Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Dr Michael Mosley, Simon & Schuster, $29.99.
Said to be based on the latest ground-breaking science, here is your ultimate guide on how to combine rapid weight loss and intermittent fasting for long-term good health.
The latest Moseley diet sees followers restrict themselves to 800 calories per day, fast intermittently and replace some meals with nutritious shakes.
The Fast 800 diet, created by the medical doctor based on the very latest scientific findings, picks up from where Mosley’s The 5.2 Fast Diet (launched in 2012) left off. It’s a combination of intermittent fasting and the Mediterranean diet (recently voted best in the world), combined with exercise and optional meal replacement shakes.
Described as an exciting new program built around a ‘more manageable 800-calorie fast day’, Mosley he brings together all the latest science (including a new approach: Time Restricted Eating) to create an easy-to-follow program.
Mosley has long maintained that, to lose fat, it’s “more important to change the way you eat rather than spend more hours in the gym … the 5:2 diet works for some people because they can sustain it. So yes, The Fast 800 diet will help you lose weight — if you can adhere to it and if it can provide your recommended serves from the five food groups”.
The science journalist says everything he writes is based on cutting-edge science. In fact, there are lots of references to scientific studies. If anyone is confused about why there are so many conflicting health claims in the media, there’s a section on ‘levels of evidence’ at the back of the book.
“I explain what a randomised controlled study is and why it is a more reliable form of evidence than government advice, animal studies or case-controlled studies.” In addition, there are case studies and stories from people who have contacted Mosley to share tips and say how they are getting on.
Mosley claims that 800 calories is the “magic number when it comes to successful weight loss”.
