Its aim is to free people from the tyranny of points/syns/calorie counting etc., and eat healthily without such worries on GL guidelines. The tone is friendly but not patronising. The exposition of principles is pared-down; the discussion of food groups and listings is likewise clear and simple. There is a sensible section on motivational strategies. The recipes are varied and interesting. Fresh food is the absolute foundation of the diet, hooray.

There are a couple of minor drawbacks. I don't think the food-lists and dieting principles quite take into account how hard it is for serial dieters, hitherto used to counting everything, suddenly to do without counting. That is a major psychological block and needs more attention.

It would be helpful to have an alphabetical list of unprocessed foods, and a few common processed ones, classified according to low/medium/high GL for reference and reassurance. That's particularly important since GL values are hard to find in a coherent presentation elsewhere, even on the internet. I'm told such a list is planned for a future edition. There is a formula offered for converting Glycaemic Index ratings (more available) to Glycaemic Load ratings, but it makes my brain fuse.

For some people, judging portions is a problem (even though the cupped handful is offered as a useful measure), especially of snacks. That could be alleviated by offering a rough volume measure (like American cup measures, for example).

I warmly recommend joining the website the book gives, where there is a chance to talk to the author and his team and both give and receive valuable input.

I'm just holding back that fifth star until the GL values list comes out! The diet itself is great, not dry, sloppy, boring or plain unhealthy like some I have tried. It's healthy, interesting eating and it works. Taking up the GL diet feels like coming home after being lost for a long time. I warmly recommend both the book and the diet, despite my hopes for a slight change in the presentation.


Easiest diet ever!   April 12, 2005
 70 out of 71 found this review helpful

I have tried many diets (Atkins, slimfast etc) as I only have about 8 or 9lbs to lose so was always after a quick fix. The trouble was, I would lose the weight quickly and then it would go straight back on after a few days of eating 'normally'. This book is brilliant - easy recipes and best of all, you don't really have to cut anything out of your diet - I am still eating bread, eggs, cheese, fruit and veg and even a few squares of chocolate a day!! It doesn't even feel like a diet and I will happily continue. After just two weeks I have lost 5lbs and feel better, I have more energy and my skin is glowing! Highly recommended!!


A Refreshing Change   March 22, 2005
 50 out of 51 found this review helpful

At last, a book that is easy to follow and lays out all the information in easy-to-find chapters. What a change from other nutrition books where you can spend hours wading through detail. With 'the GL diet' book the scientific research section is in one chapter which you can read immediately, or leave until another time. The author understands that his readers are anxious to get started on this easy way of eating. The choice of food suits those of us with busy lives. A wide selection of meals is listed, while the recipes are quick and easy to prepare.
If like me, you have a huge collection of 'diet' books, the GL diet' is unlike any you've had before. My other books might be sold off or given to 'charity' shops. But this is one book which I will be carrying around with me until it falls to pieces.


The diet for life   February 15, 2005
 38 out of 39 found this review helpful

This book is packed full of delicious receipes that are so easy to make. The layout of the book is easy to follow. It explains what your GI is and how by following the GL diet you can loose weight and feel better. This is not a quick fix diet, it is a way of changing the way you look at your everyday foods. I am not hungry on this diet, and genuinely feel healthier and more alert since beginning it. There is even a pudding section in this diet! There are great tips on what to order when eating out in a variety of restaurants eg Indian , Chinese, Mexican, Italian and Greek. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to follow a healthy eating regime and not just to those who want to shift their excess weight.