Is the ‘Cinch!’ Diet the Next Big Thing?

Have you heard? The newest diet book, titled the Cinch! Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches, is now out on bookshelves across the country. The author, Cynthia Sass, is a RD and the coauthor of the Flat Belly Diet. I’ve heard a considerable amount of chatter regarding this book so I thought I’d chime in. So what is this book all about? Here is a basic breakdown along with a personal review.

THE TIMELINE

The first 5 days of this 30 day weight loss plan, called the “5-day Fast Forward”, serves as an initial “detox” plan that restricts those following the diet to only five foods: spinach, almonds, raspberries, eggs, and yogurt. Losing up to 8 pounds during these first five days is one of the claims of this diet plan offers.

The following 25 days, titled the “Cinch Core Diet” offers meal plans and snacks that focus on five main food groups: whole grains, lean protein, plant-based fats, fruits and vegetables. As a dessert each day the diet recommends dark chocolate, which is thought to help ward off urges for sweet and salty snacks after dinner. In addition, the plan also provides recipes with “Slimming and Satiating Seasonings” or “SASS” that include vinegar, citrus juice, hot peppers, tea, herbs and spices that are intended to stimulate your metabolism.

RESTRICTIONS

Besides restricting followers of the diet for the first 5 days with the foods mentioned above, the diet does not permit consumption of diet sodas, pork, or red meat throughout the entire 30 days.

PROS

• Emphasizes real, whole foods
• The importance of exercise is mentioned for lasting weight management
• The diet appeals to those who like a highly structured meal plan
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly

CONS

• Structured meal plans make it difficult to incorporate dining out into diet
• Restrictions can limit meal plans if applied after 30 days
• Meal plans may not appeal to some if cooking for a family
• 5-day Fast Forward may not be manageable and discourage some from continuing with diet changes

THE KEY

If deciding to try this diet, remember the strategies are suppose to translate into lasting dietary changes after completion.

CONCLUSION

While the book may be a good place to start making dietary changes in order to lose weight and eat healthier there is a reason many say diets DON’T work. A 30 day diet is a quick fix and those who assume 30 days is all they need to make permanent dietary changes in their lives may be prone to reverting back to old habits after completing the diet. This could even lead to rebound weight gain.

Although the diet does promote important concepts like portion control and developing healthier relationships with food followers of the diet should be aware the work doesn’t end with the last chapter of the book, rather, the book should be the basis for long-term improvement.