[.ca] The 30-Day Low-Carb Diet Solution (ISBN 0471430501)

Good for 1st timers:
We had purchased and used Dr. Eades' previous book with great success. However, we lapsed into our old ways ang gained back our weight so we bought the 30-Day book. It's pretty good, but there are a lot of changes from the 1st book in menus. If you follow the book, you will lose the weight and improve your health. Some of our friends have done the same. The success is remarkable. I see that Dr. Atkins now allows some carbo's in his diet. We are also using his new book, "Atkins for Life." For variety, you may wish to buy some low carbo cookbooks. You really do have to make a permanent lifestyle change or the weight will come back on.

Low carb and low maintenance:
To the writer who is looking for an inspirational story from one who lost...I started the 30 day diet plan on December 1st and have already lost 10 lbs - and this was during the holiday season! I found the 30 day plan easy to follow and easy to stick with. As a carb lover, I thought it would be impossible to give up pasta and potatoes, but the easy-to-make breakfasts and dinners leave me feeling satisfied and hence, no sugar cravings. Not only did I (finally) lose weight after being disappointed with Weight Watchers and low-fat diets, but I'm eating healthier which is the crux of this book. This is not the Atkins diet by the way. This is Low-Carb...not No-Carb, which is probably one of the reasons I find it so easy to stick with.

Low Carb Simplified!:
The Eades have been promoting a low carb lifestyle for many years. They have authored a number of books including Protein Power and The Protein Power LifePlan. In their latest book, "The 30 Day Low-Carb Diet Solution", the Eades have simplified low carb living. They give easy to understand explanations as to why low carb eating is the solution for weight and health problems. They outline a 30 day eating program. Tips are given for what foods to eat and what to avoid. They also include close to 100 recipes such as Hobo Pork Chops, Swiss Egg Casserole, Salmon in Tomato Tubs and more. Each recipe includes the carb and protein count. Instead of complicated charts, easy self-aassessment quizzes are included to help you determine the portions of carbohydrate foods you can enjoy to reach your goals. The book is laid out in a reader friendly format. Pick it up and start losing right away. No complicated science that can become overwhelming, just clear explanations that make sense. Follow the 30 day food plan for exactly what to eat or interchange the meals. An appendix gives the carbohydrate content of many foods. Also portion sizes are illustrated. The Eades also include a sample meal planner worksheet and recommendations for vitamins. The book's one drawback is it does not include inspirational stories of folks who have lost on the plan. Nor does it include any ideas for keeping yourself on track mentally. If you are looking for a simple to follow low carb plan, this is the book for you!

Just starting low-carb'ing? Buy this book!:
If you already understand and believe that eating low carb is the best way to loose weight and improve you health this is the book to get you started fast! I already own their other books, I think the first Protein Power book is excellent, but there's a ton of details you have to read through to understand how your body works and why this diet is best. Many other authors have similar books with the same details, but their diets are different. I believe in PP most. It's easy to follow, not as strick as Atkins and who doesn't feel good about a married doctor couple writing about this new way to diet. Actually it's not at all new, Atkins came up with this diet 20 years ago. The 11/2002 Duke Univercity study has proven the diet safe and more effective than low fat diets, so low-carb is in the limelight again. I was worried the book would be worthless for me since I have many other low-carb books, but it's an excellent quick read and get's you into the details of the diet fast. I will recommend this to all my friend that want to know how I lost 35 pounds in about 4 months (still working for more). About half the book is text, the other half is menus and recipes. The menus are great for those that just want to follow a plan and not worry about menu planning. They are so well planned, they even built in use of leftovers the next day. All meals are interchangable so if you don't like a certain lunch, just sub with another. The recipes are very good and get you going. Many other cook books are available if you want more, but cooking low-carb and finding foods that may be new to you isn't always easy. Buy yourself this book and start the new year out right!

Good-but lots of room for improvement:
The recipe index is not very well organized, and the book has several editing errors, but other than that: The 30 day meal plan is good, which is why I bought it, but (like a lot of other books) meal plans should keep the user in mind. Most people on a M-F schedule would prefer the Power Smoothie and Yogurt Cup recipes on a workday and the more time intensive Veggie Frittata and Lighter-than-air-Pancakes on Saturday and Sunday. I also like the fact that several of the lunch plans are leftovers from a dinner prepared a day or two before, however it is not consistent and you never know whether to prepare the stated # of servings (usually 4) because you'll need the leftovers or pare it down to 2 if cooking only for 2, because if it's not used in a follow up lunch, you are either wasting 2 servings or eating more than needed. I also think the information at the top of each recipe which lists # of servings and carb and protein amounts, should also list preparation and cook times, so you don't get caught offguard fixing dinner only to find your dish needs to marinate for an hour or two. Well I'm not getting a consulting fee, so I'll end my critique.