FunctionThe Fit Forever diet and exercise plan is intended
to be a lifestyle changing regimen helping dieters lose
weight and increase overall health and fitness. The diet
and exercise aspects of Fit Forever are designed to be
used together, with each providing increased benefits
in the presence of the other. Although Fit Forever is
largely about losing weight, the overall lessons of eat-
ing healthier foods and getting plenty of regular exer-
cise are intended as long term lessons to keep weight
off and provide better overall health.BenefitsThere are many research supported benefits to eat-
ing less fat, more fiber, and more fruits and vegetables.
The benefits of weight loss can be enormous. People who
are obese are at higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and
many other diseases and disorders. Weight loss, if
achieved at a moderate pace through a healthy diet and
regular exercise can reduce the risk of these and many
other obesity-related diseases.PrecautionsAnyone thinking of beginning a new diet or exercise
regimen should consult theirphysician. Requirements of
calories, fat, and nutrients can differ significantly from
person to person, depending on gender, age, weight, and
many other factors such as the presence of any disease or
conditions. Pregnant orbreastfeedingwomen should be
especially cautious because deficiencies ofvitaminsor
mineralscan have a significant negative impact on a
baby. Exercise should be started gradually to see how
the body responds.RisksWith any diet or exercise plan there are some risks.
It is often difficult to get enough of some vitamins and
minerals when eating a limited diet. Anyone beginning
a diet may want to consult their physician or a regis-
tered dietitian about whether taking a vitamin or sup-
plement might help them reduce this risk. Injuries can
occur during exercise, such as strained or sprained
muscles, and proper warm up and cool down proce-
dures should be followed to minimize these risks. It is
often best to begin with light or moderate exercise and
increase the intensity slowly over weeks or months to
minimize the risk of serious injury, such as heart attack,
that could occur if strenuous exercise is begun suddenly
and the body is not able to keep up.Research and general acceptance
Denise Austin’s Fit Forever has not been the sub-
ject of any significant scholarly research. However,
moderately limiting caloric intake, eating a diet low in
fats andcarbohydratesand high in vegetable and plant
products is generally accepted as a healthy diet for most
people. The U.S. Center for Disease Control recom-
mends a minimum of 30 minutes per day of light to
moderate exercise for healthy adults. Following Aus-
tin’s fitness and exercise program would meet, and in
most cases exceed, this minimum recommendation.Resources
BOOKS
Austin, Denise.Shrink Your Female Fat Zones: Lose Pounds
and Inches—Fast!—From Your Belly, Hips, Thighs, and
More.Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2003.
Austin, Denise.Tone Your Tummy Type: Flatten Your Belly
and Shrink Your Waist in 4 Weeks.Emmaus, PA:
Rodale, 2007.
Austin, Denise, and Amy Campbell.Eat Carbs, Lose
Weight: Drop All the Pounds You Want Without Giving
Up the Foods You Love.Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2005.
Shannon, Joyce Brennfleck ed.Diet and Nutrition Source-
book.Detriot, MI: Omnigraphics, 2006.
Willis, Alicia P. ed.Diet Therapy Research Trends.New
York: Nova Science, 2007.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>.
OTHER
‘‘Get Fit Forever with Denise Austin.’’Denise Austin Online.- [cited May 5, 2007].http://www.deniseaustin
.com.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Why or why wouldn’t this diet best meet my
weight loss goals?
At what level of intensity is it appropriate for me
to begin exercising?
What types of risks would this diet or exercise
program pose for me?
What type of multivitamin or dietary supplement
would be appropriate for me if I were to begin
this diet?
How long is it safe for me to follow this diet?
What are the signs and symptoms I should watch
for after beginning this diet?Denise Austin Fit Forever