The Schwarzbein Principle: The Truth About Losing Weight, Being Healthy, and Feeling Younger

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Summary: Interesting reading but be careful
Review: After 4 month of limiting carbs to 100g per day, eggs every day, etc. I found I felt good, dropped a few pounds around my waist and lowered my blood pressure while eating all kinds of fat... but as I am 5-10 158lbs and work out 5 times a week, I did this to lower my cholesterol and not to really lose weight... my cholesterol went from 215 total with HDL 46, to 355 with HDL of 61 and LDL of 280 (recommended level less than 130). Not exactly what I was looking for. At least my triglycerides were good.

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Summary: My defining moment
Review: As a person who reads over 100 books a year, I can comfortably say that this one was one of the best books I have ever read regardless of the topics. It is such a comprehensive elaboration of "what healthy living" is that I only regret for my years passed on very wrong eating and living habits. No diet book ever made so much sense to me before. I have become a convert right after reading the first two chapters of the book. I read it cover to cover, trying not to skip even a word so that I get all there was to be learned. Even though my initial reason for getting the book was weight loss, I ended up learning that weight loss is only one aspect of being healthy. Even though I lost 11 kg.s in a matter of two months following the basic argument of the book, I no longer see weight loss as an end in itself, thanks to Dr. Schwarzbein. This book was indeed my defining moment: my approach to many things in life changed radically and I am happy for that. Many thanks.

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Summary: Try it. It works!
Review: My husband and I, 54 and 53, have been using the meals from The Schwarzbein Principle book for just one week. We are delighted with the menu. We do not feeling deprived. I purchased the book after seeing the wonderful results a friend of mine had by using the book. She had a weight problem and tried many diets. She looked as good as I did in high school. After reading the book I knew this was the answer for me. Just changing your thinking on good fats will add flavor to your foods. We love what we have experienced so far. Thanks Diana Schwarzbein.

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Summary: Verging on Quackery
Review: I was not impressed with this book, to say the least. First, I'm a type 1 diabetic, and the authors don't even deign to admit that folks like me exist. More important, though, is their dangerous advice to avoid all prescription drugs! Many of us depend on prescription drugs for our very lives; I use insulin, lovastatin for elevated cholesterol and lisinopril to arrest diabetic kidney complications. Reader beware!

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Summary: It works
Review: This eating plan works, not only to lose weight safely, but to lose unwanted medical or metabolic problems as well. With this plan, I don't just look better; I feel better. A lot better. Fatigue and lack of mental alertness are 90% better. Libido, which had all but disappeared, is back to normal. Mood is soooo much better. Anxiety gone. The book is well written, very well organized and clear, in laymen's terms but not simplistic by any means.

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Summary: This book changed my life
Review: By making just a few minor shifts in my eating practices for the first time in my life, I have no constant cravings for food. I've spent most of my life either being highly disciplined, while craving food or worrying about craving food. It has been like finally casting out a life-long demon. I've been a Weight Watcher for many years and what I realized is that the basics that Dr. Schwarzbein suggests are the basics I was taught in my first Weight Watcher class about eating a balanced meal 30 years ago. Dr. Schwarbein's book came at a great time for me and it has updated, refreshed and renewed my knowledge while drastically improving my well-being ... it has raised my consciousness to a new level. I am MOST grateful! An easy read.

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Summary: Being taken in by a quack???
Review: Diana Schwarbein is not a board certified physician. She is not board certified in either internal medicine or endocrinology. Her claims of being an expert are suspect. Beware of quackery!!

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Summary: The Schwarzbein Principle
Review: Over the past couple of years, I have little by little put on 25-30 pounds. I always have struggled with weight and have been a dieter that ate as little fat as possible. About five weeks ago, a friend recommended Dr. Schwarzbein's book. It has changed my life completely. I can't explain it. I always ate low fat and was always hungry for more. I would binge on chips and sweets and be sick with guilt and even sicker when I stepped on the scales. PMS, depression, adult acne were making me a real mess...I felt awful about myself. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It was written for me!!! I also took the doctor's advice about the vitamin supplements...they do make a difference. I have lost 7 pounds in 5 weeks and I feel SOOO good. I am walking every day, have no hunger and have gotten through PMS with no problem...maybe a little more protein and carbs but not a dozen donuts or big bag of chips. I am more relaxed, my mood swings are few and far between. I can actually say I am feeling great inside and out!! I have tried all diets and this is the one for me. My husband can't believe I eat eggs and steak. I don't think I ever really have in my adult life!! I have much more energy and rarely snack between meals. If I do, it's cheese and some veggies. Food tastes so good with butter and mayo!! I would agree with other reviewers...if this is all of the weight I lose, that's okay...this has changed my life for the better. It's much more than a weight loss program, it has changed my life. The only negative comment I can say is that my acne has not cleared up as quickly as I would like...maybe a few more weeks!

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Summary: schwarzbein principal
Review: The book presents a lot of info but for the person looking to change eating style there is no clear IE table style presentation of how to follow the plan. The individual must read take notes and make their own which seems very cumbersome.

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Summary: It's a miracle
Review: After years of low fat/high carb, my husband and I have been eating this way for two months, and we cannot get over the change it's had on our lives. Better sleep, greatly reduced digestive problems, less PMS, no more indigestion, weight loss (9 pounds each), no more non-stop hunger, more energy, etc. The book is clear and easy to read, and while it isn't perfect (the plan can be vague, and there are some errors) we've figured out what to do. We work 50 hour weeks and find no problem making fresh food every day - it's all a matter of organization and experience. Further, this book has given me the freedom to cook from my favorite French cookbooks! Diana, we love you!

Update - One year later: we still love this way of eating. My husband lost (and has kept off) 15 pounds, while I - with less willpower - have kept off my weight loss (9 pounds) but have lost no more. I am now trying to bring more exercise into the mix. But we continue to eat this way 90% of the time and continue to feel the benefits. When I don't eat this way, I usually end up feeling yucky and can't wait to go back.