What exactly is the 4-Day Diet? Can you, as the title implies, go from overweight to slim and trim in four days? It would be nice, but not a chance. Dr. Ian Smith, who developed the 4-day Diet, had a slightly more demanding process in mind.

Nutritionists and dietitians are quite familiar with the work of Dr. Smith and his 50‑Million Pound Challenge. Dr. Smith challenged Americans to fight the burgeoning obesity epidemic and lose weight. His efforts have been very effective in encouraging many Americans to change their eating habits and lifestyle.

The 4‑Day Diet is comprised of seven modules, each one lasting for four days. It is designed to reprogram your body and mind to exercise better eating habits. One of the diet’s most noticeable characteristics, changing food choices, is intended to eliminate the boredom that is experienced on diets that emphasize eating the same limited types of foods.

Module 1: This is the most restrictive module; similar in some ways to the South Beach diet. This module is structured to use only foods that will help to detoxify your body; to rid it of any accumulated toxins enabling you to continue dieting with a clean slate, so to speak. The foods permitted in the diet are described in the diet book.

Module 2: Changes to the foods eaten are introduced in this module. Grains, vegetables, and other new foods are added. The enforced food changes are a clear indication that you’re on a diet, but not for purposes of food deprivation. The changes are introduced to teach you to eat healthier.

Module 3: Protein is introduced in this module for its importance in building muscle fiber. The most important of these foods are lean meats, dairy products, especially eggs and milk, and fish, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Module 4: This module requires excellent self-control from the dieter, because this module allows you to eat whatever you wish. This would not be a good time to dive into pizzas, fries, burgers, and high calorie soft drinks. Be moderate. Enjoy, but remember you are on a diet.

Module 5: This module ends the eating anarchy permitted in Module 4. It returns to an eating regimen in accordance with strict 4-Day Diet food rules.

Modules 6 & 7: These modules are similar. They continue the Module 5 regimen with additional restrictions.

The 4‑Day Diet plan takes about one month to complete the seven modules. The regimen put forth in this diet can be repeated over and over again until you lose as much weight as wish. You will not be bored with the allowed meals. If you’re not used to cooking for yourself, prepare to learn. You’ll cook plenty with this diet in order to meet your dietary requirements.