First, I really like this book. It's full of excellent information that, when you think about it, just makes sense. I am glad I got the book and would recommend it to anyone (I am waiting for my second copy to give away as I write this).
That said, as a 37 year old man looking to lose about 45 pounds, the book has also been a little frustrating. First, I realize that women are the target market here, but it would be nice to have a few pages directed at the guys out there. Second, and more importantly, I really needed to see a simple summary and a clear regimen stated somewhere. Every chapter is full of excellent information, but I feel as if I have to pick and choose and piece it together myself in order to make it (hopefully) work for me.
I was glad to see there was a relatively clear guide to making the Meal Replacement Drink, but even then, it could have been clearer. After spending some time describing the benefits of egg white albumin, the recipe says, "I suggest 6 ounces of the protein source in liquid form or as labeled if it is in powdered form." Powdered form? I assume he recommended 6 ounces of egg whites as the liquid source, but now I have to figure out what "powdered form" means and if I was correct about the egg whites. I am sure some research will help me here, but it would have been nice to just be told plain and simple. Add to that, the six ounce recommendation is for a "women approximately five feet, four inches tall with moderate activity..." What about a guy about 5'11" with less than moderate activity? In the same recipe, he says to mix 1 teaspoon of non-Dutch cocoa with stevia and *a little water*, what is "a little water?" Again, I realize this might be a "to taste" thing, but I would have liked a place to start.
There is a great section talking about glutathione and the topical solution that solves the problem of adequate transport. I am very excited to try this, but I can't figure out where it is. I am now thinking that it is not out yet. I may be mistaken though. I'm still trying to figure it out. I watched the PBS special where he talked a lot about the wonder of this topical and I assumed it was available. Just not sure yet.
The recipes look very good - and that is coming from someone with terrible sensory issues and food aversions. There are a few tweaks I will have to make, but I have also been encouraged to "just eat it" with most of the ingredients. While I am not into Yoga, the section is very well done and about as engaging as it could be. The poses, etc. are all explained well and I will glad to see a few "programs" listed, at least two of which I am looking forward to trying.
Ultimately, I think I will have to call one of their counselors and see if they can help me. I am weak and tired and anxious to try this. The claims to not only help you lose weight but improve mood and overall health are very motivating for me. That said, I do not want to end up wondering if I am doing it right. That is terribly frustrating. Sometimes I felt as if the author was assuming I knew something already.
I would have given the book 5-stars had it, 1) provided at least a little guidance for a man reading this, 2) provided a "cheat sheet" of sorts plainly stating proper summarized regimens for both the diet and the supplement usage. I think that most of the information I need is in there, somewhere. I just wish I didn't have to work so hard to bring it all together.
One last thing: while Dr. Perricone does offer up his own products in here, I never felt as if he was forcing me to get his stuff. He also suggests a variety of other venders (though he may have relationships with them too, I don't know), and many of the supplements, etc. he recommends can be purchased just about anywhere. I really wish his weight management supplement pack was not $200 a month. : ( Budgeting it one thing, not having the money to budget after buying all the organic food, supplements, and all that is another. Not saying it is not worth it, just saying I may never be able to know. ; )
All that said, GET THE BOOK! I really am enjoying it. I received it yesterday and am already going through it a second time.
