I would recommend this book to anyone who really is motivated to change their appearance. I've tried many different fitness plans and they all reverted to the same thing: no change. Jillian really gives you the tools you need and a guided 30 day plan of eating, exercise, and motivation. It's was very easy to follow and she only has you become more aware of what you are eating by reading labels and learning what is put into your food. I have continued exercising even after reaching a weight loss goal of 18 pounds in 30 days. I also continue avoiding the "fat" foods discussed in the book. It has motivated my co-workers and my family! I'm leaner everywhere and can see it with my own eyes. I dropped 6 sizes! My body is sculpted in places I've been trying to improve for a long time. Buy this book...there will be NO regrets!

I recently bought this book from Barnes and Noble but am planning to return it. It's not a bad book at all -- in fact, it helped me to understand how I eat and metabolize my food -- but the book is designed for SHORT-TERM weight loss, not long-term maintenance (which is what I'm looking for). If you've got a 10-year high school reunion, wedding, or important event coming up and you want to drop 20 lbs. within 30 days, this is the book for you. (I'd also recommend Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred in conjunction with this for maximum and effective weight loss.)

I should also note here -- and she says this in her book, if you are looking to lose more than 20 lbs, you need to look elsewhere on advice on how to do that (she recommends her other book mentioned below). Making the Cut is only a temporary weight loss solution.

However, for those of you looking to lose weight and keep it off, this is NOT the book you are looking for. Instead I'd recommend Michaels' other book, Winning by Losing: Drop the Weight, Change Your Life or assistance from any of the other Biggest Loser books:

*The Biggest Loser Fitness Program: Fast, Safe, and Effective Workouts to Target and Tone Your Trouble Spots--Adapted from NBC's Hit Show!,
*The Biggest Loser: The Weight Loss Program to Transform Your Body, Health, and Life--Adapted from Hit Show!,
*The Biggest Loser Cookbook: More Than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes Adapted from NBC's Hit Show.

As I said, it's a great book that provides some great tips. I'd recommend it to people who want to quickly -- and temporarily -- get in shape and look good, but it's not a book designed for consistent, long-term use.

Jillian's book is awesome! I'm a female Marine who ordered this book while in Afghanistan and was able to do the 30 day plan over the space of the last 50 days of my deployment; I didn't have a lot of time, and I also didn't do much cardio at all either. I also had limited access to a gym, but I improvised the machine exercises with dumb-bells by simulating the same range of movement. I lost 10 pounds and got cut, and gained strength overall. I've been pretty busy since I got back and haven't exercised but 3 times in the last 3 weeks and I still have the body (I'm eating right which helps). I'm very impressed by Jillian's workouts - the plyometrics and combination weight exercises made me sweat hard and tightened me up in all the right places. This book is great for women who only have 45-60 minutes a day to exercise and who want a dramatic body change! Her pictures and descriptions of the exercises were very helpful. I made little index cards which I brought to the gym with me (instead of the big book). I didn't follow the menu, but instead just avoided sweets and processed foods, and I am very happy with the change in my health and body. Great book to bring on deployment!!

This book is awesome! I was working out at the gym and eating pretty well, but I was losing about a pound or a pound and a half per month.
I read "Making the Cut" and followed the workout routine while counting my calories. In that month I went from 211 lbs to 204 lbs.
The circuit training described in this book has really opened my eyes as to what kind of training is possible and I will never go back to just sitting around and lifting weights.

Be sure to check out Jillian's Podcasts of her radio show on the internet (KFI 640am).

-Good Luck

This is an intense workout and calorie-sparse diet program for those serious about having a fit body. The 30-day program is for people who want to lose weight and become stronger and more fit.

The exercise program requires some knowledge of weight training and involves a balance of cardio and strength training. You begin the exercise part of the program with an assessment of your current condition by doing a 3-minute step exercise and heart rate measurement, as well as testing how many sit-ups and push-ups you can do in a minute. The exercise includes the use of some gym equipment as well as free weights, body ball, and a step. The exercises also involve doing variations of squats, lunges, jumping rope, push-ups, and sit-ups. There are over a hundred different exercises, and they progress in difficulty over time, though even the early ones will make you sore. It is not just a strength training workout as there is a fair amount of cardio.

The author has a theory about how people "oxidize" food and provides a test to see whether you are a fast, slow, or balanced oxidizer. Her theory suggests that fast oxidizers need more protein and slow oxidizers need more carbohydrates. The book has three different menus with recipes (which make 10-12 servings) for each type of oxidizer. The three diets are calorie-controlled meal plans you must prepare at home and there is no fast food or junk food allowed. The food is designed for maximizing nutrition and minimizing calories. The book also provides grocery lists to make shopping easy. Note that the diets are not vegetarian.

The book emphasizes that there are no quick fixes to weight loss - just a lot of hard work involving calorie-restricted eating and effective exercise - but the payoff is the body you want. If you are ready for the time commitment of this strict, highly-scheduled 30-day diet and exercise program, it will deliver results. An additional approach, THE 3:00 PM SECRET: Live Slim and Strong, Live Your Dreams. I recommend both books.

Although she straight and to the point, which really made me want to work hard, the diet was difficult to follow. The "shopping list" didn't match the menu. I had some left over food. Also, I had to shop for extra food because they were needed in recipes but weren't on the list. It was very frustrating. I also bought the video, which is a great workout.

She says to not eat processed food, then recommends you buy carb conscious low-fat milk, fat-free American Cheese, and weight control oatmeal, huh? She does not back up any of her claims. Why does it matter what kind of oxidizer you are? Give me something to back up your claims.

While I liked the circuits, there's no way I would do them on my own, almost need a personal trainer to come with the book.

I loved the workouts in this book. I'm on day 28 of 30, and I am so much stronger than I was before. I have visible definition in my arms, legs, and back that wasn't there. I even have pretty visible abs.

I didn't do the diet because the foods were kind of gross, and it didn't work out with at-home dinners (husband's not doing the book, and it's a hassle to make two dinners or have him make his and watch him eat something much more appetizing to me). Even so, I got results. I lost about 3 pounds (again, I didn't do the diet, so I'm sure I would have gotten the promised results if I'd totally committed).

Bottom line: these are great exercises. Yes, you need access to a gym for some freeweights, but it's worth it. Also, I'm not sure who's serious about fitness and doesn't have access to a gym/freeweights. At any rate, even though the program's over, I'm going to work in a pair of her workouts once a week into the future. They're great, and so much better than just lifting one day then cardio the next.

A note on the pushups - I NEVER could do push ups before, but I can now. Even so, the plyo pushups where you're supposed to clap in the middle are still impossible for me. I've stuck with the plan, and I'm just plain not strong enough for those. That kind of thing is the exception, not the rule, I've found with her exercises, though.

Oh, and I didn't start out awesomely in-shape before the book. I've seen reviews saying this is for tiny skinny girls or gym rats, and it isn't. I weighed 150 pounds at the start, and usually just walk or do elliptical or do light weighlifting at the gym.

Highly recommended!

This book has proven to be more than just a purchase. It has become my motivation, personal trainer and fitness staple all in one! If you stick to it, it really shows some results. I also paired the workouts in this book with the 20 minute workouts from the 30 day shred on days that I didn't have time to make it to the gym...AWESOME combo! Thanks Jillian!

You have to be pretty motivated already to get something from this book. It is filled with hollow platitudes about loving yourself, blah blah blah. That's something you can't get from a paragraph.

The recipes are all over the map, and a lot of them make four, or six servings. Unless your whole family is on this plan, that makes it really difficult to just cook for yourself.

That said, it is effective in plotting a workout plan and showing you just how much you have to put into it to get something out of it. I appreciated the variety of exercises, and it is a kick in the [...]!

Great book for anyone who needs a little motivation to lose those frustrating pounds. I purchased this book along with the 30-Day Shred DVD and they are terrific together. Clear and easy to follow. I'm on day 14 and have already lost two inches around my waist. I highly recommend this book.

Jillian has a great dedication to her work and it shows in this book. You must be willing to commit to it 100%, which she makes very clear. I thought I would fall into this category as fitness and nutrition are high priority in my life. However, after reading the first section on Diet, I realized this wouldn't work for me.

CONS: I am training for my third Half-Marathon, thus running very frequently and relatively long distances. The calorie limits were extremely low for my daily activity needs. And in my non-expert opinion, extremely low for anyone, in general. I have tried calorie-restrictive diets before (lingering on 1200-1400 cals a day) only to see them really mess up my metabolism. On the other hand, this book is stated to be a 30-day regime and not intended for life-long use, so perhaps I should have considered this. Also, be prepared to give up alcohol in this regime! I require a beer as soon as the weekend hits, so this didn't work for me.

PROS: And there are lots of them...As I stated, with my Marathon training, I won't be following the regime exactly, as is REQUIRED by Jillian. But I still like this book because I find it truly inspirational and encouraging to read Jillian's words of advice and expert knowledge on fitness. I am definitely going to use her circuit training in my fitness routine - they are great exercises and there are lots of them in this book!! Another Pro - there are pages, upon pages of recipes! I love to cook so I really like this a lot. And lastly, Jillian has lots of knowledge on fitness and how things affect your body, and she explains everything very thoroughly.

Overall, I don't regret buying the book and I enjoy opening it up for a motivational pick-me-up or as a great resource for healthy recipes and strength training.

Grade-wise, I would give "Making the Cut" a B+. It definitely qualified as an "easy read", was well organized and maintained my interest. I found Jillian's personal insights both uplifting and supportive: Don't beat yourself up- keep positive thinking & good choices ongoing- plus a sprinkling of little tips for staying on track. Her dietary approach utilizes a metabolic typing test that determines if you are a Slow, Balanced or Fast oxidizer. My personal Dilemma #1- I scored equally- as both a balanced & fast oxidizer. So I thought- let me examine the menus and have my taste buds be my guide. Quite frankly- both diets looked just as great(I'm very food friendly). My next strategy: O.K. I'll go with the menu that contains the easiest recipes. It was then I discovered my main (& minor) beef with the book. The serving size for each recipe varied between 1 and 6 servings. Example, There was no way I would ever want to make 6 servings of "Scrambled eggs with Smoked Salmon, Spinach and Chives"- this and many of the other selections were just not good "Left-over" prospects- I could just envision the (refrigerated) overnight texture changes: wilting, leaking fluids, and soppiness- not pretty. Why not simplify life-and just provide all recipes in a "1 serving size" portion? I don't mind doubling it on my own... however, dividing everything by 6, is annoying. The remainder of the book is very well done- geared towards maximizing your work out benefits. Body types and strategies are touched upon - an intriguing array of routines are explored- and an easy reference exercise guide (with photographs)is included. If you have injuries- proceed with caution. The concluding chapter of the book touches upon the do's and don'ts of supplementation. All in all- a good book-just keep your calculator handy for those "super sized" recipes.

This book is excellent. I enjoyed reading it before starting Jillian's 30 day shred video.

The first sections of this book describing the 30 day plan are good and they lay out the expectations for what you need to do quite clearly. But once you take the test and figure out what metabolic type you are the followup recipes and descriptions are confusing and hard to navigate. The recipes are organized by what meal they are for and within that category alphabetically, meaning that to get to the recipes that actually pertain to a particular metabolic type, you need to wade through ALL the recipes. Once I have established what type I am, I don't want to read about other types. It would be better if after they give the type description and the nutritional plan for that type, the recipes for that nutritional plan immediately follow.Additionally, most of the recipes seemed to be geared for families and not singles becasue they serve 4-6 people.The exercise descriptions could be more clearly illustrated, even ones that the author may consider "basic".

I was inspired to begin exercising during my successful weight loss and new perspective on life I got from The 3:00 PM Secret. I wanted to add to my exercise routine, so decided to check out "Making the Cut" by strength trainer Jillian Michaels (NBC's The Biggest Loser). This is a clear, no-nonsense 30-day program that targets people who are in good shape already but want to lose the last 20 or fewer pounds and get into fantastic shape! To follow the program, you should already be knowledgeable about weight training, which I was. The book does not seem to be targeted toward those wanting to lose a lot of weight.

The diet is based on her theory about whether you are a slow, balanced, or fast oxidizer. Slow oxidizers need more carbs and fast oxidizers need more protein. The book has three different menus with recipes. The diet is strict, regimented, not vegetarian, and calorie conscious, and requires time and planning. Fast food is not allowed! She provides shopping lists and you cook your own meals. The usual suspects are out - sugar, white flour, etc.

The exercise is aggressive, intensive weight training and cardio. You use free weights, body ball, a step, etc. There are variations of familiar exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, jumping rope, etc. I got new ideas from her workout and found it helpful.

To follow the book completely, you begin the program by assessing your metabolic situation - are you a fast, slow, or balanced oxidizer. Then you customize your diet regimen. You also assess your body and fitness level. The author recommends taking photos, body fat measurements, and measurements with a tape measure. She provides fitness tests to evaluate your current condition including a 3-minute step exercise followed by a heart rate measurement test, a test of how many push-ups can you do in a minute, and a test of how many sit-ups can you do in a minute.

The book is designed so that if you follow it precisely, you can achieve the best body of your life. It is an excellent book for those who seek this type of serious, physically-demanding diet and exercise program where everything is spelled out. I can recommend this book. I also recommend an additional book which changed my life, THE 3:00 PM SECRET: Live Slim and Strong, Live Your Dreams

I am very pleased with my purchase of this book. It is informative and VERY straight forward. She provides a diet and exercise plan to ensure sucess. To make it easier to find the exercise descriptions during circuit training - I would have grouped the exercises a little differently and tabbed the pages for easier reference - if you are unsure of the exercise, you have to stop and look it up and that takes away focus.Otherwise - LOVE IT!! (and the video!!)

I was sceptical when I first picked up this book. I've tried a lot of things to lose the last 20 lbs. However, I have been very satisfied with the results. The eating plan was the most beneficial for me (big surprise, my portion sizes prior to reading the book, were way off). The recipes were quite good (and again, my expectations were low--but I was pleasantly surprised). The only part I did not like about the eating plan was that to this day, I cannot figure out what Smart STart is--I swore it was a cereal...but then a recipe told me to melt it--it didn't fit.

As for the workouts: I really liked the workouts. I could work out until the cows come home, in truth. The workouts are challenging and definitely not boring. I have to agree, however, with other people who have responded to this book--I would have liked to have had exercise modifications in respect to the equiptment. I didn't have all of the equiptment that was used, so I had to make inquiries to an outside source in order to find at home remedies that would work the same muscles she was working with gym equiptment.

However, overall, if you have the will, there is a way. I have found success with this book. I love her attitude, and her book kept me motivated.

The exercises are BRUTAL but after watching The Biggest Loser and seeing Jillian in action, it was just what I expected. I followed everything she said to do and lost 7 pounds in 1 month. Since then I've lost 3 more. I never thought I could lose more than 5 pounds and was stunned by the results. Jillian makes it easy by providing you with 30 days of meals and 30 days of exercises with descriptions for each exercise. I didn't even have to join a gym...I did all my exercises at home with free weights and a treadmill. It is the best book I've ever read on diet and exercise. If you want to drop 10 pounds in 30 days, this is the book.

This book is a challenge. I had to flip back and forth from the daily workouts to the pages that showed the exercises that I hadn't done before. Lots of flipping pages during the workouts. She recommends stretching after each workout for the day but I didn't find a section on particular stretching exercises to do. I know to stretch but it would've been nice to have ideas/examples in her book. I'm still using her book but have found I'm not doing the exercises in the 30 days time so take your time, don't hurt yourself, follow the exercises but work at your pace.

After developing a strong workout ethic after 35 consecutive 30 Day Shred workouts, I was ready to find out Jillian's point of view regarding diet.
The book begins by making clear that it is for those with 20 pounds or less to lose. Jillian empahsizes the importance of strict adherence to the program in text peppered with what I will call "Jillian toughisms" (e.g.,"....Over the next 30 days you are mine, and this is your bible....", "..., skipping any part of this book is NOT AN OPTION....").The book continues with a fitness test, explanations of how to take body measurements, and information on the importance of counting calories.
Central to the book is a 49-question Metabolic Typing Test that helps an individual determine their metabolic type and three separate 30-day meal plans (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner) for each of the three metabolic types...and recipes (15 breakfast, 38 lunch, 43 dinner, and 16 sauces, snacks,and sides).
The latter part of the book features 103 exercises (44 with photos of Jillian performing the exercise) to be performed in the 30-day routine(which includes rest days)outlined (while some of the exercises that use gym equipment can be modified for performance at home (e.g., dips and tricep presses),not all can be modified (e.g., wide-grip lat pull-downs and leg presses))and a 7-day diet for shedding water and "getting ripped up for that jaw-dropping effect we all need from time to time." Note: the rountines DO NOT outline warm-ups or cooldowns. The only statement referencing a cooldown is "....And don't forget to stretch after your workout--remember to hit all the major muscle groups used that day." That being the case, you would have to devise a warmup that works for you and a cooldown that, as the book says, hits all the major muscle groups used.
For me, this is the perfect compliment to the 30 Day Shred DVD, providing good basic nutritional information, motivation, exercises that I can substitute for those in the 30 Day Shred workouts from time to time to keep them interesting over the long haul, and routines that I will alternate with the 30 Day Shred workouts.
Great offering, Jillian.

After developing a strong workout ethic after 35 consecutive 30 Day Shred workouts, I was ready to find out Jillian's point of view regarding diet.
The book begins by making clear that it is for those with 20 pounds or less to lose. Jillian empahsizes the importance of strict adherence to the program in text peppered with what I will call "Jillian toughisms" (e.g.,"....Over the next 30 days you are mine, and this is your bible....", "..., skipping any part of this book is NOT AN OPTION....").The book continues with a fitness test, explanations of how to take body measurements, and information on the importance of counting calories.
Central to the book is a 49-question Metabolic Typing Test that helps an individual determine their metabolic type and three separate 30-day meal plans (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner) for each of the three metabolic types...and recipes (15 breakfast, 38 lunch, 43 dinner, and 16 sauces, snacks,and sides).
The latter part of the book features 103 exercises (44 with photos of Jillian performing the exercise) to be performed in the 30-day routine(which includes rest days)outlined (while some of the exercises that use gym equipment can be modified for performance at home (e.g., dips and tricep presses),not all can be modified (e.g., wide-grip lat pull-downs and leg presses))and a 7-day diet for shedding water and "getting ripped up for that jaw-dropping effect we all need from time to time."
For me, this will serve as a good compliment to the 30 Day Shred DVD, providing me with good basic nutritional information, motivation, and exercises that I can substitute for those in 30 Day Shred from time to time to keep it interesting over the long haul.

the book was in excellent shape and just what I was looking for to help me lose weight .

This program is only for the serious goal-minded person! I am average athletic and wanted to drop a few pounds, but mostly get cut. I did it in 30 days. All by myself. No expensive trainer needed! It is important to read this book throughout before starting. It helps to have a gym membership or a home gym with all items needed. I strongly recommend following the diet...the recipes are DElicious! You have to be driven and focused and if you follow thru you will have AMAZING results! Trust me :)

Making the Cut is an awesome workout that includes a 30 day meal plan. It's a workout that can be done at home with band and 5 pound weights. I'm down 15 pounds and my body is looking better everyday

I have only a few days left on this 30 day program and without following the food list exactly I have lost over 12 pounds. Stick to the exercise program (which will challenge you), use the daily food list as a "guide" (can be expensive to buy and cook everything listed, however there are some great recipes) and this book will do wonders for you. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Compare the information in this to all the other books that are out there and this will come out on top everytime. Still, just buying the book isn't enough, you still have to get out there and do the work. And yes, alot of the exercises are using gym equipment, however these can be modified quite easily to be done at home. No treadmill for sprints? Jump rope for 3 minutes instead. People saying "I don't have access to a gym so it's no good" are just making excuses. IF you really want results, this book will get you there.

I recently finished Jillian's 30 day program for getting cut. It was a great intense work out program that truly showed results. I did not follow the diet because I did not have time to mess with the meals and recipes but kept to my own diet plan. Still the muscle chiseling that occured was amazing!!

I would recommend this to anyone who has the discipline to keep up with the 30 day plan. Access to a gym is crucial but only for half of the regimen. The other half I did at home with my own equipment.

Today at the dentist office a mutual friend commented that I not only looked in great shape but "cut." That was the ultimate compliment to my hard work and testament to the effectiveness of the book.

Thanks Jillian! I couldn't have done it without your motivation and awesome circuits!! Great results after only 30 days!!!

I only give this a one star because it just isn't for me. There's just no way I would follow the meal plan. I'm not that dedicated. I love Jillan's DVDs, and I know she means business, but this book is just too much for me. If you are serious about sticking to her meal and exercise plans, then I'm sure it would be worth the money. If you are looking for a serious workout, then buy her DVDs. I can recommend the 30-day Shred and Biggest Loser Sculpt.

I just completed her program, and I must say at times it was really tough. But it was 100% worth it. Her workouts will DEFINITELY kick your butt into shape! It's a program consisting of 5 circuits for each days workout.

I didn't so much follow her exact meal plans, but I followed her nutritional guidelines when it when it came to what percentages of carbs/fats/proteins. And I also counted calories, as she recommends.

It all I lost 9lbs and quite a few inches off my stomach!

I did a couple of the first days workouts at home, but the rest I did at the gym. I would say it's probably possible to do it all at home, but you'd have to be creative & have some equipment. It's best if you have gym access.

The only downside was she doesn't have pictures of EVERY SINGLE exercise. But you could easily YouTube or Google them to find out.

If you have the discipline to commit to this, and like a detailed plan, then this one's for you. Good luck!

Let me tell you. This is the best workout I have did in a long time. Don't get discouraged if you cannot do everything right away. Be creative and improvise if you don't have a gym and try to keep moving. Both my husband and I are doing this and have seen the results. We have our own diet that we stick by so we aren't using the diet but love the workout.

This book is totally awesome. The book has tons of really good info. The excercises are really challenging which is excactly what I need, but also really efficient as the circuits take anywhere from 45 min. to an hour. And the meal plan is totally yummy! Doesn't feel like I'm really depriving myself.

I do have one question: Does anyone know what "Smart Start" is? It is used in one of her recipes for the Apricot Glazed Chicken. Thanx! :o)

This is a disciplined workout and calorie-restricted diet program for those serious about having a fit body. The 30-day program is for people who want to lose weight and become stronger and more fit.

The exercise program requires some knowledge of weight training and involves a balance of cardio and strength training. You begin the exercise part of the program with an assessment of your current condition by doing a 3-minute step exercise and heart rate measurement, as well as testing how many sit-ups and push-ups you can do in a minute. The exercise includes the use of some gym equipment as well as free weights, body ball, and a step. The exercises also involve doing variations of squats, lunges, jumping rope, push-ups, and sit-ups. There are over a hundred different exercises, and they progress in difficulty over time, though even the early ones will make you sore. It is not just a strength training workout as there is a fair amount of cardio.

The author has a theory about how people "oxidize" food and provides a test to see whether you are a fast, slow, or balanced oxidizer. Her theory suggests that fast oxidizers need more protein and slow oxidizers need more carbohydrates. The book has three different menus with recipes (which make 10-12 servings) for each type of oxidizer. The three diets are calorie-controlled meal plans you must prepare at home and there is no fast food or junk food allowed. The food is designed for maximizing nutrition and minimizing calories. The book also provides 3 grocery lists to make shopping easy. Note that the diets are not vegetarian.

The book emphasizes that there are no quick fixes to weight loss - just a lot of hard work involving calorie-restricted eating and effective exercise - but the payoff is the body you want. If you are ready for the time commitment of this strict, highly-scheduled 30-day diet and exercise program, it will deliver results. Debra Lawrence, author of THE 3:00 PM SECRET: Live Slim and Strong, Live Your Dreams

If you are serious about losing those last stubborn kilos(pounds)then this is the program to follow! You must have quite a good fitness level already but even I thought I was fit as an instructor myself and I found it challenging! Really great program with excellent progression and great dvd to go along with it, not for the faint hearted though. Believe me this works well. Enjoy the results.

I am on day 7 of this diet and exercise plan. The workouts are fantastic, will totally kick your butt. I feel a little naked with only doing 15 minutes of cardio, so I've been doing 30 instead. I do wish she would include a DVD showing each of the moves because I'm still not completely sure I'm doing every one right. But the proof is in the pudding. I am VERY sore the next day.

I agree with the other reviews in that the diet is the hardest part of this plan. I'm doing this on my own, so I don't need a salad recipe that serves 10. That being said, since I have to change the portion sizes for my BMR, I find that there's A LOT of food to eat, and I often can't get it all in. Sometimes, I just substitute a small cup of fat free yogurt instead of having an entire second serving of some of her meals. There are also a few meals that I can't eat because I don't like the taste at all, and when these come up, I substitute with another meal (in the plan) of similar calorie density.

With the exception of these diet changes, I have been following her program to a T. I haven't cheated at all, I've even cut out coffee! So why haven't I lost any weight? The first couple of days, I saw a huge weight drop, but then my weight went right back up to where it was before. Does anyone else have any experience with this? I'm pretty broke, so I didn't want to join her website, but now I'm having second thoughts...

I love that it has the days written out for you to follow along for your diet and though I never would have put those recipes together on my own, they are actually very tasty!

Two facts about this book will help you decide: 1)It's HARD work people! She KICKS your butt! and 2)It WORKS!
I've lost 55 lb in the past three years, most of it in the first year. And I was SO bored with my work-out routines. I had very little motivation to work out and that was a scary thought!
I was already at my goal weight when I started but now I've also lost 5 more pounds and my pants are falling off!
When she says you will see a difference in how your clothes fit the first week, I was very skeptical! But she's right! After only five days I noticed a difference!
I didn't use the recipes because I've already got a diet plan that works great for me, and according to her oxidizer quiz I've been right on track. But I always substitute things in recipes! If you want vegetarian you aren't going to find someone who will tell you EXACTLY how to make it that way, it's up to you to figure out what you like best in your food.
The other issue I see in previous reviews in this book is whether or not you need a gym. I think another reviewer said it right: If you can't figure out how to modify the workout to do from home, you aren't ready for this book. But PLEASE don't be discouraged about it! Go and get her first book, get started and before long you'll be ready for "Making the Cut".
The workouts are supposed to take 45 minutes, but they usually take me an hour because I have to set up equipment and move things around. You will need some space to do the work-outs.
Jillian kicks some serious butt! She KNOWS what she's doing!

This book is great for someone who's ready to dedicate themselves to losing weight -- it's not a light read, and you need to do some work before you can read further along. I haven't had time to do that, so you need to make the time, but if you're serious and will be diligent, this book is for you!

I think this is a great book for loosing that little bit of weight. I have never been "big" but I wanted to get into shape for the summer and this book did it. The only thing I wish is that there were more pictures (some of the descriptions of exercises are hard to understand, after watching her DVD "30 day Shred" I realized I was doing some moves wrong). I also wish that rather then the recipes being in alphabetical order they were grouped by your metabolism so you don't have to look through all the recipes looking for you metabolism specific ones. Overall a great book that got me back into shape after 5 years of gaining some "comfort" weight.

I am impressed with certain aspects of this book. But I do have alot of questions (and unfortunately it looks like the only way to ask her questions is to pay $20 to join her online club).

There are no alternatives described for vegetarian--all I want is the recommended substitute--if the recipe calls for chicken, would it be better to use tofu, seitan, tempeh, etc? Even if I wanted to introduce some meat in to my diet, there is no way I would eat it every day.

My other question surrounds how to use the book and her 30 Day Shred DVD in conjunction. It would be nice to know how she thinks the two things go together--both say you get results in 30 days, and I'm sorry but the workouts are quite different, at least in terms of length...

I may come back and change my review, once I've had the opportunity to put her ideas in to practice. I just wish I could get one e-mail exchange with the author!!

"Making the Cut" is an incredible book that motivates you as soon as you start reading the first few pages. It's almost as if Jillian is your own personal trainer. I just had a baby and was struggling with the last few pounds and she has giving me the strength and will power to diet in a healthy way. The recipes are also great and delicious. So get ready to lose weight and change your life.

Jillian - you are a genius! I started your Making the Cut program on 1 December last year and I haven't looked back. Many reviewers seem to think that you need a gym to do this program but I disagree. I bought hand weights, a body ball and a resistance band and that was all I needed to adapt the exercises to be done at home. I followed the recipes exactly, and noticed considerable results after only 10 days. By the time I got to the 30 day mark, I was converted for life! Now 4 months later, I have maintained the weight loss and my fitness has improved even more. This is a tough program but if you want something that works - this is it!

This is not a weight loss book, but a book for people who have already either lost all their weight and want to tone, or for those who do not need to lose weight, but want to rip your body up.

She has some quizzes that allow you to determine what type of oxidizer you are and a diet plan to go along with it. I also liked how she teaches you not only methods, but also wonderful recipes and clear direction.

For me the structured work outs with actual photos made it easy for me, since I often do not know how to use all the gym equipment.

Lastly, the book is large and really nice looking, which was a bonus.

I am at the end of my first week, and I have already lost 7lbs. I am not starving, I'm working my [...] off in the workouts, and I am seeing results. I have modified some of the recipes to no great detriment. I have also found that many of the exercises can be modified for at-home working out. For example, instead of an exercise bench, a foot stool does the same trick. Instead of hamstring curls on a machine, I use a body ball and the floor.

I give this book a top-notch rating. It really works if you really put the effort into it and visualize your success.

My cousin lost 45 pounds with this book. What is suprising she is maintaining her weight. I listen to her weekly radio show and she is the real deal. Nothing phony here. Also try Finger Licking Different.

There is no way I can say enough about this book. I am on my 3rd trip through it! I am so impressed with the circuits that Jillian has provided! A definite MUST HAVE for toned shoulders, arms, and abs!

"Making the Cut" by strength trainer Jillian Michaels (NBC's The Biggest Loser) is a clear, no-nonsense 30-day program that targets people who are in good shape already but want to lose the last 20 or fewer pounds and get into fantastic shape! To follow the program, you should already be knowledgeable about weight training. The book is not for those wanting to lose a lot of weight.

The diet is based on her theory about whether you are a slow, balanced, or fast oxidizer. Slow oxidizers need more carbs and fast oxidizers need more protein. The book has three different menus with recipes. The diet is strict, regimented, not vegetarian, and calorie conscious, and requires time and planning. Fast food is not allowed! She provides shopping lists and you cook your own meals. The usual suspects are out - sugar, white flour, etc.

The exercise is aggressive, intensive weight training and cardio. You use free weights, body ball, a step, etc. There are variations of familiar exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, jumping rope, etc.

You begin the program by assessing your metabolic situation - are you a fast, slow, or balanced oxidizer. Then you customize your diet regimen. You also assess your body and fitness level. The author recommends taking photos, body fat measurements, and measurements with a tape measure. She provides fitness tests to evaluate your current condition including a 3-minute step exercise followed by a heart rate measurement test, a test of how many push-ups can you do in a minute, and a test of how many sit-ups can you do in a minute.

The idea is to follow the book precisely and achieve the best body of your life. This is a great book for those who thrive on this type of serious, physically-demanding, regimented (non-vegetarian) diet and exercise program where everything is spelled out. For a life-changing method of weight control, I also recommend THE 3:00 PM SECRET: Live Slim and Strong, Live Your Dreams

I love this book, BUY HER DVDS PEOPLE. I started it, I was huffing, puffing, and wheezing. Seriously I was working out a tonne, running 10 miles a night and not dropping any more weight or inches, but since I got the video I've dropped another 8 lbs (in 3 weeks) and 3 inches off my waist, 2 inches off my chest, an inch off each arm, and 1/2 an inch off each thigh, not to mention 3 inches off my hips. I am burning all over every day, but it is good, and every time I do this workout, I push myself a little harder, dip a little lower, crunch a little harder, and it is still a challenge for me!
Love it love it love it!!

I love Jillian! This is not a book for those looking to lose a lot of weight. It is more for those who want to get ripped! If you follow her program without modifiying it, you will get ripped and see very quick results! She walks the walk as you can see by looking at her!

This amazing book By Jillian Micheals had information in it i never knew about. It was extremely informative. It has everything I was looking for in a fitness book and more. By reading it I've come to realize how fast the fitness world is changing.

I really found Making the Cut a great book with knowledge the general exerciser may not get. She goes into great detail about nutrition and workouts. It is definitely no book for beginners but for those already into fitness and looking for some great workouts, I highly recommend it. The workouts are [...] kicking and will have you crawling out of the gym when done properly. One of the few negatives I did find was with the nutrition plan. Most of the recipes are a bit too complicated for the average working person to deal with and are too time consuming to follow to a T. But the general ideas are great.