn't patronize you, which is the best part of the book. A great buy for people who realise they're going to have to put out SOME sort of effort to get in shape.

As just another woman who has struggled forever to find the "right" formula, I was happy to discover that this book doesn't give me the latest of the newest fad diets to try. Instead, the author, who is obviously a who's who among physical fitness trainers, has apparently studied all the known methods for better health and weight loss and combined the best elements for the best results. Congratulations to Mr.Isaacson who found the "winning equation!"

This book is different from any diet book I've ever read (and I've read them all). It emphasizes small changes for slow, long-term weight loss. This isn't a quick fix. Each week you add one small change to your eating - for example, in the first week, you're to drink 16oz of water every few hours. The second week you add another small diet or activity change and so on.

What I love about this approach is that there are no forbidden foods, and you choose how much you want to lose as well as the amount of time you'd like to take. For example, I want to lose 15 lbs. At first I decided to lose it in 12 weeks, but I found that if I choose 20 weeks, I'd be able to eat a little bit more each day, which means I will be more likely to successfully follow the plan to the end. I will update this review in 20 weeks and let you know if I followed through with it.

The worksheets make it easy and fun to ensure that you're sticking to the Equation - I think this is going to work for me.

UPDATE - I've been on this program for four weeks now and have lost 7 lbs - this doesn't sound too hot, but I have actually decreased my workouts. I used to work out 5-6 times per week, now I'm down to 3-4. For me, eating less is more important for weight loss than exercise, and this book helps me to do so w/ little effort.

What a great balanced weight loss program! Imagine losing weight while still eating. The authors have put together a great program with a step by step approach to losing weight. The nice part about this book is it gives charts where you can keep track of your intake and output. The drinking of lots of water, the eating small meals 5 times a day, plus moving your body really works. What a great formula. Retired teacher.

Direct, to the point, no nonsense. A guide to setting the necessary course to proper behavioral change for reduced fat and a healthier life. Extremely well written, conversational, easy reading. Complete with charts to direct and record the changes. Best part - it's all about minimal behavioral change for long-lasting fat loss.

This book was recommended to me by a friend. I was skeptical about the practicality of the "minimal effort = maximum weight loss" plan that is stated on the cover. But this book is not about minimal effort or maximum weight loss. It's about a practical approach to developing and maintaining a lifestyle that will result in a heathier body. Isaacson and his co-authors provide details and specific guidelines for a simple, logical plan of diet and exercise that even I have been able to follow.

How refreshing to be introduced to the real basic components to a healthier slimmer self. It's really all about sound information, smart choices, and staying conscious. And this books gives you the facts and the plan to make it happen. Plus is walks you through the process of getting to know what works for you. I like how it gives me the freedom to choose how I want to attain my goal, whether through modifying my food intake or physical activity, or both. I would recommend this book for those who are serious about committing to a life long healthy lifestyle.

I have a personal training business and use this book as primer for all my clients. People are looking for something that is sane and takes the guess work out of what to do. Simple, but not necessarily easy. You have to work the equation to make it work for you. If you don't get results you know why and it will show up in your "bodybill" point system. The main reason I like this book is it's about lifelong fitness, not just a sprint to lose a couple of pounds. I'm just sorry Dan hasn't put out another book! This is a real gem!

Great book, easy to follow, and great reasults. You will love it.