Designed to last five weeks, the simple 5-Factor Diet, created by personal trainer Harley Pasternak, has unexpectedly topped the charts when it comes to Health and Fitness. Pasternak created the 5-Factor Diet with Hollywood players in mind ' the meals are easy to rustle up on the set and the short workouts can be done between takes. You also get one cheat day per week so you can eat whatever you want!



The 5-factor diet was initially created for celebrities. Harley has now taken his star-approved diet and turned it into an interactive and tailored online program. The plan is designed to give you results in five weeks, and you eat five meals per day. Each meal has five ingredients and takes five minutes to prepare. The plan, which includes 25-minute workouts, allows you to cheat five times during the five weeks that it takes to work.

Experts are divided on the value of the program. Weight control psychologist Abby Aronowitz, PhD, director of SelfHelpDirectives.com says, "I don't see any real science behind the 5-factor diet - no studies to show it works, plus it doesn't seem to address a major problem linked to obesity, which is emotional overeating." On the other hand, others see it as a refreshingly sound and wholesome approach to weight loss, one that can help dieters contain their cravings and lose extra pounds.

The 5-factor diet has been growing in popularity - due to famous people like Jessica Simpson and John Mayer using the plan. First published in 2004, this fitness program has five criteria for diet - at each meal:

1. Low-fat quality protein

2. Low- to moderate-glycemic index carbohydrate

3. Fiber

4. Healthy fat

5. Sugar-free beverage

The super-sized 5-factor diet book is an expansion of the dieting section of Harley's 2004 book, 5-Factor Fitness. The 5-Factor Diet book has over 40 pages of recipes for sample meals. The diet is based on five principles:

1. Eat 5 meals daily

2. Follow the 5 criteria for each meal

3. Spend 5 minutes in preparation for each meal, using only 5 ingredients

4. Workout 25 minutes 5 days a week for five weeks

5. Indulge in a weekly cheat day

The in-demand author, whose patrons' testimonials are dotted all through the book, never fails to sound positive, so even if daily rounds of five-factor strength-training sound intimidating, his energy will help give readers courage: "Don't worry, my plan is the easiest, most effective exercise program you'll ever use." Though it might help to have the schedule of a Hollywood celebrity - getting in five meals a day presents its own challenges for busy nine-to-fivers - his exercise plan is very short, the diet itself is flexible, and it doesn't entail giving up any foods.

If you've ever dreamed of having the well-cared-for body of a celebrity, the 5-factor diet is your chance. The diet makes it possible for you to eat healthier, exercise and noticeably shape up in between meetings, soccer games, chores and much-needed sleep. As a 5-Factor member, you'll enjoy access to several essential tools to ensure your success, including meal planners, recipe box, activity journal, recipes, weight tracker and message board to help you stay connected to other people using the plan. You can start your membership online for as little as $65 per 13 weeks.