Customer Reviews

Different Bodies, Different Diets: Introducing the Revolutionary 25 Body Type System

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It was fun looking through the book, reading descriptions and trying to find my body type. And it has a value in increasing one's body acceptance after looking at page after page of different body constitutions. I could not determine my "type" exactly, and got it narrowed down to three possibilities (that is after following all steps and reading psychological profiles). Next I look at the dietary recommendations, thinking that I could maybe blend them....but they were quite different and did not provide rationale for the promation of healthy vs. food to avoid.

I would find it hard to make some of the seemingly bizarre diet choices when the author offers no explanation for the "bionutrition" , either by research or by client experience. "Eat Right for Your Blood Type" is so much easier and understandable, plus the author attempts to explain/support his recommendations.

i'm a western herbalist and student of chinese medicine. because of my background, i can surmise some of mein's basis for her conclusions, such as meridian pathways and their associated organs, endocrine hormonal influence, etc. i also think that she came up with the diets for each type via muscle-testing.
my primary interest in this book is as background material. as far as individualized diets, i recommend that people find what works for them, regardless of what they read in a book. mein's other pitfalls include not taking into account degenerative diseases, environmental stress, digestive disorders, etc. the biggest value in mein's suggestions is rotation of foods, as it is in most other diets-by-type.
we are all biochemically unique individuals and while typing ourselves may be fun, it's just one tool among many and not every tool is clinically useful in every situation.

First of all, I'd like to know who wrote that Dr. Mein has helped "tens of thousands" achieve their ideal body weight. Where is the evidence of this claim? It certainly isn't in the book--so on what information is this based? By writing such hype, you risk devaluing the content in this book!

I believe Dr. Mein has done a good job of correlating certain personality characteristics with marked physical attributes. Therein lies an important lesson for all of us: we need to develop greater tolerance and appreciation for these differences, especially when dealing with our children.

As regards diet, I don't know why Diet is mentioned at all in the title. The book is more about the nature of each body type than about diets. I found the diet section of the book to be a pedestrian grouping of menus, and difficult to read, perhaps because of its lack of creative organization or simplicity. Also, after following her dietary suggestions, I gained weight...so I'm not convinced they're particularly sound.

The 25 Body Type system itself is complex and hard to grasp compared to others out there, such as the Blood Type System. Maybe in trying to classify them by using organs as symbols, Dr. Mein was tempted to create too many body type definitions. A simpler system might be more beneficial in the long run. After all, Astrology, which seems overwhelming to so many people, only uses 12 categories.

Walking through a bookstore, the book caught my eye and I bought it as an impulse item ($30 impulse?). I went through it and found my body type. My expectations were high because I really fit the type who never in 60 years of dieting (I am 73) found a diet that really worked. Her directions, instructions and list of foods to eat and avoid were vague and unhelpful. I guess it is a good idea whose time has not yet come nor found an adaequate author.

I am so grateful that Carolyn Mein's book came into my life. It did take a while for me to figure out what I was, but the search was well worth it and FUN. I really admire and respect what she has done. I am a person who is very focused on health. I have read EVERYTHING and know lots.If you eat the way she recommends, you will be healthy for life. My digestive system is now in the best condition it has ever been in. Thank you Carolyn Mein for all the hard work you did. For those who "understand" and have a real desire for optimum health........you're amazing.

This book is a big disappointment. The author explains the 25 different types but never gives any physiological reasons for the differences. Once you determine your type she refers you to a vague 4 - page section that lists the dietary requirements and restrictions for your type but once again, she never explains the reasons for the restrictions. There is also a very disturbing, detailed section for each type called "at your worst" which describes hideous personality traits that I found very offensive, inaccurate, and totally unrelated to the books subject. If your looking for a book that can help you achieve a healthy, proportionate body then read Body for Life by Bill Phillips. It's uplifting and the program works!

Very confusing book. Found it difficult to find my "type". None of the types matched me and the personality traits were not me at all if the body type remotely fit me. I couldnt decide what type i was at all. The menus were somewhat constrictive unless you can live on nuts and beans for some. Basically if you follow a healthy eating plan with excersize you will lose weight no matter what "type" you may be. WELL, duh.

As with others I found this book difficult to follow and much prefer Dr. Abravanel's "Body Type Diet" in which one only deals with 4 distinct body types and a lot more guidance in the diet/exercise sections. However, having decided my body type through Abravanel, I found Mein's book to be great supplemental reading. And I am a firm believer that most of us are combinations of types - dominant and subdominant...............so that one needs to really get to know oneself to categorize and sort out what will work best.

I like to think out of the box and went for this book because I truly believe that diets or ways of eating (WOE) are unique for different people. I've read books on metabolism types, endormorph,ectomorphs, mesomorphs, and Dr. Abram..Body Type Book, been on different diets yada, yada.

I wanted to pinpoint what exactly my body type was but was quickly frustrated as my body fit 6 or 7 types and my personality is a compondent of about 6 types. My husband agrees. I've ordered the "detailed" questionaire and the booklet on muscle testing after sending 2 emails for help - but no answer after waiting 3 days. I hope I'm not in for another disappointment. I've also registered for the website message board but I am the only member it's showing and I can't read the threads from 2007 which is the latest.

Throwing good money after bad... I hope not. If I get direction as to what TYPE I am and I use the diet and it works, I'll be back for a better review. So far, all I can say is that it's interesting and fun in the beginning but it's frustating when you come to a brick wall and the descriptions of where you gain weight fits 6 body types and the personality descriptions fit 7 body types. I think you've got the idea.

Update: They never responded and their message board online is closed out. For the closest type (gonad) - no whole grains for me - just refined flour! Ahhh, isn't it a consensus by now that whole grains are better for "everyone" than refined run of mill flour. Not recommended.

Different Bodies Different Diets answers ALL the questions regarding the physical and psychological make-up of the body--according to each one's individual body type! It then goes on to put you on the path to not just eating the foods that will help you to lose weight, but also which foods strengthen your specific body type, which foods stress your specific body type, etc. This book is also unique in that it pin-points your individual psychological make-up--at its worst and best--which helps you to see who you are and what makes you tick. The suggested food plans then work in harmony with your psychological make-up to help you to be the best person you can be--feeling good both inside and out! I cannot express how helpful this book is. My entire family is excited about this book. Second only to the Bible, this book helps you to get to know yourself, and make improvements both physically and psychologically! This book PROVES all diets are not for everyone.