It’s true that the 5 Factor Diet is all the craze in Hollywood, but is it right for you? The jury is still out on the effects of this diet. Lots of people though, especially Hollywood celebrities seem to swear by it. Let’s take a look at the origin of the 5 Factor Diet and its method.

The diet plan was conceived by a Hollywood trainer to the celebrities named Harley Pasternak. He designed the 5 Factor Diet is around the concept of the following “fives”:

• A five-week plan
• five meals a day
• five ingredients per meal
• five-minute exercises for five days
• five cheat days in five weeks.

Overall the 5 Factor Diet sounds easy, right? Now let’s take a closer look at the diet plan itself.

In one review of the 5 Factor Diet by a nutritionist we find that it is “a healthy plan that incorporates all the necessary food groups in appropriate proportions. The exercise program is also a combination of cardio and strength training as well.” This makes it sound like a good plan, healthy eating and exercise to strengthen and tone our bodies.

However, other experts have been taking a different stance on this diet. These other experts assert that, “although staying on the plan for the recommended five weeks can help you lose weight, portion control and consuming fewer calories during your lifetime is more effective.” Of course if you go back to your normal eating patterns you’ll gain weight back. I think the goal of this diet is to change your eating patterns so that you continue eating five healthy balanced meals each day.

As for the diet itself, those who have tried this diet find it difficult to eat five times a day. In addition, these same people contend that it is hard to find the snacks and meals the plan recommends, especially for those who work.

Others say that it takes a bit of ingenuity to come up with the ingredients, but that it can be accomplished. What you should ask yourself is how badly you want to lose weight. For me an extra 30-45 minutes a day preparing food instead of watching TV is definitely worth it to lose those extra pounds.

Here is a sample of five meals in one day on the 5 Factor Diet plan: Protein Berry Shake, Mushroom-Barley Risotto, Antipasto, French toast with Ricotta, and Indian Style Chicken with Curried Yogurt and Brown Rice.

Or you may choose among other meals such as: Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas, Salmon with Cucumber-Dill Salad, Sea Scallops with Orange Sauce, and Egg and Turkey Bacon Sandwich. This menu list is a sample of over 100 recipes included in the program. I’ve also found that you can substitute a quality high protein meal replacement or sports bar for the snacks in this diet. It saves you time and keeps your weight loss on track.

Also included in the program are the 5 Factor weight loss tools which include: daily meal planner, recipes, personal recipe box, shopping list tool, food log, cooking shortcuts, eating out guide, custom fitness plan, activity calculator, weight tracker, online journal, ideal weight calculator, daily inspiration, and message boards. These are all great tools to help get you started and keep you motivated.

Quite honestly, the 5 Factor Diet plan may be the diet plan for you. Tens of thousands are already using it to lose weight and get into shape. If you’re looking for a method to lose weight I suggest you check it out to determine the viability of this plan and how it would fit into your lifestyle.