Weight loss expert Jorge Cruise answers frequently-asked-questions about how fast food dining can work for you:

1. How do the meals in The Belly Fat Cure™ Quick Meals differ from those suggested in the original Belly Fat Cure™ book?

In the original Belly Fat Cure™, most of the Belly Good meals are healthy, make-it-yourself “do overs” to replace a familiar meal from a fast-food chain, restaurant, or frozen entrée. By comparison, the majority of Belly Good meals in this book are a healthier choice from the same chain or restaurant as the Belly Bad choice. Now that little to no preparation is required on your part, the meals are even more convenient (and still delicious!).

2. Is it healthy to frequently eat on the go?

Yes, if you make smart decisions. Fast food has become detrimental to many Americans’ health because they do not make the right choices. Most meals at fast-food chains and restaurants (as well as frozen meals) are loaded with hidden sugar and carbs. However, the Belly Good choices in this book are perfectly acceptable.

3. Is it bad to eat Quick Meals every day?

While I still suggest eating fresh foods as much as possible, every Quick Meal featured in this book is designed to keep your S/C Value on track, and therefore fine to eat frequently. (Based on my experience, I determined that you should consume no more than 15 grams of sugar and no more than 6 servings of carbohydrates each day to accelerate weight loss. That’s an S/C Value of 15/6™.)

4. When should I begin to see weight-loss results?

If you follow the plan exactly and keep your daily intake at an S/C Value of 15/6™ or less, you should see weight-loss results after just one week. Many of my clients begin to see a smaller waist within a matter of days!

5. Why are some S/C Values different from the restaurant’s description?

All nutritional information in this book was accurate as this book went to press. However, restaurants may have updated their information since then. If you suspect that an S/C Value is outdated, I encourage you to visit the restaurant’s website directly to cross-reference. If our numbers need to be updated, please visit JorgeCruise.com and let us know!

6. Where can I find the S/C Value of other meals from popular restaurants and fast-food chains?

The Belly Fat Cure™ Sugar & Carb Counter contains the S/C Value for hundreds of meals in the “dining out” section. But even if you don’t find the specific meal you’re looking for, this book shows you how to easily calculate the S/C Value of a meal yourself.

7. What general guidelines do you have for ordering other meals when on the go?

• I recommend that you keep to the CARB SWAPS™ in this book when eating on the go so that you’re sure to be sticking to the correct S/C Value. But there are some general guidelines that you can follow if you’re at a restaurant without the options from this book. You definitely don’t want to find yourself lost with no idea what to order.
• I encourage you to pay close attention to descriptions on menus. You’ve learned from this book that some meals from fast-food chains and restaurants appear to be healthy but are not due to the way they’re prepared. For example, many seemingly safe salads are actually poor choices because the dressings put on them are loaded with hidden sugars and dangerous artificial sweeteners like sucralose. Don’t be afraid to order a salad with a dressing other than the one listed on the menu, or ask for it on the side so that you can control the amount. Burgers can also be a great option, if you order them without the bun.
• Become more aware of certain terms on menus. For example, “grilled” chicken is always a healthier choice than “fried.” Also, don’t let “fat free” fool you. A fat-free muffin, for instance, may contain a ton of sugar. Finally, one of the key ways to stay at or below your daily S/C Value of 15/6™ is to drink water or unsweetened iced tea with your meal instead of sugary soda.

8. Can I be a vegetarian on this plan?

Of course you can! You’ll follow the Belly Fat Cure™ by simply substituting meats with your own preferred vegetarian (or vegan) options. If you decide to use meat substitutes, be sure to correctly calculate the sugar and carb content of all foods. One word of caution: carbohydrates often become the dominant source of energy in a vegetarian lifestyle. Be sure that the majority of your carbs come from vegetables, and you’re taking in the appropriate fats from non-animal sources (such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts).

9. Will this plan work for my whole family?

Yes, the Belly Fat Cure™ is a healthy lifestyle for absolutely everyone. Monitoring hidden sugar is important for the overall health of children, teens, adults, and seniors, regardless of gender or body weight.

10. Is this program safe for my kids?

Definitely! Limiting sugar in your children’s diet and replacing it with smarter options will increase overall health, both inside and out. Low-sugar, nutrient-rich foods are equally as beneficial for your kids as they are for you.

It may be difficult to change your kids’ minds about sugar if they’ve fallen into a habit of constantly eating sugary snacks. Please do not let this discourage you from guiding them to a healthier lifestyle. I suggest that you lead by example first. Then get your children involved by teaching them about the benefits of certain foods and letting them help you prepare snacks and meals. Your kids will be more interested in the foods they’re eating if they help create the meals with you. Try to make cooking something fun you and your kids can enjoy together.