The Flat Belly Diet is a book and a diet that promises what so many people want: to get rid of abdomen fat easily. Written by Prevention Magazine's editor in chief, Liz Vaccariello, and nutrition director, Cynthia Sass, the book promises those who use its methods the chance to lose up to 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) in just 32 days. It also promises this dramatic weight loss without the need to perform crunches, which are exercises many people use when trying to get rid of belly fat.

The Flat Belly Diet requires a person to consume 1600 calories daily and follow a Mediterranean-style diet. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are emphasized in this diet; nuts and seeds are included as well. Beans and lean protein are allowed, but red meat is only recommended about once a month. The authors claim that monounsaturated fat is the secret to getting rid of belly fat without crunches. According to them, adding monounsaturated fat to every meal and snack allows for dramatic loss of belly fat, without exercise.

The Flat Belly Diet involves more than just what is done on the 28 days a person follows the plan. Four days before beginning it, dieters are told to follow a 1200- to 1400-calorie diet that is intended to reduce bloating and help dieters get in the right frame of mind for losing their belly fat. During this pre-diet, followers are advised to drink "sassy" water, which contains various herbs, citrus, and even a bit of cucumber. Besides assisting with bloating, the water is said to help with constipation and getting rid of sluggish feelings.

While exercise is not touted as necessary with the Flat Belly Diet, it is encouraged. There is a chapter in the book that provides exercise suggestions, including diagrams. There's even a 28-day workout plan as well as exercise plans designed for those who want to walk off their pounds.

The Flat Belly Diet can be adapted to meet the needs of those who have allergies to certain foods or intolerance to dairy products. It can even be adapted to meet the needs of vegetarians. A person following the diet is supposed to eat four meals a day, every four hours; each meal is supposed to contain 400 calories. However, those following the plan don't count their calories; instead, they make use of food lists and interchangeable meals and snacks to consume what they should each day. The recipes in the Flat Belly Diet also include nutrient-content details.