The 5-Factor World Diet »

Harley Pasternak M. Sc. is a New York Times bestselling author and holds a master's of science in exercise physiology and nutritional sciences from the University of Toronto, as well as an honors degree in kinesiology from The University of Western Ontario. He is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. He has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Today, CNN, America's Next Top Model, Rachel Ray, and Tyra. Pasternak lives and works in Los Angeles.

Following on the heels of his hugely popular blockbuster, The 5-Factor Diet, celebrity trainer and nutritionist Harley Pasternak has searched the world to add a little variety and spice to your weight loss plan. The 5-Factor World Diet takes the 5-Factor principle–five meals a day, five core ingredients, five-minute prep time–and incorporates the best foods and nutritional habits from ten of the world's healthiest countries.

While jetting to exotic locales with some of Hollywood's biggest stars as their personal health and fitness expert, Pasternak has sampled local cuisine from many corners of the world. Consequently he has made a fascinating discovery: the farther he journeyed from the United States, the easier it was to seek out foods that were both nourishing and slimming. Now he reveals the international diet secrets of the world's healthiest people, including

• the self-control technique used by the Japanese that prevents them from overeating.
• the trick to combating heart disease in France (it's not just the wine).
• the reason Swedes stay slim and trim year round and have among the highest average life expectancies (80.74 years).
• the key to Singapore' s low obesity rate (less than 2%).
• an explanation why notorious food-loving Italians are among the healthiest people in the world

Pasternak also shares helpful advice about ordering in restaurants, as well as pantry-stocking and cooking tips. With suggested menus and more than 120 delicious recipes–from Japanese Chicken Yakatori and French Ratatouille to Chapchae Korean Stirfry and Oven Baked Swedish Meatballs– The 5-Factor WorldDiet will keep you healthy, fit, and looking your absolute best.

Publishers Weekly

Author of the bestselling 5-Factor Diet, Pasternak is a fitness trainer and nutritionist to big-name celebrities like Halle Berry, and Jessica Simpson. Accompanying his clients on international tours and to far-flung film sets, he discovered and now shares food preparation techniques, recipes, and weight-loss secrets from the world's healthiest countries—China, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea , Spain, and Sweden. Pasternak lists the five reasons Americans are overweight—caloric overload, portion distortion, on-the-go eating, animal product excess, and lazy lifestyle—and suggests remedies borrowed from nations with leaner, healthier populations. The original 5-Factor diet couldn't be more basic: five meals a day to elevate metabolism and decrease body fat; five specific nutrients for each meal (protein, carbohydrates, fiber, healthy fat, and water or tea); five-minute prep time for meals with five core ingredients; and a 25-minute workout five days a week. There is also, once a week, a free, eat-whatever-you-want day. The book's 120 recipes and five-week menu plan are appealing, and there are tips for understanding exotic ingredients and smart shopping. (Jan.)