Customer Reviews

Fit For Life: A New Beginning: A New Beginning : Your Complete Diet and Health Plan for the Millennium

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I have been a fan of Fit For Life for years. I fell off the wagon and I am climbing back to health (quite nicely, I may add) using these principles which the Diamonds taught me in their original books. In my opinion the original FFL/Natural Hygiene program has given me great results and a workable, comfortable path to more energy, vitality and weight loss. The timing for a new book from Harvey Diamond could not come at a much better time for me... Which is why I have to say that I am so very disappointed in this latest effort.

The quality and quantity of information in those earlier books were GREAT. This book pales in their shadow. Harvey's newest book lacks Mission, Market and Focus. Mission: He wants you to live a healthier life, but does not tell you how to do this in this book. Market: The book is titled "Fit for Life : A New Beginning : Your Complete Diet and Health Plan for the Millennium" but it is not a complete health plan, it is an addendum to his last book. Focus: This book spends much of it's resources on an unscientific, yet potentially empowering concept of the cause of cancer, with multiple jabs at the many causes for this disease... with very little content on what to do. Almost every major piece of "new" information is a rehash or a reference to better source material, often his own but also other works. The benefits of gentle exercise is explained far more thoroughly by Covert Bailey in "New Fit Or Fat", the mind body connection ideas are better covered by Deepak Chopra and Norman Cousins.

The review of Harvey's Diamond's new book is forthcoming, but I thought it might help if you knew a little about me. I'm a freelance writer living in Southern California. Like many writers, I'm a massive skeptic. I'm always looking for a new sham to expose, a new myth to dispel.

In 1987, I read Harvey Diamond's best-selling book "Fit for Life." At the time, I was 29 years-old and still youthfully thin. There was no apparent reason for me to go on a diet, but the information Mr. Diamond offered was so compelling, I immediately went on the "Fit for Life" health regimen. I looked forward to exposing Diamond's book as a shameful hoax.

That was 14 years ago, and I haven't wavered from the "Fit for Life" principles since. While my fortysomething friends suffer with hernias, hypertension, sexual dysfunction, back pain, weight problems, arthritis and other maladies, I am still thin and remarkably healthy. During a recent physical exam, the doctors were positively amazed by my numbers. I never inform MD's that I'm on the "Fit for Life" diet because they'll probably dismiss the principles and try to scare me into resuming an animal-based diet (indeed, I never cease to be amazed by how many people are actually threatened by Mr. Diamond and the "Fit For Life" tenets). But for me, there's simply no going back. Unlike many of my friends who feel powerless against the ravages of time, I feel in-control and much closer to nature. This skeptic owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Mr. Diamond. He is perhaps the closest thing to a "guru" that I have.

I view Diamond's new book as the third in a series. Beginners are advised to read the original "Fit for Life" or "Fit for Life II," as they best explain Mr. Diamond's "natural hygiene" principles. "A New Beginning" offers new information that seems better suited for readers already familiar with Diamond's guidelines. The new wrinkle here is a principle called "periodic monodieting" - i.e. occasional raw fruit fasts designed to cleanse the lymph system. Though it requires some discipline, the results are absolutely miraculous - like a blind man having his sight restored. Though it's not quite as revelational as "Fit for Life," Diamond's new book is a good read and a great reference.

I am highly suspicious of the few readers that submitted negative reviews. One reviewer noted that many doctors - including the vaunted Andrew Weil - have dismissed Diamond's books as "bunk." They also attempt to fault Mr. Diamond for cashing in on his "Fit for Life" franchise. OK, let's examine these accusations ...

America is a capitalist country where virtually everyone has something to sell. Mr. Diamond has built his "empire" by saving lives, which strikes me as the noblest way to make a buck. I wonder why the reviewers don't level similar profiteering charges against Andrew Weil, who has authored several books, publishes a subscription newsletter and lectures frequently. And though Weil may possess more formal medical training than Diamond, I'm more impressed by another obvious difference - though they are approximately the same age, Mr. Weil is overweight and grandfatherly while Mr. Diamond is thin and youthful looking.

Draw your own conclusions.

Judging from their mean-spirited comments, I suspect the aforementioned reviewers have some connection to the medical establishment. Or perhaps they don't possess the discipline required to adhere to the "Fit for Life" principles. Whatever the case, one thing is clear: Naturalists like Harvey Diamond, Steven Meyerowitz, Ann Wigmore and Michael Klaper have struck a nerve with their advice about a plant-based diet. For centuries, the American public entrusted its health to the traditional medical establishment. In return, many of those trusting souls were butchered, maimed and drugged through heinous surgical procedures, stupefying pharmaceuticals and nutritional misinformation. As evidenced by the explosion in pharmaceutical television ads, the drug and medical industries won't stop until America is teeming with pill-popping, psychosomatic junkies. Fortunately, many people are wising up. It's no coincidence that the alternative health industry has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar concern. Fed up with the arrogance and deceptiveness of a profit-crazed medical hierarchy, an increasing number of Americans are taking their health into their own capable hands.

I spent the first 29 years of my life eating the typical "four food groups" diet recommended by doctors and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. It made me sick, lethargic and depressed. Thanks to Harvey Diamond and "Fit for Life," I've spent the last 14 years of my life eating mostly plant-based foods - potatoes, rice, beans, whole-grain breads and pastas, soy, raw greens and fruits. I haven't felt or looked this good since I was a kid.

Take it from a converted skeptic. If you value your health then you'd better read books like "A New Beginning." For goodness' sakes, stop taking vague weight loss advice from potbellied doctors with possible ties to the meat, dairy and pharmaceutical industries.

P.S. I have no affiliation whatsoever to Mr. Diamond. Never even met the guy. 'Nuff said ...

Harvey has continued his previous work with Fit For Life 2000. If you are not familiar with Fit for life, he does go into much detail reviewing his previous information, and admits that it was probably not complete (hey! we're always learning..) He ties in with previous books the VERY IMPORTANT issue that we are supposed to eat LIVING foods as much as possible. I like Harvey's discriptive way of writing. He really talks right to you, and ever since I picked up Fit For Life II, I know I feel better and have trimmed myself by following his practices. I have been a vegetarian for 6 years now, but many vegetarians don't realize that they are NOT doing their body a service by eating anything just "non-meat". Eat LIVING FOODS!

I've been a real fan of the Fit for Life/Natural Hygiene way of life. In fact, I've been on this program and I've seen wonderful results. In fact, I've spoken to several highly respected doctors about Diamond's book and ideas to confirm his findings. They concluded that he is right on track! In fact, this new book allows us to look into various forms of treatment that can give us the strength to fight diseases. It seems that our society is satuated with the common medical practices of taking medication to ease the pain, eat what we like and become depressed when our bodies give out from neglect. At least, there is another way to cope with sickness and disease...change our eating habits and watch the body thrive! If for nothing else, you will feel better...isn't that worth it?

I don't deny that the "science" presented in any of the Fit for Life books can sometimes sound elementary at best. But I think the bigger picture is that the book is uplifting and inspirational. Used as a guideline for going about one's daily eating habits, these ideas make a world of difference. Perhaps the reasons provided are not scientifically accurate. But then again, it's not like you get a free bottle of "mystery pills" with each book. All he's really promoting is a move back to a more natural approach to fueling our bodies. We have become such a junkfood society, it's embarrassing. There are so many people out there who feel a burger/fries/soda combo is a decent meal. What's so wrong with reading a book by a man who is trying to point out the ludicrous nature of so many of our commonplace bad habits? Afterall, what type of epidemic do we have in this country? We're not underweight, we're not protein-deficient, we're not living healthfully into our senior years- the fact is we're overweight and unhealthy as a society. And our quality of life diminishes much too soon as a result. So look around the next time you're in the mall, or at the local restaurant- try to find people you think WOULDN'T benefit from learning how to eat more healthfully. I've personally experienced enormous benefits from doing just SOME of the things promoted in Fit For Life and its successors. And I've known and helped others who've been just as fortunate. You don't have to treat these books as your bible, just try to take away some of the beneficial and motivational advice, and apply it to your life. I've read a number of books on healthy eating practices, and to be honest, many of them say similar things. The important difference is that this book is enjoyable. It's easy to read. And that's the best way to get this information to more people. If every person read this and made even a FEW healthy changes in their lives, just think of the impact. My wish is for more people to take control of their health by making good choices each and every day. And who knows- you may even enjoy the food being recommended here. What have you got to lose? Isn't your health, your body, your happiness, and your ability to enjoy the world around you worth it?

My husband purchased this book for as a gift the day it was released (although the title of my book is "Fit for Life - a New Beginning") after hearing him interviewed on a local radio station. Mr. Diamond has written a very inspirational book simplifying our modern health concerns and fears. I am currently on a "detox" using his suggestions and feel terrific! I highly recommend this book to people that want to take charge of their health and especially to prevent cancer.

I have been following the "Fit for Life" principles since March of 1991. Before then I would have five good days a year and 360 bad ones. My stomach ached all the time. As long as I follow the basic guidelines, my stomach NEVER aches. I lost 26 lbs in 13 weeks back then and have kept it off. Harvey Diamond's current book adds a new and different layer to this style of eating. If you notice, all the unfavorable reviews come from people who have never tried food combining. They all say "Where is the evidence? My doctor says its BS. etc." Show me one person that has tried this way of eating and did not feel better. Back in 1992 when I had been a follower for about a year, a well meaning friend sent me a review of the diet from The Harvard Medical Letter that said it was a bunch of bull. Their doctors and scientists said this didn't make any sense to them. I laughed when I saw it because once again, not one doctor or scientist said he/she was on it for a while and didn't see any positive results. This happens all the time. Just look at some of the reviews for this book on this website. A few weeks ago, my wife told me of a summer intern that works with her had taken a day off to go to the doctor to see what was wrong with his stomach. He had pain almost all the time. I told her to tell him to call me. I spoke to him for 10 minutes, highlighted the principles and told him he would see results in a few days. I spoke with him five days later and he told me he had had no pain at all since he started this. My biggest problem is getting people to listen. They tell me it sounds interesting and then some of them go check with their doctor who tells them not to waste their time. Meanwhile I am 53 years years old and do not take one prescription medicine. My father died at 66 from diabetes, heart disease and psoriasis. I wish he was around so I could relate to him what I now know. It's not too late for you. Open your eyes and believe, because what I'm telling you is absolutely the truth...

Don't take the advice of someone who's never followed the diet; North Americans have become the most obese people on the planet by following the instructions of such health professionals as doctors, nutritionists, and the school lunch lady.

This works, pure and simple. I lost sixty-five pounds by adhering to the principles outlined in the original FIT FOR LIFE, and three years later, I've never felt better. Although I can certainly understand how following a strict vegetarian diet and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables could be considered "life threatening." (!) Who's the wacko here?

Ask yourself this question before you decide to listen to someone with an agenda belittling this diet; who stands to benefit from your ill health? Harvey Diamond? Or some schmuck with an MD and the scruples God gave a rattlesnake? It's the MD's job to make money from you being sick, so you do the math.

It's your choice. The only way you'll ever know for sure is to try it out and listen to *your* body, not your doctor, not a nutritionist, and not some misguided reviewer who suffers from a bad case of the Know-It-Alls.

Wow, I was so glad to see Harvey Diamond with a new book. I had wondered what happened to him after he wrote his first two books (Fit for Life and Fit for Life II). I think his new book is a very powerful wealth of information. The seven stages of disease are right on the money and I truly do believe that 99% of disease and illness can be prevented and/or cured by eating the proper foods in the proper combinations. I have tired it and MAN! does it ever work! My stomach doesn't hurt all the time, the bloating is gone, my joints do not ache continuously anymore, I have lost wight and I feel great! At the risk of sounding like a nut, I would almost say that it is like finding the missing key to the universe (ha-ha) It is THAT profound. The thing that makes it so believeable is that a lot of what is relayed is purely common sense. It is SO simple! I recomend this book to ANYONE who is truly looking for something that will change their life for the better. However, I do recommend that you read the 1st two books before jumping right into the 3rd one. Reading the 1st two books first will help to build a solid foundation and understanding of what Natural Hygeine really is. If you are seeking good health, look no further, you have found it, this IS it! :)

I am writing a very favorable review regarding this book. I have read the original "Fit for Life" and "Fit for Life II" and I must say this book in combination with the original Fit for Life is a complete guide to the prevention of cancer and disease. Where it appears that most of the medical community is consumed with curing cancer and disease AFTER it happens it is refreshing to see someone concentrating on how to prevent it from EVER happening.

The chapters on the 7 stages of disease and the explanation of the lymph node system are easy to understand. I always liked the way Mr. Diamond's books read as if he is sitting there in the room with you and explaining it personally. His excitement and passion for this subject can be felt as you read and the analogies he uses are wonderful in making sense of complex subject.

Please don't think of this as simply a diet book. If you only followed some of the principles some of the time I'll bet the majority of the population would be 100% better off than they are right now. I like the fact that he advocates using it as much as possible and when you can rather than forcing an all or nothing situation. Yes you can lose weight and have more energy than you ever thought possible following these principles. But, even if you never lost an ounce, the feeling of being able to participate in preventing disease in you body as opposed to sitting back and feeling a helpless victim as to when and if it may or may not ever hit you is empowering.

It could very well be the best $...you ever spend.