[.ca] Your Last Diet!: The Sugar Addict's Weight-Loss Plan (ISBN 0345441354)

Follow the steps! Don't jump ahead!!!!!:
I had read DesMaisons first book "Potatoes Not Prozac". But, I didn't get anywhere. So I decided to buy her latest book and I figured out what went wrong. There are 7 steps that Kathleen outlines in all of her books. Me, being the impulsive and impatient sugar-sensitive person I am skipped these steps and immediately went for the detox. Big mistake!!!!! I am still working on the 7 steps, but the thing I love about this book, "Your Last Diet" is that it reminds you to follow these steps and it shows you that this is not a quick fix. This is a program that takes time. Patience is the key. You didn't gain the weight in a day, so it's going to take you a while to lose it. And the weight is not the issue. It's the biochemistry and any other emotional issues you have with food. The reason why this book stands out for me is it gives better reasons to take it easy. It gives better reasons to follow those 7 steps. This is probably because there's been more feedback and experiences with this program since the first book. Probably the biggest step I ignored was the third step - the journal. I thought I knew what I was eating, so when these wierd cravings came back, I was confused. Kathleen's reasons for this step explained everything to me. Without the journal, you are unclear about how your body feels about the food you eat, therefore when a crave comes up, you have no clue where it came from. This book can easily be your last diet. Diet is really not a good word for this program, but I understand that Kathleen had to have a title that was catchy. But, you have to be patience and go through the steps. And I already know from my own experiences that life changes that occur slowly or at a steady pace last a lot longer than those that happen overnight.

A life-changer!:
I've read *all* the books and tried so many "diets," but never found one single program that was able to make a lasting difference in my life and weight. This book builds on the science explained in Dr. Des Maisons's first book, Potatoes Not Prozac, which helped me to understand that weight gain (and depression) WAS NOT MY FAULT, but rather a function of my sugar-sensitive biochemistry. That realization was key to 80 pounds of weightloss (and counting) and the kind of centeredness, confidence and happiness I haven't known since childhood.

Not written for guys like me, but I still liked it:
While reading this book, I felt that the author was NOT speaking to me - otherwise I'd give it 4 or 5 stars! The author appears to assume the reader is a (a) female, who (b) obsesses about her weight, (c) needs to lose a lot of weight, (d) has tried many different diets already, and (e) has experienced yo-yo gains and losses in weight. I'm a (a) man who (b) has never thought much about my weight, (c) is on the upper end of the "healthy range" and desires to lose only 12% of my current weight, (d) has never tried to lose weight before, and (e) has never yo-yo'd but steadily gained as I reached middle age. No, the author was definitely speaking to someone else. That being said, I thought the actual advice in the book is spot-on and makes much sense for ANYBODY to follow, not just for someone like me who had childhood experiences with hypoglycemia. The only thing to which I couldn't relate was the personal food journal, but I guess it makes sense. It takes discipline, however. The diet advice in this book, combined with the exercises and diet advice in Jorge Cruise's "8 Minutes in the Morning" are a great combination. Follow the diet and lifestyle changes in "Your Last Diet" and where it doesn't conflict, follow the advice in "8 Minutes" such as the flax oil and food cards, and do the exercises (which actually take more more like 17 minutes). You'll feel great.

Its about healing, not just losing weight:
I started Dr. DesMaison's program over 9 months ago, with the on-line version of Your Last Diet. This program has brought such amazing positive changes to my life and my family, that I wish I could hug Dr. DesMaisons daily. This book and program are about a combined spiritual, mental and physical healing that I have searched for most of my adult life and have been unable to find anywhere else. After following the steps outlined in this book and going on-line to connect with thousands of other people who react to food as I do, I now know that my moods, my physical symptoms, my lack of patience, even my poor memory are all connected to food. It isn't because I am weak, or mean or stupid or crazy or have poor self-control. It is because my body reacts poorly to certain foods. By doing the steps slowly, I have taken away the cravings and I have learned to like healthy food. This isn't about white-knuckling self-control. This is about slow, gentle healing. The people who are doing this program and belong to the on-line community are very loyal. That is simply because it works. It is because she has taught us to listen to our bodies so that we can tweak the program to individualize it. It is because our lives are improved through following the steps. It is because she has helped us to find our natural radiance. And we stick around to hear her new research and to help the new people who are in pain when they find us. For you science buffs - the Library Journal is wrong. This book is filled with science and research, which the Dr. is constantly updating. Check out this book, then check us out on line. You will be amazed.

Editorial Review:
I have read this awesome book and am working on step 1, adding protein to my breakfast. From day 1, I've been feeling much better and I actually see a light at the end of the tunnel of depression (and it ain't no train either LOL). I really recommend this book to anybody who wants to stop dieting and who wants to start living again!!! I believe that this somewhat negative review would shy away people who love to eat a variety of food. If I didn't know anything about YLD, I probably would look for another book with more positive editorial reviews. However, I read it and I love the concept. And from day 1 I really felt a difference on how I felt in the morning by eating a good, filling breakfast, which carried me well into lunch time. The program focuses on slow and easy steps towards weaning yourself off sugar, unlike the Atkins diet. Therefore it is so much easier to incorporate it into your life. You're doing baby-steps not giant leaps that mess you up and are unsustainable. Also, you are not being told what to eat, you learn how your body reacts as you do the steps. However, as I read the editorial for this book (after I had read my copy), I've noticed that the author of the editorial review said that you cannot eat white foods, which includes potatoes. Actually, if this person would have read the book, he/she would've learned that eating potatoes before going to bed plays a major role in stabilizing your chemistry over night. As a matter of fact, a whole section (step 4) is designated to stress the importance of the spud. Also,what was that remark about the book consisting of more marketing than science (not the exact words, but same meaning). In my opinion, it includes enough science to explain to people outside the scienctific-profession how the chemical levels in your body can make you react a certain way. To be honest, if Dr. DesMaisons would've added much more scientific facts, the book would've been overwhelming for many readers. I'm more interested in the way her program can help me live again. If you are a science-buff, I'm sure she wouldn't mind giving you more details via e-mail. As a matter of fact, you will see how involved she is with her groups on her website at radiantrecovery.com and you can read the forum or join other online support groups where you can communicate 24/7 with other people on the program at different levels. If someone has a question that's tough to answer or someone posts something that's not correct, she is always willing to answer questions or correct readers. Marketing? Marketing is good, if it makes people aware of what they need to know. In this book, Dr. DesMaisons merely points out sources and products that can help us in recovery. Also, she helps sugar-sensitive people to cope with their feelings and teach them how to get well. If this is considered marketing, it's great, isn't it? Again, just go to the website or the online groups and see what veterans or even newbies have to say. Great book and great support! I love it!!!