The T-Factor Diet: Activating Your Body's Hidden Fat-Burning Potential to Lose Weight Without Cutting Calories

Nutritionists have often addressed the notion that the body utilizes carbohydrate and protein calories more readily than calories from fat (the latter are more easily stored in fat cells). Katahn, director of the Vanderbilt Weight Management Program at Vanderbilt University, provides both welcome proof of and a complete nutrition program based on that idea. The ``T'' in ``T-Factor'' stands for ``thermogenesis''--the ``burning up'' of calories for energy, a process requiring a mixture of fats and nonfats. Katahn contends convincingly that we can use this biomechanical process to our advantage and even lose weight without counting calories: we can force our bodies to turn excess stored fat gradually into energy by reducing our intake of fatty foods and engaging in regular, low-intensity aerobic exercise. Katahn's dietary prohibitions are not dramatic; his diet includes everything from lean meats to gingersnaps, as well as fruits and vegetables. Charts, tables and dozens of simple, tasty recipes using familiar ingredients show how easily and deliciously fatty foods can be avoided, replaced and barely missed. Other chapters offer sane advice on childhood obesity and motivating oneself to exercise. An ex-``fatty'' and a wise man, despite his penchant for exclamations and overstatement, Katahn has written a diet book that can also be highly recommended as a lifetime fitness guide and even a cookbook. 250,000 first printing. First serial to Family Circle; BOMC featured selection; author tour. (May)