The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet: The Lifelong Solution to Yo-Yo Dieting (Signet) [Paperback]

Rachael F. Heller (Author), Richard F. Heller (Author)

Book Description

Series: Signet | Publication Date: 1993

Filled with sound advice and effective strategies, a guide to putting the individual in charge of eating and weight--for life--includes recipes and menu plans from leading professionals in the field of carbohydrate addiction. Reissue.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

If you've been a yo-yo dieter for years or if you can eat a pound of pasta at one sitting, this book may very well be an eye opener. In simple--but never condescending--language, it explains the roots of carbohydrate cravings and teaches you how to normalize your insulin levels to prevent future food binges. Regulated insulin levels in turn help to temper serotonin levels, so food cravings and mood swings are prevented. The authors, both research scientists (one a health psychologist, the other a pathologist), have lost and kept off a total of 200 pounds between them. They've based this book on nearly a decade's worth of research, during which they've helped nearly 80 percent of their patients lose weight and keep it off for at least a year.

They explain that carbohydrate addicts most commonly crave popcorn, breads, bagels, rice, pasta, potatoes, ice cream, chocolate, pie, cookies, crackers, cake, fruit and fruit juice, potato chips, and pretzels. A questionnaire at the beginning of the book determines if you're indeed a carbohydrate addict, and if so, to what extent. (For those readers whose quiz doesn't indicate addiction, but who are bothered by their food cravings, the authors recommend a doctor's visit for an explanation.) The book includes a diet plan with dozens of easy recipes, a chart of the carbohydrate content of many common foods, and lists of binge triggers to watch for. The most appealing part of the diet--and one reason that it wins raves from its followers--is its once-a-day reward meal, which allows you to eat anything you want. The authors also offer helpful tips for incorporating the diet away from home, such as at parties and restaurants.

From Library Journal

This low-carbohydrate diet was designed by a research biologist and a research psychologist to treat hyperinsulinemia, a condition where normal carbohydrate consumption produces not satisfaction but even more hunger, especially cravings for starches and sugar. Beginning with their own weight loss experiences and continuing with those of others, the authors provide a carbohydrate addiction test for readers to take to determine their own degree of addiction. Then they outline the easy-to-follow diet plan that includes several slightly different variations. Basically, dieters eat two low-carbohydrate meals a day and one "reward" meal with lots of carbohydrates. The authors also supply upbeat, positive advice for weight loss success and a limited number of meal plans and low-carbohydrate recipes. This would be a good addition for most public libraries.
-Linda Chopra, Cleveland Heights-University Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Signet (1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451173392
• ISBN-13: 978-0451173393
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (327 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Diets & Weight Loss > Diets > Low Carb
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Diets & Weight Loss > Diets > Weight Maintenance
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Diets & Weight Loss > Special Conditions > Low Carbohydrate

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

284 of 284 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A NEW BEGINNING, April 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet: The Lifelong Solution to Yo-Yo Dieting (Signet) (Paperback)

I read the book entirely in one sitting, the very night I bought it. Then I studied it at length many times, highlighting, making notes in the margins. As a registered nurse, I learned a lot from the references to their research, and their detailed explanation of hyperinsulinemia. They have over 100 references, and 10 years or more in research of this disorder. It was as though a veil had been lifted and I suddenly understood that my condition is physiological, NOT psychological! I have found a new beginning. I know many doctors who recommend this diet for weight loss, depression, high blood pressure, pre-diabetic conditions, high cholesterol. I cannot diagnose myself, but I know it is working for me. I have been on the diet for 6 months and have lost 62 lbs! I don't weigh and measure, count calories, or deprive myself of any of my favorite foods. I feel better, no cravings, and I have more energy than ever! and above all, I am only 18 lbs away from my goal...6 months ago I would NEVER have thought it possible. Give it a try, and follow the 4 rules...you will succeed.

179 of 181 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you fit the type, it works - this is how, January 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet: The Lifelong Solution to Yo-Yo Dieting (Signet) (Paperback)

I didn't see the Oprah show but I used this book in 95. I had been sticking to a low-low-low fat diet at the time and was gaining about 2 pounds a year. The test in the book classified me as a light-to-moderate carbohydrate addict, but the people in the book had so much in common with me that I think I was more addicted than that. Anyway, sticking with the book, I completely eliminated all starch and sugar from EVERY meal and ALL snacks, except for the reward dinner, where I would eat whatever I wanted (pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, chinese food). During the day I would eat lots of fatty, greasy burgers and bacon and eggs. To my amazement I lost 29 pounds in 5 1/2 months. It was not difficult to keep it off, either. I ended up "easing up" on the diet after this time, but kept the general idea of avoiding carbohydrates except for dinner. The weight stayed off. I never had to worry about fats again. And I felt very healthy and pleased. TAKE THE TEST in the book - the authors themselves stress that if you are not specifically a carbo addict, this diet won't work for you. Also, this diet is VERY VERY DIFFERENT from a general low-carbohydrate diet so don't listen to those who say it's all the same. I hope this helps somebody reading it.

109 of 109 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long term success with this program, June 13, 2000

By 

Janet Rowell (West Linn, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet: The Lifelong Solution to Yo-Yo Dieting (Signet) (Paperback)

One reviewer said they didn't know of anyone who's had long-term success with the Heller's plan , so I want to speak up. I've been following this plan, modified with some of the Hellers' more recent books, for close to 12 YEARS and am maintaining a loss of 100 lbs!

I'm a woman who struggled with weight all my life, lost and regained weight many times, and hated myself for not having the willpower to keep it off. I had pretty much given up hope when I found my way to this book. I have found it to be a workable, balanced and healthy plan. I eat fish, chicken, meat and cheese, tons of salads and other lowcarb veggies, and once a day the carbs of my choice. It might be a bagel or a bowl of cereal, garlic mashed potatoes, chocolate chip cookies -- whatever I'm hankering for. As long as it's part of a balanced meal, I don't have to feel guilty -- I'm still on my diet.

In skimming the negative reviews, I see a lot of inaccurate descriptions of this diet. Breakfasts and lunches are NOT protein/fat only - high fiber, low carb veggies are an absolutely essential part of them. I typically eat a brunch of scrambled eggs or quiche with lots of veggies, chicken caesar salad, etc. Dinner is not a carbo-loading binge - it's a balanced meal with my choice of starchy or sweet foods. Snacks are allowed - last night I was hungry and had some tuna salad and bell pepper slices at 9 pm. Having the freedom to enjoy carbs as part of my dinner every single day keeps the diet livable, and avoiding starchy and sweet foods the rest of the day keeps my appetite under control.

I hate to sound corny, but after 11 years and 8 months on this program, every day feels like a miracle. I've gone from having to sit down to peel potatoes (because my back hurt from standing) to having a very active lifestyle. My cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar are all great, despite the fact that I was borderline diabetic before I started CAD. Best of all is this joyous freedom that comes when realize you have all the willpower you need because you're not fighting your body all the time.

If you're someone who can maintain a healthy weight eating carbs all day long, lucky you. However, please don't think that's how everyone should eat. For many of us, high-carb eating produces insulin resistance, appetite control problems, binge eating and weight gain. Luckily, many scientists and nutritionists now understand this phenomenon, and there are a lot of low carb programs (and books) to choose from.

Is this the plan for you? If you've got a lot to lose or have struggled with a lifelong weight problem, if you feel hopeless about your weight and yourself, I encourage you to give this book a serious look. Rachel Heller is one of us and also a psychologist by training, and her empathy, kindness and understanding shine through these pages. I would also suggest looking at some of the Hellers' later books, such as the Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program, because their understanding has grown over the years. I hope the Hellers' program makes as much difference in your life as it has in mine, and offer my warm wishes for your success!!

If Atkins, Protein Power, The Zone, South Beach or one of the other low carb plans is working for you - cool! This may not be the plan for you, but please realize that there are many of us for whom the Hellers offer a very practical, viable plan - and in some cases a genuine life preserver!