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 - Good, but could be better organizedThe first sections of this book describing the 30 day plan are good and they lay out the expectations for what you need to do quite clearly. But once you take the test and figure out what metabolic type you are the followup recipes and descriptions are confusing and hard to navigate. The recipes are organized by what meal they are for and within that category alphabetically, meaning that to get to the recipes that actually pertain to a particular metabolic type, you need to wade through ALL the recipes. Once I have established what type I am, I don't want to read about other types. It would be better if after they give the type description and the nutritional plan for that type, the recipes for that nutritional plan immediately follow.Additionally, most of the recipes seemed to be geared for families and not singles becasue they serve 4-6 people.The exercise descriptions could be more clearly illustrated, even ones that the author may consider "basic". Rating:  - Excellent BookThis book is excellent. I enjoyed reading it before starting Jillian's 30 day shred video. Rating: - A SERIOUS BOOK FOR A SERIOUSLY STRONG BODY!I was inspired to begin exercising during my successful weight loss and new perspective on life I got from The 3:00 PM Secret. I wanted to add to my exercise routine, so decided to check out "Making the Cut" by strength trainer Jillian Michaels (NBC's The Biggest Loser). This is a clear, no-nonsense 30-day program that targets people who are in good shape already but want to lose the last 20 or fewer pounds and get into fantastic shape! To follow the program, you should already be knowledgeable about weight training, which I was. The book does not seem to be targeted toward those wanting to lose a lot of weight. The diet is based on her theory about whether you are a slow, balanced, or fast oxidizer. Slow oxidizers need more carbs and fast oxidizers need more protein. The book has three different menus with recipes. The diet is strict, regimented, not vegetarian, and calorie conscious, and requires time and planning. Fast food is not allowed! She provides shopping lists and you cook your own meals. The usual suspects are out - sugar, white flour, etc. The exercise is aggressive, intensive weight training and cardio. You use free weights, body ball, a step, etc. There are variations of familiar exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, jumping rope, etc. I got new ideas from her workout and found it helpful. To follow the book completely, you begin the program by assessing your metabolic situation - are you a fast, slow, or balanced oxidizer. Then you customize your diet regimen. You also assess your body and fitness level. The author recommends taking photos, body fat measurements, and measurements with a tape measure. She provides fitness tests to evaluate your current condition including a 3-minute step exercise followed by a heart rate measurement test, a test of how many push-ups can you do in a minute, and a test of how many sit-ups can you do in a minute. The book is designed so that if you follow it precisely, you can achieve the best body of your life. It is an excellent book for those who seek this type of serious, physically-demanding diet and exercise program where everything is spelled out. I can recommend this book. I also recommend an additional book which changed my life, THE 3:00 PM SECRET: Live Slim and Strong, Live Your Dreams Rating:  - Incredibly HelpfulI was sceptical when I first picked up this book. I've tried a lot of things to lose the last 20 lbs. However, I have been very satisfied with the results. The eating plan was the most beneficial for me (big surprise, my portion sizes prior to reading the book, were way off). The recipes were quite good (and again, my expectations were low--but I was pleasantly surprised). The only part I did not like about the eating plan was that to this day, I cannot figure out what Smart STart is--I swore it was a cereal...but then a recipe told me to melt it--it didn't fit. As for the workouts: I really liked the workouts. I could work out until the cows come home, in truth. The workouts are challenging and definitely not boring. I have to agree, however, with other people who have responded to this book--I would have liked to have had exercise modifications in respect to the equiptment. I didn't have all of the equiptment that was used, so I had to make inquiries to an outside source in order to find at home remedies that would work the same muscles she was working with gym equiptment. However, overall, if you have the will, there is a way. I have found success with this book. I love her attitude, and her book kept me motivated. Rating: - Very PleasedI am very pleased with my purchase of this book. It is informative and VERY straight forward. She provides a diet and exercise plan to ensure sucess. To make it easier to find the exercise descriptions during circuit training - I would have grouped the exercises a little differently and tabbed the pages for easier reference - if you are unsure of the exercise, you have to stop and look it up and that takes away focus.Otherwise - LOVE IT!! (and the video!!)
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