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Summary: Finally! Simple to follow plan the works!
Review: Carmelized scallops on a bed of asparagus with plum tomatoes. Rice with artichoke sauce. A sliver of bread. Followed by a small scoop of lite chocolate ice cream with 2 plump strawberries dipped in chocolate.
All washed down with a fine burgandy wine. Just a typical meal on "Dr. Shapiro's Weight Loss 30 Day Plan." The 30 day plan walks you day by day into a slimmer, healthier you. Part 1 focuses on how everyone from children to the elderly can benefit from "Picture Perfect" eating. Part II includes 4 weeks of developing a healthier lifestyle. Chapters include; Lets Go Shopping, Focus on Breakfast, A New View of Lunch and Snacks, Whats for Dinner, Lets Eat Out and Celebrate. Part III of the book includes information to make the eating plan a lifelong habit. I discovered Dr. Shapiro's first book, "Picture Perfect Weight Loss" some years ago. In his first book and this one, he gives side by side visual pictures of food choices.
I thought the book was interesting, but couldn't see how it would really help you lose weight. After all there are many more food choices then the ones shown in his book.
BUT after trying a number of weight loss plans and ending up well with more extra pounds than ever I decided to actually try the program. To my amazement it works. The pounds are sliding off with ease and I LOVE eating this way. It is definately a program I can follow for my life. The core of the program is FAT (food awareness training). You don't have to worry about counting fats, sugar, carbs, proteins, or calories. But you have to be aware of the calories in the foods you eat. In the book, Dr. Shapiro shows picture comparisons of foods. For example he says you can have 1 soft pretzel at 480 calories OR you could have 4 boxes of Cracker Jacks for the same amount. You could eat 1 pint of premium ice cream OR 4 pints of sorbet, or 42 low cal. mousse bars. Dr. Shapiro does not expect you to eat 42 low cal bars of course. What he is saying is if you make the lower calorie choice you will not need as much to fill up and hence you will lose weight. Well most of us know that eating fewer calories equals weight loss. BUT the caloric values of foods sink in better when you see pictures that give you a choice of food items such as one slice of zucchini bread at 580 calories versus eating 1 box strawberries, 1 honeydew melon, 1 nectarine, 3 apricots, 3/4lb grapes, 1 box blackberries, 1 roll (also 580 calories for all). What you do is apply this knowledge. You don't have to count calories as I mentioned earlier. But by becoming aware of the calories in food items (by reading labels, etc) and frequently making the lower caloric choices in your every day life, you will lose weight. The visual pictures in the book will help hammer calorie differences home. When I saw that I could eat 1 pint of rice for 440 calories or eat 8 boiled new potatoes, 1 baked sweet potato and 1 ear of corn. It was a no brainer. Now as I go throughout my day I think of my choices and choose the lower calorie food.
If I want junk food I eat a tootsie pop at 60 calories which lasts a lot longer than gummy candy at 100 calories per oz.
If I want a sweet desert I don't think I will be good by grabbing the tiny piece of lemon tart (450 calories) but know that I can either have the large piece of chocolate cake I really want for the same 450 calories or elect to have a lower calorie choice like a frozen mousse pop (40 calories) or chocolate dipped strawberries (about 10 calories each). I find I can eat more of less caloric food, enjoy my choices and lose weight. The plan works well for me. By making small changes the weight is coming off. The one drawback I see though for many folks is that Dr. Shapiro suggests eating veggie protein items instead of real steak, pork, burger etc.
Since I don't eat red meat anyway, for me its not a problem. Many of his clients also have no trouble making the switch.
But I imagine that others who have strong hankerings for meat would have difficultly. But the beauty of the program is you don't have to give up any food. You just should be aware of the choices you are making and make wise ones that will allow you to meet your goals. If you want a high calorie chunk of meat, by all means eat it, just make lower calorie choices throughout the day. I love this method of weight loss. No more deprivation,or counting. Just becoming aware and making wise choices!
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Summary: HOW MANY CALORIES IN A MUFFIN?
Review: Does a corn muffin really have 750 Calories??? I can't find anything to verify that a muffin could have so many calories? Can anyone be of assistance? I was all ready to proceed with this diet until a friend pointed out that the first example had a wild calorie count showing for it, i.e. the corn muffin.
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Summary: PURE EXCELLENCE
Review: Dr. Shapiro really out did himself. I really didn't see how he could make another book like his first one and not have it be just a repeat. But he has done an excellent job. Going from childhood, teenagers, middle age, elderly. His program makes so much sense. You don't have to give up anything, just make better choices. If feels like he is almost right there w/you. The book is written in such a personal manner. I really enjoyed the successes of others in the book. I think it's definitely the next best thing to actually scheduling an appointment w/Dr. Shapiro. I know this book is more expensive than most, but it is full of glossy pictures that really give a great visual, which really helps it to stick w/you. He outlines so many great steps and takes you through those steps..one at a time. It is well worth the extra money for what you get. VC
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Summary: I was once FAT - Now I'm just PHAT
Review: Howard M. Shapiro is my savior. When I was born I was 12 pounds. And for a child this is not healthy. As time grew, from stress and other emotional causes, I had to buy a new scale, because it would not go up to 630 pounds. I was in desperate need to lose weight, and I would do anything known to man, just to feel like a new person. Mr. Shapiro's guide has helped me a great deal into feeling slim. For once in my life I am confident enough to walk out on the street and bust out break dancing to my favourite tunes (P. Diddy).
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Summary: pictures are an eye opener
Review: I bought this book when it first came out .I couldnt believe the photos.It was a real eye opener for me. Now every time i think I want something I look at the book to see what i can eat in exchange . It is amazing . I feel this book is great for anyone the beginner dieter to the ones that feel they know everything about nutrition . I showed my book to my friends and family and they loved it ..
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Summary: Believe it!
Review: I had extra weight that was staying with me after my pregnancy and just wouldn't go away. I lived with the extra 15 pounds for a year and finally decided to do something about it. I just never understood how to eat in terms of calories, I never watched my weight before. I used to grab that pound cake everytime I felt an urge for a snack, but now I know I can easily get that sugar rush from a piece of fruit at a portion of the calories. The photos comparisons are great for quick references. I lost 8 pounds in 2 months.
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Summary: This book has changed my life!
Review: I have read all of Dr. Shapiro's books. I started his 30 day plan last May (03). After appox 6 months, I have lost 63 lbs and I have joined a gym, and walk 3 miles a day. The weight is still melting off. I don't have a goal weight in mind...but who cares?!...I can live the rest of my life eating this way! I feel Great!!!!!! Thanks Doc! :)
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Summary: Dr. Shapiro's Picture Perfect Weight Loss 30 Day Plan
Review: I have tried just about every diet that is on the market. I was somewhat skeptical about this book. But I ordered the book and it was one of the best things I did. The book was well written and the plan was easy to follow. My husband and I lost 30 lbs in approximately 4 months, our age is 52. The book has beautiful demonstrations and was quite informative. I have given the name of this book to countless individuals. I would like to say Thank You to Dr. Shapiro for this book. It made me realize that unconsciously I was taking in too many calories. I would recommend this book to everyone everywhere!!!!...
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Summary: I'm down 26 pounds and counting!
Review: I used Dr. Shapiro's first book to begin my weight loss journey and lost 15 pounds. I kept it off for a year. I've got more than 50 pounds to go and this new book has given me the structure and meal plans that I've really needed to keep focused and motivated for the long haul. What I truly appreciate is my new lower cholesterol, my lower blood pressure and the higher energy I'm feeling. That energy has helped me start a fitness program as well. Thank you Dr. Shapiro!
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Summary: Works, But Is Highly Disappointing...
Review: I will admit that this guide to weightloss does work effectively, but there is a great flaw. That flaw is that the weight that you loose is extra easy to put back on again. Once you start this program, you can never stop. So if you are looking for a way to loose the pounds and KEEP THEM OFF, this is not the book/plan you would like to go with.
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