Who is this guy and what is this product?
TNT Diet by Jeff Volek\Adam Campbell
What does this product claim?
Quote:
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This program will show you what to eat and how to exercise. You’ll see your body change -- and you'll learn why it’s changing. The meal plans and workouts are from The TNT Diet, a new book from Men's Health's Adam Campbell and Jeff Volek, Ph.D. That means it's backed by the latest science and proven in the lab. Best of all, it's easy to follow. The principle is this: Don't let your body store fat. It's that simple.
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Where can I get it and how much does it cost?
$20.00 (hardcover)
Review:
Layout\Format
Rodale (the publisher) has been in business for some time and has a nice clinch on the “average guy’s guide to muscle” market and one of the reasons is they consistently put out a good product. TNT is a very nicely done book that’s quick to read and easy to understand. The progression is logical, little repeat information, important data is noted in tables\graphs, and non-important data (such as testimonials) is separated from the main text so you can just skip parts that you really don’t care about without fear of missing something.
Content Usability
The real test for any item that I review is if you can actually use it to perform the task that it’s meant to do. With the TNT book I’m quite happy to report “yes”.
The book is broken down into unique chapters that tell you EXACTLY what you need to know to follow this diet successfully. If you’re just starting the program then you’d read pgs 33-57 for the diet and write down your workout log in the back, and whamo…you’re set. The instructions are extremely concise. They’re specific and still provide a great deal of flexibility. Short of flat out refusal to follow the instructions I really struggle to think of a reason that any person that picked up this book could not be successful with only the material given and very little effort on their part.
Personal Experience:
Mr. Campbell was kind enough to let me see a draft version of the book but in all honesty it wasn’t until Roland (Lost Dog) sent me some pictures that I really took an interest in it. It took about 3 seconds for the thought to register in my mind “Damn…home boy is lean” and he attributed his success to the TNT diet.
Thus motivated I went ahead and put in my order with amazon (to support the cause) and started it myself. Starting it up was easy. The book is kind of a “Adkins” (newer version) meets “Nutrient Timing”. For those just starting the nutrient timing is a little misleading because you’re stuck in a 4 week induction phase where the big key is drinking a protein shake in your workout window. HOWEVER I followed simple instructions and plugged on through.
The first week (4-5 days) or so felt like I was kicked in the boys. Energy was drained and I felt like I was going to die at any moment. Then things started picking up and I pretty well felt like my usual grumpy self. This continued right through the completion of the induction phase.
***One important note that I’d like to point out is that I did NOT follow the exercise regiment, I did exercise but what I did was significantly different than what the book recommends.*** While there were times that I really felt like crap\drained, my training was virtually unaffected. I continued to improve in all aspects of training with only a handful of days that just really went south (that I’d blame on the diet). After the induction phase (you read a little more of the book to figure out what category you’re in and what you’re aloud to eat\when). The skies cleared, carbs were back on the menu. The program became that much easier to follow and energy is at a brand new high, training is great.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re willing to concede that diet is 80% of the equation on if you succeed or fail in your body comp goals then you’ve got to really find something that you’re willing to do. For me personally, this diet fits that perfectly. I like the food. I like the freedom (after surviving the first 4wks). I chose the "acceptable" version off all of the different sections which basically means that I never worry about shakes. I eat whole food all the time. I chose to do that because I felt like it'd give *me* the best chance of sticking to the diet and I really like that I can live my life and be successful at my training\dietary goals without spending any more time than absolutely necessary. With this plan I’ve dropped 5lbs in 8wks and more importantly 3 pants sizes. Performance is good and it’s been practically stress free. I think it’s very possible that this is a plan that I’ll be willing and able to stick with for the rest of my life and be successful doing so.
Highly recommended.