If it’s January and an even-numbered year it must be time for the Drs. Mike and Mary Dan Eades “6-Week Cure for the Middle-Aged Middle” diet plan with the goal of losing ten pounds off my 168-lb frame and working to reduce my middle-age gut for good. I did the same diet two years ago and was astounded at the results. While I had pretty much kept my weight off since that time I’ll admit I got a little careless over the last six months enough that I think it’s time for another go. Besides, with my annual physical and my Vegas weekend coming up next month, I can’t think of a better time to take the dip again and lose the weight.

Besides, January being the incredibly boring month it is, might as well entertain myself for the four weeks the Eades diet requires.

So what does this Eades Plan involve? Building off of their basic approach to health and nutrition, it’s basically high-protein, low carb. The first two weeks are a “boot camp” designed to clean out your liver and reduce the fat there that leads to “inner tube”, a flabby midsection, and other health problems: zero alcohol, zero caffeine, three “protein shakes” around one healthy meal per day, vitamin and amino acid supplements (leucine, magnesium, potassium) to promote liver functionality, and specific gut-strengthening exercises you do eight times a day. The second two weeks are the “meat weeks” where you bulk up on protein, protein, protein, and the final two weeks you work your way into the maintenance program that (hopefully) one follows going forward.

The first two weeks are miserable but wiorth it. The second two weeks are OK, because you’re heading towards the finish line.

All in all, I can’t think of a better way to get the New Year started.