Diet Health Books

a well-researched and concrete book i contstantly recommend to anyone interested in food, weight or health. probably my all-time favorite read in the generalized 'health' category.
also changed the way i view the obese and helped me overcome my own eating issues. a truly wonderful book.

The book challenges many widely established beliefs on dieting, controlling weight, and obesity on the basis of a review of research on the topic (some of which has not received as much attention as it deserved because it did not fit current expectations and industry interests). The book does not suggest a path to shed any extra pounds, but makes you think about your personal and our societal relationship with weight, obesity and thinness.

Most books on diet and weight control, and there are hundreds, fall into one of two categories: research-based but narrowly focused and selective in order to promote a specific point of view; or completely opinion-based and hyping some fad or promoting a product (which may be the book itself). Rethinking Thin falls into the first category.

Author Gina Kolata, a New York Times science reporter, contends that being "overweight" has been oversold as a health problem. She correctly criticizes the hugely profitable "diet industry" for capitalizing on people's belief that they can and should try to change what they weigh. Her major argument is that people have little control over their weight and that, like height, it is mostly biologically determined through a poorly understood interaction of heredity and environment.

I agree with Kolata that being overweight is not necessarily a medical problem and also agree with her criticism of dieting, but I disagree with her emphasis on how little effect our behavioral choices have on the outcome. For example, she writes, "It must be that free will, when it comes to eating, is an illusion." She throws out the baby "willpower" with the bathwater of self-blame and shame. The problem, as I see it, is not with willpower but with the misuse of it in trying to comply with worthless diet plans and attempting to achieve unrealistic goals.

For some people there is a major genetic and/or biochemical component to their difficulty in maintaining the weight they desire. Ongoing research concerning the roles of leptin, ghrelin, insulin, and many other hormones in regulating body weight and hunger demonstrates that some obese individuals (perhaps as many as 5% or more) may have genetic mutations affecting their ability to control their appetite. Related lines of research indicate there are biological forces that make it difficult for most people to lose weight once it has been gained. Such evidence suggests that once fat tissue accumulates, a system of overlapping neurological and hormonal mechanisms works to prevent it from diminishing. Even so, most of us do have a significant degree of control over our eating and activity level, and this means we have some control over what we weigh.

Here are some relevant lines of research that Kolata essentially ignores:

* The important role of "non-exercise activity thermogenesis" (NEAT) in determining what we weigh;
* The thousands of success stories of people who have lost significant weight (and kept it off) through conscious control of eating and activity (this may be a small percentage of the overweight population, but a significant group);
* The proven role of social networks and support systems in affecting our weight and lifestyle choices;
* Exciting research (using sophisticated neuro-imaging) which shows how and where the "conscious" brain exerts influence on our eating and impulse control (including the role of "won't power");
* Extensive research on consumer behavior when it comes to food choice, portion control, and automatic eating behavior;
* Research on stages of self-change and willpower fatigue (and ways to increase self-control and overcome learned helplessness).

Kolata concludes her book with this statement, which is a bit pessimistic in tone, but also offers realistic hope for people who are interested in taking action toward improving their health: "The lesson is, once again, that no matter what the diet and no matter how hard they try, most people will not be able to lose a lot of weight and keep it off. They can lose a lot of weight and keep it off briefly, they can lose some weight and keep it off for a longer time, they can learn to control their eating, and they can learn the joy of regular exercise. Those who do best tend to be those who learn to gauge portions and calories and to keep their houses as free as possible of food they cannot resist. The effort, the lifelong effort, can be rewarding - people say they feel much better for it. But true thinness is likely to elude them."

This book is depressing. Its general mood is doomed but interesting. Yes there are plenty of studies, and this is important in a diet book, however they are all inconclusive or opposing another study presented. Gina must have said, in some format, "don't even bother losing weight you will just put it back on" at least 100 times. Another mantra emphasized "your body has a special weight and it is not up to you". Although there is some element of truth in this, it should have been in a complete logical phrase such as "If your body is at a predisposition to gain weight, and that is greater than your mental willpower to change and keep a diet that promote a healthy body THEN you will be doomed to whatever that body type is". I would have expected more complete logical statements from a mathematician.

I lost about 40 lbs, improved my life, and became smarter all through becoming interested in weight-loss / fitness. Nothing makes me more excited than to talk with someone who wants to lose weight and change their life. This book is the antithesis of self motivation for weight loss. So if you are overweight and would like to add depressed and doomed to that, buy the book!

If I hadn't already lost 80 lbs (and kept them off several years) before I read this book, I probably would give up all hope of ever becoming slim. Even so, the weekend I read this book, I was depressed . . . it took me a couple of days to shake off the drearies.

This book is, IMO, one-sided. It extensively quotes diet researchers who tend to believe that weight cannot be lost permanently, and ignores the growing body of knowledge from (for example) individuals in the National Weight Control Registry, who have learned how to change their lifestyles (as I have), and who advocate a moderate and sensible approach to weight control.

Ladies and gentlemen, despite what you read in this book, weight control is indeed possible, if you ditch the "diet" mentality, as well as the guilt over eating favorite foods upon occasion -- and move your body. Weight control isn't all salads and rabbit food, and it's not all-or-nothing. You CAN have your cake, and eat it, too . . . just not every day, and not in humongous portions. You don't have to give up any one food, or class of foods, and you don't have to starve yourself.

We've all heard of numerous diets that claim that you can lose weight in a few weeks, but then we realize that we can easily gain the weight back after the diets are done. Keeping the weight off is half the battle of weight loss, and it can be frustrating to regain all the weight. Thankfully, Chantel Hobbs provides a wonderful solution to this problem with her "Never Say Diet" program. The program works efficiently because it does not make ridiculous demands from people and allows gradual, healthy weight loss and because it provides a way for people to keep the weight off.

I myself have experienced this weight loss, as I began to change my lifestyle on March 29. Since then, I have lost a little bit over 20 pounds, and I feel much better and much less tired. Before I started to eat right, I ate two dinners almost daily and probably ate more than 3000 calories daily; I also did not exercise. I had been completely ignorant of how much I was eating a day until Chantel helped me realize and learn how much I should eat after she taught me to restrict my daily caloric intake to 1500 calories a day. Along with exercise, this has helped me greatly lose over 20 pounds and about 3-4% body fat.

Chantel's book will inspire you. If her responses to excuses for not dieting aren't enough, her story and her experiences are sure to move you. They are so poignant that they helped me realize that I was completely capable of losing weight all along. I had always blamed my failures of weight loss on a "bad" metabolism until I lost 20 pounds due to the program. I did have some nadirs in my determination, but Chantel quickly addressed those times by saying that one must remind himself/herself how miserable he/she was when he/she was fat. Chantel constantly stresses that we are not on a diet, as the title explicitly states. She provides the inspiration to help people achieve goals that they probably did not think were possible before, and she helps people on the way to a healthier life.

Chantel Hobbs has accomplished an superb feat - she's reduced her body weight by 200 pounds. That is like TWO of me!!! Her suggestions are healthy, doable and easy to comprehend. I feel a sense of balance in her writing.

She has received criticism for having supplemental cosmetic surgery (breast lift). While my weight loss experience didn't require any additional corrections, I can empathize with anyone who finds they need additional assistance and support (no pun). After releasing 200 pounds, skin sagging alone can require surgery.

I enjoyed reading about her fitness journey. Upon finishing the book, I was left with a feeling of motivation, enthusiasm and gratitude.

I saw Chantel on the Today show and thought she seemed really down to earth. I bought the book from Amazon and literally could not put it down! I laughed and cried as I read through her experiences.....so similar to mine! It was really like she was there cheering me on to do the workouts. I have started the phase one portion and feel absoutely fantastic. I would reccomend this book to anyone wanting inspiration to get started on a health and fitness routine - she doesn't offer any off the wall advice - just practical and doable stuff - you will be so glad you read it!

After hearing Chantel on Oprah and then reading her book, I am now going on the right track and not thinking DIET! Remember.....if you lose weight it can always find you, therefore, you need to get rid of the weight for good! I also highly recommend another great book for women that will make you look stunning! How to be a Super Hot Woman: 339 Tips to Make Every Man Fall in Love with You and Every Woman Envy You My friend recently gave me a copy of this book for my birthday. I couldn't put it down. I loved how my husband began to respond to me in such loving ways, but even more was how being a woman became a brand new, exciting adventure.

This was a very good book. Chantel does a great job getting the message across in a very simple yet powerful way. I love the fact that she is not another "guru" out there pretending that if you just had more will power you could lose the weight. She is a real person with very real struggles that all of us can relate to. She really helps you "get it". You can finally make the necessary changes to lose the weight for good. READ THIS BOOK!!!!!! It has made a huge impact in my life and I know it will do the same for you!

I am very disappointed in this purchase.

The author initially presents some very basic information in the first 2 chapters which sounded far more like Eat Right for your Type. Then, she goes into tedious detail about antiquated diet programs - many of which had nothing to do with acid/alkaline balance. She then presented "solutions" for common ailments that frequently contradicted the initial info presented. For example, on one page, my "type" is supposed to avoid lemon juice, vinegar and leafy greens but those make repeated appearances in the solutions section.

It seemed like she couldn't decide what kind of "diet" this should be - raw foods, metabolic type, food allergy etc. The case studies and information regarding indigenous peoples of various regions were distracting & did not seem to have much to do with the acid/alkaline issue.

I was specifically looking for a program that gave me at a minimum a list of helpful foods or foods to avoid but this was a confusing patchwork of poorly-organized information.

Also, some of the suggestions for raw meat, raw eggs, raw milk and raw butter etc. fly in the face of recent food scares. I know many who swear by raw milk but it is illegal in my state and there are other ways to get enzymes without risk of e-coli or salmonella.

I nearly fell out of my chair when she mentioned by name an ephedra-based diet pill (used by one of her clients) that is now illegal in the US. Furthermore, citing a client who is still morbidly obese, takes unhealthy diet pills and follows fad 1-meal/day plans as a success shoots down what little remaining credibility the author might have had (IMHO).

I am going to the health food store to look at other acid/alkaline books before making another purchase. I would strongly caution anyone considering this title to thumb through it first.

While this book contained some useful information, it did not address my purpose of buying the book. I was looking for a lists of foods that were alkaline and acid forming, and various diet plans. In it's place the book contained too many medical historys of clients the author has seen, their treatment, and improvement. For whatever reasons, I rarely find this type of information useful, and feel it is simply a way to fill up pages of a book.

Overall, I didn't find the book "user friendly" either.

This book has such excellent research for a person who wants to have a happier healthy life from disease so there are good suggestions in how to change one's lifestyle for healthier living

I have done extensive research in Acid Alkaline eating theories. I think this book should be called "Eating for Your Blood Type" instead of its Acid Alkaline title. They are two very different theories. The author talks a lot in the two beginning chapters about various supportive research for ridding your body of acids to try to improve your overall health. Then she provides a couple simple of tests (that may make you sick) to find out your metabolic type.

There is a thorough explanation of Dr. William Donald Kelley's theory of metabolic food typing from the 1970s. According to the book, Dr. Kelley has much luck in reversing chronic diseases based on his assumptions. The book suggests two options for quick tests to figure out your metabolic type: 1) Swallow 50 milligrams of niacin on an empty stomach. If, within a half-hour, your skin turns red and you feel very, very hot and itchy, he believes you have a meat-eating metabolism. Warmer and better color in your face, he believes you have a balanced metabolism. If you don't feel anything, he feels you have a grain-eating metabolism. 2) If you want to confirm the first test, he suggests you take 8 grams of vitamin C a day for 3 days in a row. If you feel depressed, lethargic, exhausted, and irritable, or if you are a woman and experience vaginal irritation, you suggests you have a meat-eating metabolism. If you don't notice a change, he suggests you have a balanced metabolism. But if you feel an improvement -- more energy, better quality of sleep -- he suggests you have a grain-eating metabolism.

Much of the rest of the book hinges on the diagnosis of the above tests -- which sound scary to put yourself through. I don't want to consciously make myself red, hot, itchy, depressed, lethargic, etc. So I felt cautious after reading this section in chapter 1.

I read chapter 2 and then went to the specific section of the book with my "medical condition" as suggested by the author. My condition is obesity. That chapter describes a case study of an obese 17-year-old girl for whom the author prescribed treatments. The girl, Cheryl, started off at 350 pounds. After following the author's advice, the girl stabilized at 270 pounds. The thing that alarmed me was the author's suggestions for weight loss. Here is her list from p. 72-73. She wants you to eat or use the following: Nearly raw potatoes, ice pack on lower abdomen, raw honey, raw milk and butter, raw beefsteak, avocadoes and bananas, Vitamin E, ChitoPlex, coconut and flaxseed oil, raw carrots, ACIDIC FOODS, bland foods, several small meals, blackstrap-lemon drink, ice water. I've capped the word "acidic foods" because it is in complete contradiction with the author's book subtitle "An Innovative Program for Ridding Your Body of Acidic Wastes". She wants you to eat acidic foods to reduce your hunger. But that is completely antithetical to the title of the book and the introduction. Why would I take in more acidic foods only to have to work to neutralize them and eliminate them later? Note that she pulls all her informaton from other doctors and does not have a medical degree herself. Her book jacket describes her as an "adjunct professor at City College in New York and an alternate health consultant". I wish I could talk to Cheryl and share with her some of the information I've gotten from other books on diet and nutrition. I'm sorry to say I think the author has given her some good advice and combined it with some very bad advice.

Buyer/Reader beware! I think this author should do some more research. I think this book could be very dangerous to the quality of health of anyone follows her advice 100%.

Although this book has some useful information it is not as the title suggest. It is not a "diet" book. I bought this book because my husband and I are trying to change our diet to a more PH balanced way of living. We have already found that by balancing the PH levels we can all but eliminated acid reflux. When I saw this book I thought it would have a list of alkaline and acidic foods and a diet plan to follow. This book is nothing more than testimony as to what vitamins you should take in order to achieve better health. The test that is referred to is nothing more than taking a supplement on an empty stomach, waiting for results and translating how red you are into the meat eater, grain eater or combo of the two. So again, while there is some useful information I would not have bought this book had I had a chance to flip through it before hand.

You've just been diagnosed with type II diabetes. You're scared, confused, etc. This is the book to buy to help you through it. It goes through all the technical, medical jargon and makes it understandable to you, then gives you clear cut ways to improve your situation. Is changing your lifestyle easy? Nope, but then again, nothing worth having/doing is easy. I can tell you, though, that if you follow the directions in this book, not only will you not be hungry, but you will feel healthier than you ever have in your life. At least I do...and so do many of my co-workers, friends, etc, who follow Atkins. You really have nothing to lose.

I gave this to a friend who has diabetes and she said that it is very helpful.

This diet is not for everyone; check with your doctor before starting.

My friend and I have been on this diet for about five weeks, and in that time I have lost 13 pounds and she has lost nine pounds. Be prepared to spend at least $400.00 the first month, then after the first month, it does not cost as much, as some things will be deleted from the menu, items that you may not care that much for and you can still stay in range of the amount of carb intake. The only problem we found is that the portion size for the meat is not mentioned, but we just used four ounces when meat was involved. We are on the 20 carb a day diet and at first you think that that is not enough, but after a few days, we found that we do not get hungry when we were not on this diet, and mostly the craving for food has disappeared. I would highly recommend this diet, and I am planning to follow it until I lose at least 40 pounds, then just eat sensibly from then on. I have already stopped taking Glucotrol, which one of the side effects is weight gain, and every week my sugars are dropping, and within the next four months I plan on not even being a diabetic any more, that is my goal.

I have found that the Atkins low carb diet is able to control my blood sugars and has allowed me to decrease my medications. I Think Dr. Atkins ideas are perfect for anyone with pre-diabetes or diabetes type 1 or type 2. Along with this, I also recommend Dr. Bernsteins books, The Diabetes Diet, and The Diabetes Solution. All are geared to us learning to monitor our sugars and eat accordingly. I have felt healthier, and my blood sugars are within a normal range since following the recommendations in the book. I highly recommend it, and wish the medical community would open their eyes to the results of following a low carb diet! After putting up with an awful cycle of being told to eat complex carbs, and watching my blood sugar increase from even oatmeal, and having my medications increased so I could eat the carbs the medical profession was telling me I needed, I finally found these books and learned. My blood sugars are almost normal now and my energy is great! Again, I cannot recommend these books enough to anyone who has pre-diabetes or diabetes.

"Death By Supermarket" is a five star book. The author's Grandma, the first healthy eater in the family, who is quoted a number of times in the book, would be proud of her Granddaughter. Even though Grandma was seen as the family oddball, she stuck to her beliefs and eventually passed them on to her Granddaughter Nancy.

For years my philosophy concerning food has been to "Let your food be your medicine bottle." To finally have an author echo these beliefs and gives additional insight as to how to walk them out is truly refreshing. We should shop for fresh, locally grown foods as much as possible. When going to the supermaket, we are to shop the outside isles of the store, where the whole foods such s meats, eggs, dairy,fuits and vegies are found. You want to stick with whole grains, whcih haven't had all the nutrients processed out of them as have refined grains, with only a few of those nutrients being replaced with synthetic vitamins, etc. It's also important to buy 100% free range meat, dairy and eggs, which don't have growth hormones or antibiotics, aren't crowded into farm factory facilites or fed species inappropriate food and are slaughtered most humanly. It's also important to purchase Alaskan Salmon, which isn't full of mercury and other toxic industrial waste contaminents. As Chief Seattle said, "How we treat the land, we treat ourselves." This is also true of how we treat our animals.

The whole food always contains various nutrients in the proper amounts that work as a team to nourish your body. Some of these nutrients haven't even been discovered yet. You definately can't seperate one or even several of these nutrients from the whole food and receive the same nutritional benefit. Also different foods are high in different nutrients, which is why you need to eat a variety of whole foods from all of the three main food groups, fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Having said that, much of our soils have become nutritionally depleted, becuase of unwise farming practices and so you want to purchase organic grains and produce when that is possible. You also want to eat the freshest food possible. Wilted organic produce, which has been shipped long distances and sat for extended periods of time on the supermarket shelf is unhealthy at any price. You are better off purchasing really fresh non organic produce.

Nancy's message really needs to be read and embraced by every American, especially those with the strongest Puritan ethics, who really believe that food isn't meant to be savoured or celebrated. Our Creator gives us all things richly to enjoy. Mouth watering real food is meant to be eaten with gratefulness, leisurely enjoyed with family and friends as the good gift that it is to us from an all loving God. Also our bodies are more than a machine, and food is more than the fuel. Our bodies are a fearfully and wonderfully made creation and food is a gift meant to enjoyed as it nourishes us.

I have read MANY books on health/nutrition, but few are as effective at getting the message across while still being enjoyable to read. I loved the pace and style and honesty of the book. I didn't want it to end, as I found it motivating to read a bit each day. You will not be disappointed with this book. It would be a great gift for those you love, as well.

Nancy Deville is a medical writer who became alarmed at the national upward trends regarding obesity and other health problems of the general American public. In her researches she uncovered an unpleasant truth -- the food industry has a significant responsibility for what is happening to American public health. The result of her research is "Dead By Supermarket" in which she reveals the benefits of real food while exposing the health risks of eating factory foods, serial dieting, taking drugs. Of special note is what Deville discovered concerning the intrigue, corruption, and simple ineptness within the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Using sold research to show just how the government and the medical community collude in the propagation of disastrous nutritional advice, "Death By Supermarket" is a vital and necessary call to action on both a personal and a political level. Informed and informative, "Death By Supermarket" needs to be on the Health & Medicine shelves of every community library in the country -- and considered an essential study for health and nutrition advocates, as well as non-specialist general readers with an interest in personal and public health.

Once in awhile, if you're really lucky, a book comes along that will change your life. Death By Supermarket is one of those books. Initially,I was curious about it because of its intriguing title and now I'm a huge fan and supporter of its message. I have always eaten pretty well--or so I thought--but so much has changed after reading this book.I eat only real food now--foods that have been picked, fished, hunted, and milked. i have completely turned my back on "factory foods," imitation, fake food with ingredients on the label that can't even be pronounced. You've heard of a "fast food nation." Well, i think we have become a "factory food nation," and it has to stop. Reading this book motivates one to stop eating the processed junk and the fake this and that. It's the best diet book out there--and it isn't a diet book! If you eat real food, you will never have to diet again and your body will return to its normal weight. Nancy Deville is an amazing woman with a very important message for all of us. Death By Supermaket is a page turner!
P.S. Don't drink diet colas and don't eat splenda!

I am only half-way through Death by Supermarket and it is already having a profound effect. I am purging my house of high fructose corn syrup and aspartame for starters. I've lost 6 pounds in two weeks without even thinking about dieting. I just finished the chapter on factory milk and have curtailed my consumption. The line about drinking dead pus was what did it for me. My sons and wife are waiting impatiently for me finish the book and pass it along. There should be a copy of this book in every home.

This was an objective overview of the history of Chia. Not a recipe or how-to book. A bit on the academic side but I enjoyed it. Also enjoy using chia as a supplement.

Have read all the chia information on the web. This book gives you the history, the facts and why chia is so important in the diet - both ours and animals. The authors compare chia to other sources of omega-3 and then discuss why chia is a better source. If you are interested in your health this is a must read.

With 37 pages of documented references, Ayerza and Coates have established credibility with their findings of this old (but new) kid on the Essential Fatty Acid (EFA market. Chia seed, as well as hemp seed, is going to be a valuable source of EFAs in the not too distant future. Our waters are just too polluted and manufacturers too unscrupulous to keep up the facade that fish is the only source for the omega-3s our body needs. Ayerza and Coates goes into much detail on such subjects as the paradox of hunger and abundance; the importance of EFAs and the best sources of them as well as fats in general; why chia seed is one of the best sources of EFAs and many other nutrients; a detailed history of chia and where it seems to grow best (southern Mexico); the history of the Aztec people and their use of the seed; the various varieties and how to recognize them; and the oil's contribution to the preservation of art. The book also includes valuable tables of information and concludes with marketing ideas. Although the seed is a much needed food item, I fear that it can easily be exploited by manufacturers who see the value of the seed for other reasons than food. In this day and age of widespread hunger, food in general and good food (like chia and hemp seed) in particular, remains at the bottom of legislative concerns.

I was so delighted with the Chia book. Not only does the author provide an excellent historical review of chia seed, and its uses - there is also a wealth of information about its nutritional benefits. Long time overdue. I eat chia seeds every day, and cannot believe the dramatic difference they have made in my overall health. Don't miss this one!

I got this book based on the positive community reviews I read and I was not disappointed. There are so many recipes in this book that I want to make. The Chunky Tomato-Vegetable Sauce on page 109 was absolutely yummy! It is now my husband's favorite pasta sauce! I thoroughly enjoyed the Vegetable Chili recipe on page 185. And everyone loved the Shrimp Curry with Asparagus and Snap Peas on page 94. In addition to the great recipes, the book has great informational sections on recommended portion sizes for the average adult (which is really important re-learning that I have had to do) as well as really important background data behind the science of the diet recommendations (look for this in the back starting on page 286). This is now my favorite cookbook and the first cookbook I consult when I am looking for ideas for what to make for dinner! I have enthusiastically recommended this book to both family members and friends!

I'm on Day 6 of a 30-day vegan challenge (just diet, not lifestyle). I just got this book last week and the timing was perfect. It has dozens of gourmet-tasting but easy recipes that are either vegan or easily converted--vegetable recipes, soups, salads, grains, and even some desserts.

Most of the recipes focus on plant foods (which is the whole point of "the new American plate"). The grains recipes often rely on intact grains, which I prefer over flours. The recipes are pretty simple but contain yummy combos I would never have done on my own, like quinoa with peas and sage, or roasted parsnips with sweet potatoes and apples.

The book has a nice layout, a thorough index, and photography that makes me drool (yes, over vegetables). I just wish I could find more books exactly like this one. I'd give it more stars if I could.

I've been cooking healthy for a while, but this is by far the best overall cookbook (healthy or not) I have come across. Everything I tried has been great. Even my picky daughter has bought a copy and lives by it, so whether you have gourmet tastes or plebeian like my daughter, it is a perfect cookbook.

It amazes me that the best healthy eating cookbook is also the best cookbook for modern American cuisine. My fiance bought this book about a year ago and I am consistently impressed by the variety and taste of the food contained within (it also helps that she is wonderful). My personal favorite: the couscous with raisin, apricot and ground beef.

I received this book wrapped in plastic and once opened I was overwhelmed with the smell of mildew. Once all was corrected (great customer service) I enjoyed it. I have cooked several things and tried new legumes I had never heard of. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the art of cooking healthy unusually good foods.

I've been "lowcarbing" since January 2006 and was given The New Diet Revolution by Atkins. I had success, however, I JUST found out that some medication I was placed on two months after starting LC was a culprit in not only stalling my weight, but gaining 6 pounds. My situation had no bearing on the Atkins plan as I still follow it.

I stumbled upon this book about 4 months ago in a drug store--way before reading any reviews. The writer is credible, the writing style is not over the top on medical terminology. Once you start reading it, it is hard to put down.

Ms. Richard states the facts concerning each plan.

Anyone who is even considering a low carb lifestyle (this is not a "diet") should really read this book BEFORE they start any plan. Although I started lowcarbing before knowing about this book, I believe it would help even a current lowcarber in the event that they may need to make adjustments with whatever method they are using.

The book is very inexpensive and worth much more than it's price. It is a very good, down-to-earth, factual, non-overwhelming read.

I highly recommend this book as your first choice, OR your first read if you own other books.

Ms. Richard made it so much easier for me in this round of low-carb dieting. She compares and contrasts all the low-carb plans knowledgeably and usefully. She helped me see how I could approach my low-carb diet plan in a way that is tailored to me alone without feeling that I had fallen off the low-carb wagon. She helped me to re-establish my priorities and I can now offer good advice to my dieting friends, thanks to her. Wish I could sell my copy since it's not available, but I'm afraid I'll be sharing it with my friends for months (if not years) to come. Well worth the price.

I have been low carbing for about 2 months and I was having mixed results before I read this book. The first chapter that compares all the different plans helped me select a plan that was much better for me than the one I was on originally. This book also helped me discover 2 important things that I was doing that slowed my weight loss. The combination of choosing another plan and tossing out my stallers, my weight loss sped up a great deal. Absolutely worth the $7.00 I paid for it.

So many people have written such nice things about this book that I feel compelled to write a negative review. But I can't. This book was very useful. If you are thinking of starting a low carb diet but are not sure which one, start by reading this book. It compares the various diets in an unbiased, down-to-Earth way. For me, the most important part of this book was the chapter which discussed the various factors which can cause the low carb diet to suddenly stop working for no clear reason. Many of the causes of slowing weight loss are not obvious. This book will likely help you find the cause of your slowed weight loss and help you get back on track. And on top of that, the book is so cheap. You are hurting yourself if you don't add this book to your low carb arsenal.

If you are a lo-carb convert and are looking for a way to make this way of eating a lifestyle, I highly recommend you read this book. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing stalls in weight loss, many of which are subtle but can pose a barrier to success. Before reading this book I had the big picture. Now I have the find points and can see that Lo-carb is not just about losing weight but gaining health.

The exercise introduced in the book
is precise and easy to do, also time
saving.

The book looks like brand new, thanks.

The author of this weight loss manual knows from personal experience how difficult it can be to lose weight. He used his own experiences to develop this weight loss plan.

As far as I am concerned, '8 Minutes in the Morning to a Flat Belly' was a total waste of my money. I've been following this workout and eating plan for over four months now and have seen no reduction in neither my belly size nor my weight. Frankly, I was seeing more results from my old Denise Austin Low Impact Aerobic Workout tape than this, so it looks like I'm saying goodbye to Jorge and going back to Denise. Sorry Jorge, I gave it my best shot but your plan just doesn't work for me.

Jorge Cruise has built a successful career around weight loss through books, appearances and his website. His personal experience struggling with weight as a young child and adult have won him over an audience that can relate. With this kit the New York Times Best selling author guarantees users will lose up to 6" in less than 4 weeks. I think it's more important to focus on the increased muscle strength and tone your body will have rather than the number of inches lost and that's how I went into this review.

This 8 Minutes in the Morning to a Flat Belly Kit includes an instructional CD (not DVD) of a 33 minute personal coaching session with Jorge and 26 daily workout cards made of very thick cardstock. The purpose of this kit is to help busy people lose two pounds a week by getting their muscles to burn fat 24/7.

THE CD

The CD Breakdown:

* Intro/Welcome
* Get Ready to Start
* How to Lose 6" in 4 Weeks
* Kit Overview
* Your New Life
* Your Challenge

Jorge explains the focus of this kit is using exercises to build muscle, not increasing your cardio like most weight loss programs. Cardio is good for your heart but it's not effective for weight loss but still he recommends some form of cardio activity three times a week for 20-30 minutes to strengthen your heart muscle. The exercises restore metabolism by building muscles that will burn more calories than fat. Jorge swears the biggest cause of muscle loss is fad diets.

As for eating, Jorge only touches on this. He wants participants to eat to make muscle, avoiding calorie counting, eat every three hours (breakfast, lunch, supper, two snacks and an evening treat), use the Cruise down plate (visual image of protein, carbs, veggies on your plate) and stop eating three hours before bed. The biggest asset here is the flat belly planner (you make copies for each day of the week) to organize and log success by tracking food, water and exercise.

He touches a bit on emotional eating and again touts his website for 24/7 support and meal plans but I couldn't find anything other than ads to buy meals, books and vitamins. The CD closes with an inspirational talk about enjoying your life.

THE CARDS

The specialized fold out cards are a multi level "strength training plan". Each card contains four one minute moves which you repeat once giving you an 8 minute workout. There is a card for every day of the week with a weekend card covering both Saturday and Sunday.

There are three levels of intensity to choose from. Level 1 is for the beginner and requires no equipment other than a chair, table, wall and the kit box. Jorge recommends everyone start at level one. If you haven't had any physical activity, I totally agree. Level 1 is by no means for wimps but it is doable. After 8 minutes you can definitely tell you've worked your muscles. Level 2 is more challenging; again, with only a chair and wall as your required equipment. In Level 3 the exercises are advanced using a fitness ball and medicine ball. The three levels are colour coded in pink, yellow, and blue for easy searching.

If you follow the recommended cards you only actually work the belly 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Tuesday is for the upper body and Thursday is for the lower body. On Sunday Jorge recommends a body cleanse using a Psyllium shake. The card and CD recommend you visit his website for further details on the shake but all I found was a link to buy the powdered product. The natural Psyllium husk can be found in a bulk food store if you need more fiber in your diet.

The cards also contain a Power Thought and Visualization. Jorge Thoughts provide useful suggestions for improving your health and mental wealth. Some of the visualizations are corny, i.e. visualizing a first date with someone after you've reached your goal and their response to your body. The first week of visualizations center around how others see you, looking better to get a response from others and feeling better because of their response. Sometimes there are hints on emotional eating and success stories about people who have used Jorge's plan.

Does it work? Yes, but like any routine meant to put you in shape it is a life long plan of action, not a miracle cure. This kit is easy to understand and the exercises are doable. Obese people can do these exercises (week one and two anyway) but might have to slightly modify the moves due to surrounding flesh and extra weight. I found it helpful to have a small minute timer to do the one minute exercises as there are no repetitions to keep track of. I felt reasonably energized after only 8 minutes. It actually works out to ten if you include the warm up and cool down stretches.

Even if you didn't follow his dietary suggestions these exercises will be of benefit. If only 8 minutes a day can improve your life it's worth trying and we all can spare 8 minutes for some activity. Reviewed by M. E. Wood.

I really love the exercises in this book, and they really do help me! I have been adding more than just these exercises to my routine (mostly walking), but for toning, I love these.

As for the rest of the book, I am not sure that I agree with his ideas. If you are looking just for some great exercises to do in a small amount of time, this is an awesome book!

I highly recommend this book to anyone recently diagnosed with, or having a child diagnosed with peanut allergy. Grandparents and other close family would also benefit from this book. (This should also be on the reading list for daycare employees and teachers!) Peanut allergy should not be taken lightly because of the serious consequences (which most people seem to be ingnorant about).

This book is written in an easy-to-read question and answer style and covers all aspects of the condition. I have learned so much from this book and continue to reference it. I have highlighted many passages and am quick to show them to family or friends when they just don't seem to be "getting it".

I can't recommend this book enough!

I read all the reviews on this book before buying it. Plus, it came recommended by my son's allergist. Amazon has a great price on it too. It was a quick read. I will hold on to it for reference. I just wish it had more resource listings for helping you locate peanut free foods.

I purchased this book when I found out my 6 month old was allergic to peanuts. I learned so much from it and parent that has a child with this allergy should buy it. I am fortunate that it was Dr. Young's partner that is my daughter's doctor I do intend to transfer to him as a doctor after reading this book if he is accepting new patients. I had no idea when I purchased this book the author was from Boston. I'm so glad he is!!

I thought this book was very helpful as I have 2 children with peanut allergies. It answered many questions that I have in very easy to read language. It is a must read for anyone with concerns about peanut allergies.

This is the most thorough book I've read on peanut allergies. You probably won't find this information on the internet, because most of the answers are substantiated with trials performed by experts.

The book is set up in a question and answer form. All the questions are listed in the contents with pages showing where to find the answers. It is also easy to read, so you won't be stumbling over annoying medical jargon.