I ate a relatively healthy diet (or so I thought - low fat, high carbs) for years and gained 4 stone in the process. My energy levels were low, I napped as often as my schedule allowed but was still exhausted before 10 at night, had bad headaches almost daily. I went from no exercise to working out 4-6 times a week and even after 18 months could not shift the excess weight.

Then I tried this and I've become a Schwarzbein bore, singing the praises of this plan to anyone who will listen. I have been following it (though not always strictly) for about 3 months. So far I have lost about 1 1/2 stone but it's creeping down all the time. Equally impressive is that my energy levels have risen, my headaches have all but disappeared, I never need a nap to get through the day, I even wake up feeling rested before the alarm goes off most days. And that's not all: I am regularly told how well I look, how healthy and how much slimmer, and how clear my skin looks. Exercising is much more of a pleasure now and the meals are delicious. The eating plan is very easy to follow and I even find I enjoy shopping now, as I am able to seek out the highest quality ingredients and buy lots of lovely rich food that I denied myself for years.

I cannot stress enough how good this book is, how intuitive the plan, how easy to follow, and how much better you will feel. If you struggle with weight or energy problems BUY THIS BOOK. You will not regret it and it will probably change your life too.


Lifesaver!   August 22, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I came across this book by chance and after reading some of the reviews, decided to order it. I can't tell you how glad I am that I did. My father had just had his second heartattack,was on a traditional low fat high carb diet perscribed by the doctors and was wasting away rapidly. His muscletone was deteriorating and he seemed to be aging fast. My mother was on the same diet because of a high colesterolcount.
Against all odds, my mother actually took advice from their daughter, and read the book. They both immediately started the Dr. Schwarzbein way of eating and perceiving food and are now, after just four weeks, in better shape than ever!!!
My father has regained his strenght and my mother is looking better for each day that passes, the wrinkles she complained about on her arms are gone and she's even loosing the heavy thighs she's had since we were kids! The best part is that is is soo easy! They're no longer complaining about being deprived of eating what they love, that's exactly what this way of eating permits and it's just wonderful!!!


Benefits of Low Carbing expertly explained to the layperson   February 22, 2002
 35 out of 36 found this review helpful

After years of low-fat foods I changed my way of eating to low-carbohydrate instead, some 6 months ago with very positive effects. Having read Dr Atkins book on day one I was looking for further information on this area, especially to explain why you can eat lots of fat and not get fat.
Diana's book explains in an easy readable fashion about insulin resistance, how it is caused, and how to remedy the situation. It explains the unhealthy effects on your body of not eating enough protein and fat. The benefits of a balanced diet in which you eat just sufficient, or slightly less if you want to loose weight, carbohydrates to supply your energy needs are numerous, including: reduced blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and reduced chance of getting Type II diabetes.
I have found this way of eating very beneficial, including in six months, a weight loss of over one and a half stone, greater self esteem and emotional well being, greater alertness and the need for less sleep.

Those of you that think this seems an extreme way of eating without bread, pasta and potatoes, should read this book to see how we have been brain washed about low-fat diets for many years. It is relevant to everyone, not just the overweight.
The only draw back is that being an American book the recipes give measurements in cups and you need to be aware that the carbohydrate values given are slightly higher than UK values, which appear to be calculated differently.


The most important book I have ever read   February 6, 2002
 39 out of 40 found this review helpful

If you read this book you may never be the same again. You will be changed for the better - forever. I bought this because my friend lost 31lbs in the first year, and another 21 pounds by June the following year. When I saw her this Christmas she was gorgeous, svelte, glowing with health, full of energy. It seemed incongruous to see her tucking into hearty meals while I was starving on a lettuce leaf and losing nothing!

It is early days for me, but after only five weeks I have lost nine pounds. That is nothing! In those weeks I have been feeling well for the first time in many years. I don't fall asleep the whole time. I can run after my small toddler, even though I don't weigh that much less. I seem to have become fitter. I can breathe. I have almost stopped using my asthma inhaler, no longer need my stomach coating tablets, have had no twinge from my gallbladder (which I was expecting to explode), and have been free of headaches (the bane of my life!) What IS going on? To be able to give up so many prescription medicines so quickly? Even if I never lose another pound, this will be worth it.

I have bought five copies of this book for other people - people I love who might be in the same damaging low fat trap I was. I am astonished that doctors do not mention this diet - even when it is patently clear that a patient is faring badly on all the usual regimes.

Did I mention the food is wonderful? It's everything you fantasised about when you were on a low fat diet, and more. I am NEVER hungry. I am NEVER bored with the food. I can ALWAYS find something to eat in restaurants. Only YOU can tell you are eating diet food - it looks like a regular meal to other people, in fact a rich meal!

Whether you adopt this way of life or not, the book is invaluable for its clear description of how the body works, and what happens when it goes wrong. I feel much more confident now in discussing things with my doctor, and challenging her preconceptions.

For anyone with a health problem, big or small, from lack of energy to full blown diabetes, this book is a must.

(It also contains everything you need to plan your new diet, including shopping lists, food values, and many very delicious, quick and easy recipes.)