Diet Health Books

Multi-dimensional information on body, mind and spirit. I saw this recommended on Oprah and I would also recommend it.

Thought a bit preachy about vegeterarinism. Felt author spend too many chapters on trying to convince the benefits of vegeterian diets. Also recommended people have occasional colonics. A treatment that has been researched and have been not found to release toxins and well as cleaning the colon to prevent diseases. And as a nurse can say that colonics can be harmful and dangerous. This author has no medical background to recommend fasting or any type of so called body detoxification.

This is certainly an important subject; and I applaud people who address the issues adressed in this book; however, Quantum Wellness does not do a good job of explaining the material. The author makes statements; but does not document her findings. This is not a reference book by any means; more a description of her own journey.

I wanted to respond to those reviewrs who have criticized vegan diets and think they are unhealthy. Here is a recent statement made by Dr. McDougall who has supported a plant based diet for years.

Plants--the Original Sources of Protein and Amino Acids

Proteins are made from chains of 20 different amino acids that connect together in varying sequences--similar to how all the words in a dictionary are made from the same 26 letters. Plants (and microorganisms) can synthesize all of the individual amino acids that are used to build proteins, but animals cannot. There are 8 amino acids that people cannot make and thus, these must be obtained from our diets--they are referred to as "essential."

After we eat our foods, stomach acids and intestinal enzymes digest the proteins into individual amino acids. These components are then absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream. After entering the body's cells, these amino acids are reassembled into proteins. Proteins function as structural materials which build the scaffoldings that maintain cell shapes, enzymes which catalyze biochemical reactions, and hormones which signal messages between cells--to name only a few of their vital roles.

Since plants are made up of structurally sound cells with enzymes and hormones, they are by nature rich sources of proteins. In fact, so rich are plants that they can meet the protein needs of the earth's largest animals: elephants, hippopotamuses, giraffes, and cows. You would be correct to deduce that the protein needs of relatively small humans can easily be met by plants.

In regards to buying your meat from farms and ranches that treat animals humanely do so if you can, but realize that most meat is coming from large operations. The Union of Concerned Scientists released a report on how "the U.S. livestock industry has been undergoing a drastic change over the past several decade. Huge CAFO's (confined animal feeding operations) have become the predominant method of raising livestock, and the crowded conditions in these facilities have increased water and air pollution and other types of harm to public health and rural communities.

"A groundbreaking 2006 United Nations report found that raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. Luckily, we can help fix this problem by changing our diet. According to a 2006 study done by researchers at the University of Chicago, most Americans can reduce more greenhouse gas emissions by becoming a vegan than they can by switching to a hybrid electric car. They found that eating a vegan diet prevents the equivalent of 1.5 tons of CO2 emissions every year, more than the 1 ton of CO2 emissions prevented by switching from a typical large sedan to a Toyota Prius."

If you can stomach to really see how the meat on your table is handled while it is still living visit this site: http://www.chooseveg.com/animal-cruelty.asp

How about this fact: Cows have a natural lifespan of about 25 years and can produce milk for eight or nine years, but the stress caused by factory farm conditions leads to disease, lameness, and reproductive problems that render cows worthless to the dairy industry by the time they are four or five years old, at which time they are sent to the slaughterhouse. Cows would naturally make only enough milk to meet the needs of their calves (around 16 pounds a day), genetic manipulation, antibiotics, and hormones are used to force each cow to produce more than 18,000 pounds of milk a year (an average of 50 pounds a day). "

Few consumers realize that veal is a direct by-product of the dairy industry. In order for dairy cows to produce milk, they must be impregnated. While female calves are slaughtered or added to the dairy herd, many male calves are taken from their mothers when they are as young as one day old and chained in tiny stalls to be raised for veal. The confinement is so extreme that they cannot even turn around or lie down comfortably. As author John Robbins notes, "The veal calf would actually have more space if, instead of chaining him in such a stall, you stuffed him into the trunk of a subcompact car and kept him there for his entire life."

Choosing to go vegetarian wasn't that difficult for me. Choosing to go vegan was a lot harder. It isn't convenient but I do believe I eat a better and healthier diet than before. These two quotes along with the video I linked to above really helped push me over the edge in making a change in my diet.

?Choosing to go vegetarian is simply a matter of living according to the values so many of us hold dear, such as being fair and kind to others. Most people would never dream of cramming up to 11 egg-laying hens into a file drawer-sized cage, ripping the testicles out of a screaming baby piglet, or cutting the throat of a cow as she stares back at you with her big brown eyes. How then, as compassionate individuals, can we justify paying others to carry out these atrocities on our behalf?"

"The average vegetarian saves the lives of approximately 95 animals each year. That adds up to thousands during a lifetime. Every time we eat, we are making a powerful choice that has profound consequences on the lives of animals. At each meal, we make a decision between supporting cruelty or living compassionately."

Lastly my husband and I have a wonderful collection of vegan cookbooks. There are a lot of resources that make such a diet very practical.

Add my name to the list. I am now a fan of Kathy Freston and enthusiastically endorse Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness ... a definitive, instructive, and intriguing book on ways each of us on can protect the environment, improve our state of health, and sense of purpose. Her methodology makes it easy for people like me who have difficulty changing bad habits. Lao Tzu, Father of Taoism, once said: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". To me, his philosophy is the essence of this delightful book. The author asks the reader to take small steps while changing bad habits into good ... and then increase the level of difficulty while developing confidence and improving skill levels.

She calls it Quantum Wellness. I call it, a marvelous way to make a difference in the world. She shows the cause and effect we have with plants, the environment, and especially animals. After researching the severe and harsh conditions in which animals are housed, fed, and killed ... I am having a difficult time eating my top sirloin, nowadays. If we are what we eat, I need to eat something else! (The book provides viable alternatives.)

Readers should note the author focuses not on just one aspect of improving one's lifestyle; she gives salient advice on taking care of your spirit, mind, and body (multi-dimensional experience). I have a friend who smokes, drinks alcohol, and is morbidly obese. I asked why she engaged in destructive behavior. She answered: "Because it makes me feel good at the time". The problem with her reasoning is she feels good for a few minutes, only to feel badly for a lifetime. I purchased an extra copy of the book for her. It is a perfect reference source for anyone with low self esteem. All steps in the book will require some sacrifice. However, if you are willing to inconvenience yourself for a few minutes (i.e., exercise thirty minutes daily) I believe you will reap the benefits of Quantum Wellness for a Lifetime. Reviewed by Reginald V. Johnson, Upper Saddle River, NJ

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!

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.

This is an excellent book. Everyone should have this book!
Since I was never taught how to eat healthy and properly as a child, this has given me the tools so I can now eat healthy, feel full and not deprive myself of foods that I like that aren't the greatest for me.

I made my kids read the book too, since I never taught them how to eat properly either.

I like the pictures that compare the volume of foods and ask you.............which one would you rather eat..........the full plate with the proper seasonings or the small plate prepared the way that we are all used to!

I am finding this book difficult to read. I am sure the information is useful, but I find myself struggling to get through it. Having read several healh-fitness-diet related books, this one was disappointing.

I ordered this book from Amazon, and since I start read it I just loved it. I have tried some other diet plan, mainly are South Beach and Artkins. They worked on me, I lost 15 pounds, but I do not think I can continue to do that. I can not eat fruit and my body felt very very tired, and I was in bad mood. I use this volumetrics Eating Plan, I lost weight, the most important is I feel very good and very comfortable. I can eat a lot fruit and every day I feel very satisfied, and I still lose weight. I am doing very good and I feel I can follow this plan for life. The book says this is not a quick fix but a life style change. I really agree. I feel so good so I invite you to try.

I've been watching my weight for years - watching it go up, and up, and up. Until I found this book and it's companion, The Volumetrics Weight Control Plan, I was bogged down by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. Now - not so much. It didn't turn me into a food saint overnight, but it made me look at what I was eating and choose better ways to pack everything I really liked in 1800 calories a day. I started doing that, and I started losing weight immediately. This eating plan (hate saying the word "die-it") really works, and kids, if it works for me - the self-pitying fat lady - it'll work for you. It's got great recipes and sound medical research to back up the premise. It's not flashy or glitzy. She's not trying to sell supplements or miracle cures. She just tells you how to feel full on fewer calories. There's nothing revolutionary about the science, just the presentation. If you want to lose weight permanently - this is the books, kids. You'll feel full, eat all those things you love, and lose weight. Honest!

The Volumetrics Eating Plan is not a short-term diet book, but provides recipes and ideas on how to eat for the long term. It shows you how to eat fewer calories by making what you eat less calorie dense. It does this by focusing on foods with high water and fiber content. The Volumetrics approach emphasizes foods with a low "energy density," (calories) that are high in water content such as fruits, vegetables, and soups. The idea is that low-calorie, high-water, high-fiber foods generally make you feel full faster so you consume fewer calories overall. The author's research shows that by emphasizing these high-water content, low-calorie-dense foods, a person feels satisfied on many fewer calories per day.

The diet is balanced in terms of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, and does not eliminate food groups. The author divides foods into 4 categories based on whether a food has less, equal, or more calories per serving than its weight in grams. Category 1 foods should be emphasized and Category 4 foods should be eaten in small quantities. Category 1 foods include such foods as non-starchy fruits and veggies, nonfat milk, and broth-based soups; Category 2 foods include starchy fruits and veggies, grains, cereals, beans, legumes, and low-fat meats; Category 3 foods include meats, cheeses, pizzas, French fries, breads, cakes, and ice cream; and Category 4 foods include crackers, chips, candies, cookies, butter, nuts, and oils. The Volumetrics eating plan allows you to eat your favorite foods occasionally so that you don't feel too deprived and go off the program.

Included in the book are menu planners and 125 recipes with color photographs. The book also provides worksheets for tracking your food intake and weight. Examples of recipes include: Baked Berry French Toast, Vegetable Party Platter, Sesame Mushroom Kebobs, Corn and Tomato Chowder, Minestrone Soup, Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Wraps, Charlie's Greek Salad, Tangy Cole Slaw, Tabbouleh, Balsamic Dressing, Minted Broccoli, Ratatouille, Tofu Pad Thai, Nouveau Lamb Stew, Shrimp Creole, Chicken Parmesan, Risotto Primavera, The Aristotle Pizza, and Maple Crème Caramel.

The content of the book includes:
1. Welcome to Volumetrics
2. Your Personal Weight Management Plan
3. Breakfast
4. Appetizers, Starters, and Snacks
5. Soups
6. Sandwiches and Wraps
7. Salads and Salad Dressings
8. Vegetables and Vegetarian Dishes
9. Meats
10. Fish and Shellfish
11. Poultry
12. Beans, Rice, and Grains
13. Pasta and Pizza
14. Desserts and Fruit
15. Your Personal Eating Plan

Barbara Rolls is a professor and nutritionist who worked with the National Institutes of Health, and is well qualified to write this book. The menu is structured and could be time-consuming, yet this should be a good plan for slow and steady weight reduction if you are motivated to put the time into it. It is based on emphasizing low-calorie, high-fiber, high-water-content foods in order to slowly reduce your caloric intake and allow you to lose weight and keep it off. I also recommend a companion book, THE 3:00 PM SECRET: Live Slim and Strong, Live Your Dreams

Prescription for Nutritional Healing is a very informative and easy to follow guide book. It not only offers information for you to discern on your own, you can follow up on the the information they give you to double check it for your self-It has been quite helpful and true to diagnoses. I would recommend it for reading just to be informed on what is going on with our own bodies, even if you have no symptons to treat !

book bugger

This book is written for the layman in explaining what the disease is, what the mineral , vitamin , amino acid, water, herb is and how to use it --it has been divided into sections. with all allphabetized -- I started with the 3rd edition and then when the 4th edition came out grabbed that one --I have given quite a number of this book as gifts to family and friends --it is well worth the money and time for your health and understanding of your body --stay happy and healthy - get this book

I highly recommend this book. I have three children, and I use this book to look things up all the time. It covers many health issues and gives great recommendations.

This is really a helpful and clearly written reference book worth having. It was recommended to me by numerous others. The fourth edition is out but I didn't find much difference and the third edition was available at a great price.

A great book with a wealth of information in it. Every household should have one. I refer to it as the "fat book" because it has 868 pages in it, almost 300 pages more than the 2nd Edition. I highly recommend this book! Buy it!

This book was very easy to read and understand. It had a wealth of information in it. I would recommend it to anyone who has any questions and wants answers about the thyroid gland. The book gives some great programs for you to follow.

I was very disappointed in this book. Didn't feel that I learned anything that I didn't already know.

This doctor goes very in-depth in his explanations of symptoms and how the thyroid works, but he is never talking over your head. He explains in easy-to-understand language how the thyroid works and what happens when it doesn't. This book has caused me to search for a new endocrinologist who is as concerned for his/her patient's overall health as Dr Arem. I recommend this book to all who are suffering from thyroid disease, even if you have had it for a long time. You will learn something new about your disease and it's treatment.

I had severe (tsh 337.85) hypothyroidism by the time I was diagnosed. This is the only author that I've seen that even mentioned some of the things that I experienced. I think that this doctor has a real feel for what the thyroid patient goes through.

After 11 years with hypothyroidism, this book finally answered all of my questions. If your lab tests say you're normal, but you don't feel normal, this book explains it ALL. Highly recommend!

This book has helped me figure out what my doctor has been testing me for in a easy to understand language. I am not through the whole book yet but will definately keep as reference book.

I love Dr. Arem! He gave me my life back. I read his previous edition of this same book a long time ago. I found out things about Hashimoto's that none of my previous Endocrinologists seemed to know. I was stunned at how much an imbalanced thyroid can effect your body. I was also intrigued by his different approach to T 4 and T 3. I had very poor health back then, so I managed to get an appointment with Dr. Arem. It turned out that my thyroid levels were not being controlled right and he fixed it for me. Then he went on fixing my health by diagnosing me with many other conditions outside of his field like Celiac Disease that so many other Doctors missed. Thanks to the genius of Dr. Arem I have my health back and it all started with me buying this book. He is the only Doctor I trust implicitly. I frequently recommend to everyone I know with Celiac Disease and Thyroid problems or anyone who just simply suspects they have a hormonal imbalance to go see this man. For those of you who do not live in this area of the country do the next best thing and buy this updated and new edition!

This writer's medical background is clearly demonstrated in this thorough, thoughtful, useful book on the thyroid and what can go wrong with it. If you have a thyroid condition (or fear that you might) you need to read this book.

For more than 10 years since 1990 I had a debilitating mismanaged thyroid illness as a result of Graves' disease. One of the many sources I sought was Dr. Arem's book, The Thyroid Solution. This book has very good information. Dr. Arem clearly knows what he is talking about and most importantly he communicates this information in words and concepts that are easily understood. For excerpts from many thyroid articles go to [...]. You don't have to live with a bad thyroid anymore. Take action today.

After receiving radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism, I experienced a near-complete emotional and mental breakdown soon after: I could not stop crying; I had vivid, violent nightmares; it was extremely difficult to get up in the morning; I had no control over my emotions, and I picked fights with my boyfriend almost constantly. The "possible slight depression" I was warned about in hypothyroid pamphlets from my doctor was much different than what I was experiencing... In my mind, I was going crazy--and I didn't know what to do. A friend came across this book and it was only then that I realized my symptoms were related to severe hypothyroidism and I went in to see my doctor sooner.

My RAI treatment had taken effect very quickly and my thyroid levels were extremely low, which explained my symptoms. Doctors like to warn you that you may "gain weight," an easy physical symptom, but they do not warn you that you may feel like you are losing your mind.

I have struggled with thyroid disease for 18 years, having a sub-total thyroidectomy in my teens for hyperthyroidism, only to have the disease recur in my early thirties. The endocrinologists I have seen during this time treated me based on my TSH, T3 and T4 levels from blood tests--but they never explained to me the level at which my emotional and mental health depends on the balance of these levels. I realize now how dangerous it is to give patients incomplete information.

This book connects the endocrine system to the whole person: the physical, mental and emotional health, with the physical, mental and emotional everyday life of the patient. Without an understanding and an explanation to the patient of these synergies, medicinal treatment alone becomes inadequate and the patient suffers.

If you have thyroid disease or plan to undergo RAI or surgery for treatment, please prepare yourself and read this book. You'll be glad you did.

I am very happy for the Boutenko family's new found health and hope that their story is true. This book felt like a lengthy high-pressure sale and was not enlightening or even that interesting. I expected to read about the health benefits of the raw or live food lifestyle, but instead found page upon page of advertisement for the VitaMix Blender. The last quarter of the book is filled with "testimonials" from folks happily using the VitaMix Blender. If you are looking for nutrition information or live food recipes, you will not find them here.

I have to say that the reviewers comments below is not one that is Accurate or Fair. This book is in no way selling or recommending any product(s)!

I've read this book and given copies to friends and family. The book is filled with facts about green smoothies that is absolutely incredible.
Victoria has poured lots of research into presenting a great testament to the benefits of green smoothies.

While most of these smoothies are made from kale, spinach, dandelion, or chard, they are incredibly delicious. The results of drinking these smoothies, can be seen and felt. Victoria clearly does not claim to be anything other than a researcher. But to her credit she has taken her family to new health heights and offers readers the same opportunity.

Having just attended a presentation by Victoria where covers much of the material in this book, I can say that she is living proof of being Green for Life!

This book will be (and is already) a classic!

I found this book an answer to having better health habits and a good way to include my family. I especially like that the author did all the research and came up with this book. It was wonderful! I have already advised all my friends to buy,read and use the materials. My goal this year is to be more healthy than every before!

This book has changed my life. It turned on the light bulb to being
a smarter eater and consumer of greens. Every morning my wife and I have a green smoothie and our health has only changed for the better. This book was not only an easy read but a great eye opener. I would definitely suggest the purchase of this book.

For years, I have had the "knowledge" in regards to eating more raw healthy foods, but cravings have gotten in the way of the type of success I've dreamed of. Victoria changed my perspective by showing we can focus our concentration on good health by drinking delicious green smoothies. The cravings are fading faster than I could have imagined. IN addition, I turned my neighbor on to this book. She came for a visit after two weeks of green smoothies, and said she was eternally grateful, let me know that out of all the things I've done for her, turning her on to this book was the greatest. Drinking the smoothies have already changed her life on every level. Get this book to see how easy improving you health can be.

The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five-Step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss very informative

This is a really well-written book with practical advice for those of us who may not be ready to go 100% raw. I found it very inspirational!

I've been trying to go raw for 6 months now, and I continue to mess up. This books offers a practical plan for eating healthy for life. It divides your challenge into achievable goals. If you already feel like you are eating as healthy as you possibly can, then this book is not for you. But if you need improvement (no you may not achieve the greatness of vegans or raw foodist) you will find yourself eating better than before and actually thinking about what you eat and when---without being overwhelmed because you change in steps.

I am new to the world of raw food and if you are too, this book is an excellent place to get started...in fact, it will carry you from where you are currently with your eating all the way to totally raw, if that's where you want to go. A questionnaire will help you decide at which of 5 levels you should start with the program, so don't get freaked out if you are currently subsisting on Big Macs and diet Coke...you don't necessarily have to do a 180 right off the bat. The book is filled with excellent information and rationales as to WHY this is a desireable way to eat, and anyone should be able to ease in to it. The recipes are wonderful, and you won't have to be buying rare, exotic foods in order to make it work. A juicer is recommended, and I bought the one the author suggests. It is amazing. Simply, if you are wanting to explore the world of raw eating, start with this book. I think you will be very pleasantly surprised at how easy it can be to incorporate!

I have now been following this "diet" for about a month. I hate to call it a diet because I feel it is a change for life. I am eating raw for breakfast (usually "juice" and fruit, and for lunch as well with a cooked dinner. I have found it to be easy to follow and maintain. I crave the recommended green lemonade in the morning, and have the gazpacho for lunch at least every other day - DELICIOUS. I feel healthy, lean and have a ton of energy. How could anyone argue with eating more fruits and veggies? The food combining takes a little practice and thought, but I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a healthier way of eating with a bonus of shedding pounds!

This journal allows one to record everything pertinent to a healthy diet and fitness routine. There's room for food, vitamins, exercise, and water intake. I tend to resist journals, but this one is so easy that I use it.

I love this journal. It accomodates any diet plan and has room enough to really include everything you eat for 3 meals and 3 snacks per day. It has a place for the vitamins you take and for the exercise you do, and boxes to count off 8 8-oz. glasses of water. I don't use the columns for calories, fat grams, etc. but just write across the page. My food plan is from "YOU on a Diet" so I don't need to count those things. I use the untitled boxes on the side to count "dairy" and "nuts". I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to keep a food journal for whatever reason.

I was very pleased with this journal. It was very easy to use and helped me stay on track. I have recommended it to quite a few people who find it tiresome to keep a journal. I love it and will be ordering more.

I have bought about 50 of these for my weight loss group. It has about 90 pages to record individual days of eating. It has sections for breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and snacks as well as a section to record exercise. It has a section to "do the math" which is a place to add up all the calories for the day. It has 3 pages for planning and setting goals. It is very well organized and easy to use. I highly recommend it for recording your eating and exercise daily.

Easy and effective way for me to lose 15-20 lbs. I follow the diet plan in the book Strong Women Stay Slim by Miriam E. Nelson PH.D and record my portions in The Dietminder. The portion plan in Strong Women is easier for me to follow instead of counting calories. I have it taped onto the Dietminder's back pages as my guide and for easy access. The columns are D as in Dairy instead of Calories, X for Extras instead of Fat grams, Grains are my Carbs, Protein is Protein and V for Vegtables instead of Fiber and F for Fruits in the last blank space. I list the allowed Daily amount under each column, subtract throughout the day. Bless them both for creating the program and the tool.

Four years ago we did the South Beach diet. I lost 30 pounds which I have been able to keep off for these four years. My wife did't do quite as well, but she has always felt better and had fewer incidents of acid stomach using these recipes. We constantly return to the diet because we feel better, but one of the problems of the early diet was the lack of nice and easy recipes. The first week of the diet is a chanllenge to the cook. These recipes are actually good and make the diet easier. We use them freqeuntly with guests and are asked to share the recipe. Basically they help us stay within the parameters of healthy eating advocated by the South Beach diet. We recommend this cook book whether or not you are on the diet.

The recipes in this book are awesome (& you don't have to limit them to just summertime)! Meals are so flavorful & there's enough variety to satisfy any mood or pallette. I'm not very creative so tend to get in a rut with my meals, eating the same few things over & over, so it was fun to break out of that rut & be adventurous. So far I've found the recipes to be easy to follow & I've amazed myself that I was able to put together things that were so delicious! (Wow, that came out of MY kitchen?!) Friends & family are quite impressed! Even the salad dressings were so good! I was just going to use something bottled but thought I'd try one & it was so easy to make so now I use freshly made almost exclusively. My only complaint is that I've found a few of the ingredients difficult to find (my supermarket doesn't carry jicama, for example), but these recipes sure do make it easy & pleasurable to incorporate fresh, healthy meals into your life.

Great receipes- so good I can serve them to my family and friends and they never know they are eaing healthy. It's not your typical diet plan- it is a way to improve and incorporate healthy eating into your lifestyle.

I serve these receipes and no one would ever think they were diet receipes.

Lots of yummy recipes for those hot summer days when you don't feel like cooking. Definately will keep me on track for the summer.

I have tried about 6 recipes in this book. So far, everything has been well received by my family. The recipes are easy to prepare and are wonderfully refreshing during these warm summer days.