Rating: 
Summary: This Book Makes Sense
Review: While still villified by some in the medical community and particularly by the low fat gurus, low carbohydrate diets are proving to be successful and healthy. The problem for me, as one who has used the Atkins' guidelines is that low carbohydrate diets are BORING!! To maintain a state of ketosis requires a daily carbohydrate intake of between 20-30 grams. The list of Atkins' approved foods is limited at best. Certainly, it is great to be able to eat all of the meat and eggs that you want, but let's face it, bacon and eggs for breakfast gets old very quickly. Green veggies are great and low in carbohydrates, but I love carrots and it is a real sacrifice to give up all root vegetables. Fruit too, is pretty much disdained by Atkins and this too, adds to the tedium of the dietary repertoire. So along comes 'Lose Weight the Smart Low-Carb Way', which articulates a seven step approach to losing weight. To my absolute delight, the first two steps say to eat more grains and eat more veggies and fruit. To be sure, the remaining steps focus on sensible choices (lean meats, smaller portions, avoiding 'trigger' foods)and all of a sudden, what for me has been a short-term diet is now a reasonable and easy-to-maintain lifestyle. By the time you have reached page 79,(and you might want to re-read pp. 1-79), you will have a thorough understanding of why a low-carb diet works, how to get started, and how to make the program work for your lifestyle and tastes. The authors will give you lots of tips for food selection and substitution. The bulk of this book is dedicated to cooking low carbohydrate meals. You may note that the recipes employ a liberal use of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. This of course allows you to tailor the dish to suit your tastes. Most of the ingredients are readily available and preparation time is minimal. Nutritional information is provided with each recipe and for diabetics, diet exchanges are also itemized. Many beautiful photos of recipes are included and there are success stories printed throughout. The index is very well laid out and you will find it easy to use. Overall, I like this book. There are some recipes that are high in carbohydrates and should be used sparingly, but for the most part, this is a book that will help you to shift your current eating habits to a healthy low-carbohydrate lifestyle. I don't think of this as a 'diet' anymore....it tastes too good!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Low Carbohydrate Diets Are Boring......Not Anymore!!!!!
Review: While still villified by some in the medical community and particularly by the low fat gurus, low carbohydrate diets are proving to be successful and healthy. The problem for me, as one who has used the Atkins' guidelines is that low carbohydrate diets are BORING!! To maintain a state of ketosis requires a daily carbohydrate intake of between 20-30 grams. The list of Atkins' approved foods is limited at best. Certainly, it is great to be able to eat all of the meat and eggs that you want, but let's face it, bacon and eggs for breakfast gets old very quickly. Green veggies are great and low in carbohydrates, but I love carrots and it is a real sacrifice to give up all root vegetables. Fruit too, is pretty much disdained by Atkins and this too, adds to the tedium of the dietary repertoire. So along comes 'Lose Weight the Smart Low-Carb Way', which articulates a seven step approach to losing weight. To my absolute delight, the first two steps say to eat more grains and eat more veggies and fruit. To be sure, the remaining steps focus on sensible choices (lean meats, smaller portions, avoiding 'trigger' foods)and all of a sudden, what for me has been a short-term diet is now a reasonable and easy-to-maintain lifestyle. By the time you have reached page 79,(and you might want to re-read pp. 1-79), you will have a thorough understanding of why a low-carb diet works, how to get started, and how to make the program work for your lifestyle and tastes. The authors will give you lots of tips for food selection and substitution. The bulk of this book is dedicated to cooking low carbohydrate meals. You may note that the recipes employ a liberal use of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. This of course allows you to tailor the dish to suit your tastes. Most of the ingredients are readily available and preparation time is minimal. Nutritional information is provided with each recipe and for diabetics, diet exchanges are also itemized. Many beautiful photos of recipes are included and there are success stories printed throughout. The index is very well laid out and you will find it easy to use. Overall, I like this book. There are some recipes that are high in carbohydrates and should be used sparingly, but for the most part, this is a book that will help you to shift your current eating habits to a healthy low-carbohydrate lifestyle. I don't think of this as a 'diet' anymore....it tastes too good!!!
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