burn calories. There are strict guidelines that a dieter is
expected to follow closely to achieve the promised
results.
The first step of the plan is body type identifica-
tion using the plan’s ‘‘Body Type Blueprinting Sys-
tem.’’ The system requires that users answer 48
questions, and the answers to these questions deter-
mine the dieter’s body type. This body type is based on
the dieter’s metabolism and the way that the dieter’s
body reacts to food. Each body type has a different six
day plan, which dieters are then directed to follow.
The Six Day Body Makeover provides complete
meal plans for each day of the six-day diet. These
meals are low in calories and high inproteinand
complexcarbohydrates. Thurmond says that lean
protein and natural carbohydrates are slow-burning,
clean foods that are good for keeping a high metabo-
lism. During the diet, the dieter is required to eat
frequently. The daily caloric intake is divided into
five to six small meals spaced throughout the day.
According to Thurmond, ‘‘you’ll probably eat more
than you’ve ever eaten on any other diet.’’ Thurmond
believes that eating frequently will help speed up a
dieter’s metabolism, so that he or she will burn calories
more quickly. This method may also help to control
appetite and allow a dieter to consume fewer calories
throughout the day without feeling as hungry.
For both men and women, for all body types, the
diet forbids the consumption of dairy products while
on this diet. This means that dieters may not drink
milk, eat cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, or otherdairy products for six days. The diet requires that
dieters drink 12 8-ounce glasses ofwaterevery day.
Thurmond says that proper hydration is vital to
weight loss and overall good health, and that drinking
the amount of water prescribed by the diet will make a
dieter’s skin practically wrinkle-free.
Thurmond also says his diet can have other ‘‘anti-
aging’’ effects as well. Eating the foods prescribed by the
diet is supposed to make dieters look and feel younger.
For example, fish is one of the foods included in the plan,
and Thurmond claims this seafood can slow the aging
process, as well as improve the look of the dieter’s skin.
The exercise guidelines for the six-day plan empha-
size low-intensity exercise done over extended periods.
According to Thurmond, difficult or high-intensity
exercises, such as running on an elliptical machine or
kickboxing, should be avoided because they burn less
fat. During the six days when dieters are on the plan,
they are to do 60 minutes of low-intensity exercise for at
least 5 of the days. Low-intensity exercises can include
walking, bicycling, hiking, or even shopping, as long as
these activities are done at an acceptable pace. The plan
does not address strength training activities such as
weight lifting, rowing, or stair climbing.
One of the exercises the plan requires is called
‘‘abdominal breathing.’’ It is a special type of breath-
ing that is supposed to help to oxygenate the body
more effectively. Increased oxygenation is supposed
to aid in weight loss, raise energy levels, and promote
general fitness. The exercise is basically deep breathing
through the abdomen, and can be done during exercise
or throughout the day.Function
The Six Day Body Makeover is intended to cause
rapid weight loss in a short time. It is a shortened version
of Thurmond’s Six Week Body Makeover. The six-day
plan claims that dieters can lose 10 pounds and one dress
or pants size during the 6 days if they follow the strict
program exactly. Thurmond says this rapid weight loss
can motivate people to change their lifestyle and engage
in healthier activities after the diet as well.Benefits
The benefits of weight loss can be enormous. Peo-
ple 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. However, los-
ing water weight does not carry these same benefits.
Some experts suggest that the Six Day Body MakeoverKEY TERMS
Dietary supplement—A product, such as a vitamin,
mineral, herb, amino acid, or enzyme, that is
intended to be consumed in addition to an individ-
ual’s diet with the expectation that it will improve
health.
Mineral—An inorganic substance found in the
earth that is necessary in small quantities for the
body to maintain a health. Examples: zinc, copper,
iron.
Obese—More than 20% over the individual’s ideal
weight for their height and age or having a body
mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
Vitamin—A nutrient that the body needs in small
amounts to remain healthy but that the body cannot
manufacture for itself and must acquire through
diet.Six day body makeover