Customer Reviews

The Protein Power Lifeplan : A New Comprehensive Blueprint for Optimal Health

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades follow up the runaway success of their first book, Protein Power, with another avalanche of evidence that the conventional low-fat, high-carb diet is a huge failure.

Instead of simply rehashing material from their first book (as many diet authors do), the Eades expand on the Protein Power concept to help improve long-term success on it. From a fascinating trip through the human digestive system, to new, damaging information about artificial sweeteners, this book will forever change the way you think about the power of food.

For high-carb pundits who think humans have always been grain-eaters, the Eades' chapter on the latest paleopathological research settles the argument once and for all...we were hunters (and gatherers, but only on occasion) and our bodies are designed to thrive on protein and good fats.

The chapter on sunlight is also refreshing...shedding new (pardon the pun) light on its healing powers when used correctly. Read this chapter before you put on sunblock again.

In addition to these and other fascinating chapters on health, the doctors also have refined the Protein Power Plan itself. Anyone who says protein diets are too limited and boring need to read this new book. You'll see that the food choices are quite varied, and you don't have to be a dietary extremist to thrive on the plan (unless that's your choice). I've been on it for over 2 years---it's done wonders for me.

The book gets technical at times, but the effect is more engrossing than boring, I assure you. The summaries at the end of each chapter help condense the content into laymen's terms for quick reference.

The writing is on the wall. Protein diets are proving to be so overwhelmingly effective that it's simply a matter of time before the diet industry and the government throw out the horrifically unsuccessful "food pyramid." My advice is to get the paperback edition of Protein Power, and then a copy of the new Protein Power Lifeplan. If the doctors can't convince you of the powerful therapeutic effects of simple nutrition, no one can.

Five stars...and deep thanks to the doctors for restoring me to my high school weight while making me feel years younger.

Dr. Michael Eades and Mary Dan Eades, M.D.'s have written a follow-up to their popular "Protein Power" published in 1995. The Eades are a husband-and-wife team that has a joint practice where they dish out the same advice as in their books - that of a restricted carbohydrate diet. But unlike the much more popular Dr. Atkins Diet, the Eades concentrate much more on gaining the best nutritional bang for your buck. Like their first book it is well organized with helpful summaries of each chapter, but it also delves into different subjects like exercise, meditation and even sunbathing.

"Protein Power Lifeplan" is not simply a diet book, but more of a nutritional and health philosophy. The Eades underline their main low-carbohydrate philosophy throughout the book, which, for the uneducated goes something like this: it is not fat that makes us fat, gives us diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Rather it is sugar. Starches, since they are basically the same thing as sugar (just chained together and easily broken into their component sugars in the digestive process), are counted as well. The Eades describe how the body produces the hormone insulin when carbs are ingested. The more carbs we have in our diet, the more insulin is produced. Insulin is used by the body to remove sugar from the bloodstream, where it can cause harm. Unfortunately, the insulin that removes it can also cause harm in excessive amounts. In addition, when exposed to these large amounts of insulin, the body slowly becomes more and more resistant to the hormone and the body has to produce more of it to have the same effect, so it is a vicious cycle. The end of this cycle results when the body is so resistant that it simply can't produce enough and adult onset diabetes occurs.

The other main theme sounded throughout the book is the whole idea that humans are not made for consuming the amount of carbs that we do today. The Eades make a good argument, which has been made by others, that agriculture is only a ten-thousand-year-old innovation, and that before this our ancestors were all hunter-gatherers, consuming primarily animals with perhaps a few wild vegetables nuts, seeds, and berries thrown in. Due to the slow pace of evolution and natural selection, they argue, our bodies have not caught up to the last ten thousand years of vastly increased carbohydrates in our diets from the farming of grains. They point out that anthropological finds bear out that those who lived before the advent of agriculture display strong bones, tall statures, perfect teeth and jaws, and no evidence of the diseases of modern man. On the contrary, even the inhabitants of ancient Egypt five thousand or so years ago, who lived on a mainly vegetarian, grain-based diet, show (or their mummies do, I should say), evidence of diabetes, heart disease, gum disease, crumbling bones, and many other maladies.

As far as the diet itself, the Eades have honed it somewhat. They now suggest three different approaches to the diet, so called "hedonist," "dilettante," and "purist." The main differences are in how strict the diets are to the Paleolithic Ideal, so to speak. So purists would not eat any dairy products or grains, and only range-reared meat or wild game, since the alternatives would not have been available to their ancient ancestors. The diet starts out at an "intervention stage" which allots seven to ten grams of carbs per meal. Once the person is no longer experiencing health problems, or has gotten close to their goal weight/body fat percentage, they would go on the transition plan, which increases carbs by about 50%. Finally, after you've gotten to exactly the place you want body-wise and health-wise and don't need added improvement, you go onto the "maintenance" level, which doubles, give or take, the transition level of carbs.

Despite certain vocal dissenters like Dr. Dean Ornish, the AMA, and ADA, there are an increasing number of medical doctors and nutritionists who are starting to appreciate the validitiy of the low-carb philosophy. I was shocked to learn that the whole idea behind fat causing all these health problems in the first place is just that - an IDEA. It is a hypothesis that the whole medical industry latched onto 25 or 30 years ago, because it made some logical sense at the time, and has only recently started to let go on the edges despite there being absolutely no proof that low fat diets are conducive to health, and many that indicate the exact opposite! There are many cliché criticisms that get foisted on low-carb diets and the Eades tackle many of them, including the "vampire myths" ( myths that won't die) that these diets cause kidney problems in otherwise healthy individuals, or that the Chinese (who eat a primarily rice-based diet) do not suffer from much heart disease, etc. Yet these myths are constantly invoked by those who have convinced themselves that their philosophy is right and this one is wrong. Unfortunately, these individuals never research whether studies bear their claims out, nor are most even willing to read the full argument of the "other side". I have an idea as to why this may be the case. One of the first adherents of low-carb diets in recent times has been Dr. Robert Atkins, and his attitude is so combative (unlike the Eades who are so open-minded as to even admit to being wrong about some things they said in their previous book), that it encourages those who oppose him to be equally as combative and close-minded. Do yourself a favor and read something with a refreshingly even-handed tone. Whether you agree with their overall philosophies or not, there is a lot of helpful information on vitamins and minerals and other topics which do not require you to change your diet, despite my own opinion that it would be in your best interest to do so.

Unlike other reviewers, I have not read previous books by the authors. I have read two other best sellers on low carb diet plans. I lost 22 lbs and became concerned about possible harm due to a fairly radical change to my diet. The Eades book provides the answers to my concerns about supplements to protect my overall health. Their historical perspective is excellent and the explanations of body chemistry as it relates to nutrition is also complete and informative. I believe readers will stick to a plan if they understand the reasoning behind it. At times I feel like I am taking a course in Anthropology and Chemistry, but the chapter summaries lighten up and help to clarify. This is the first time I have understood the role of free radicals. The Protein Power Lifeplan is the most complete diet book I have read. I am a registered nurse and have written a book, For Patients Only, on patient safety and will suggest this book for those who wish to diet safely.

As a nutritionally oriented sports surgeon and antiaging specialist, I was quite interested in reading "The Protein Power Life Plan" (PPLP) , Drs. Michael and Mary Eades follow-up to their excellent first book "Protein Power". The cover states that PPLP is "A New Comprehensive Blueprint for Optimal Health" which seems a bit of a tall order from some diet docs!

Like several other current books, the Eades base their "Paleolithic Diet" on the concept that our ancestors were omnivores (ate both meat and vegetables) and skilled hunters. "We have evidence tracking back 3 million years for meat eating by our ancestors and at least a five-hundred-thousand year history of skillful hunting." The introductory chapter "Man the Hunter" is, in my opinion, the best work to date in the popular press to explain to us the history of how our paleolithic ancestors ate. In fact, THIS CHAPTER IS WORTH THE PRICE OF THE BOOK. "While we can subsist on grain-based diets, we don't as a species thrive on them..."

The book then follows with successive chapters on insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, fat metabolism (understanding the difference between good fats, neutral fats, and bad fats), cholesterol, antioxidants, leaky gut, iron excess, the importance of sunshine to health, `calisthenics for the brain", exercise and their diet.

This book is VERY WELL written and contains a WEALTH of up to date scientific information (more then many doctors know). In my opinion it is the best general health book currently on the market, and, for people who are at their appropriate weight, would be #1 on my recommended reading list.

But this book is not just about scientific stuff- it is filled with practical good ideas and recipes that are easy to incorporate into your every day life. I still use their method of preparing "Perfect Eggs in Minutes" almost every day! And their Paleolithic Punch...mmm good (and healthy too)! They have an excellent low carb resource section at the back of the book (most important- where to buy low carb tortillas!).

Unfortunately, most people who read these books are not at their appropriate weight, they are trying to lose weight. Like Dr. Atkins, the Eades have broken their diet into 3 "Phases"- Intervention (when you are starting to diet), Transition (for ongoing weight loss on the diet) and Maintenance. While I find this information very valuable, and a great resource for those "into" diet and nutrition, it is just too much for most people who are just trying to lose a few pounds. You could validly argue that without learning this information it is difficult for someone to keep their weight off. Most patients who I have told to read this book to lose weight loved the book...but never lost any weight..

For those at their appropriate weight (maintenance), Drs. Eades break their nutritional rules into 3 sets depending on your commitment to good health:
- The Hedonist ("This plan incorporates only those changes that will bestow the greatest rewards with the least effort and the fewest nutritional adjustments");
-The Dilettante ("This is a middle-of-the-road plan for those who wish to achieve certain additional health benefits without sacrificing all the pleasures of the Hedonist regimen"); and
-The Purist ("This is the strictest regimen, one that closely mimics the diet our ancient ancestors thrived on and therefore bestows the maximum health and fitness rewards").
This "division" is a great help for people to recognize the relative importance of one recommendation to another.

This is one GREAT book. I have purchased over 20 HARD BOUND copies to give as gifts to family and people I love. If you care about your health GET THIS BOOK

Studying nutrition is my passion, and I especially appreciate a diet book that isn't afraid to go against modern nutrition dogma when the research warrants it--even if it means selling fewer books.

"Protein Power Life Plan" is the best of the best. The copy I bought is actually in the form of 3 hours worth of audio cassettes (very convenient for listening in the car traveling to and from work). The thing I like the best about this book is the fact that it offers 3 levels of commitment, any of which is sure to drastically improve one's health. For optimal well-being the authors introduce us to the "purist" level of "the life plan" which just happens to be very similar to NeanderThin, the diet I have been following for the past several years. The health rewards I have experienced following NeanderThin are almost too numerous to list. However, the authors of "Protein Power Life Plan" realize that most people do not have the commitment required to eliminate all grains, potatoes, rice, processed food, dairy products and sugar from their diet. The other two "levels" covered in the book allow one to consume most of these foods, but explain how to do it so that one will still reap noticeable health benefits and lose weight.

I believe that people will be more apt to stick to a new way of eating if they understand the rationale for doing so. This book goes to great lengths to explain how the various nutrients we eat get incorporated into our bodies in both beneficial and harmful ways. The doctors do quite well at explaining in plain English complicated biological processes. The book also covers several exciting new supplements and the justification for using them. I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to improve their health. I intend to have all of my family and loved ones listen to these tapes.

In July of 2000, at our family reunion, my aunt told me about the Adkins diet and how impressed she was with it. I hadn't seen her in about 5 years, and she looked damn good for a woman of 70. At the last reunion she complained that she just couldn't get rid of her hips, no matter how hard she tried. That convinced me to try the Adkins diet. But, after reading his book and following it for a month, I wanted a second opinion, even though I felt better than I had for 15 years on the diet. It was extreme and there was a commercial element that didn't set well with me. I ordered the Protein Power Lifeplan from the BOMC to see what the Eades had to say. Their book was a revelation. I had been treated for 5 years for depression. That has gone away. I don't nod off at 3:00 in the afternoon aymore. My energy level has increased. My brother in Germany "had" ulcreative colitis. I sent him a copy of the book. Within 2 weeks, he called and said that his symtoms had disappeared, his blood sugar was down, and he'd be phased off of the steroids the doctor prescribed for his condition. Personally, I used to have a blood pressure problem - no more. I also am on thyroid medication. I went from 100 mcg to 50 mcg after the change to a low carbohydrate diet. Is this another manifestation of a low carb diet? I gave up caffiene - gradually - and for the first time in my life, I want breakfast. Pretty damn amazing. I do know that I am able to wake up in the morning now, which was always an ordeal for me and I have the mind to do whatever needs to be done. The issue I want to address is the effect on children. I have two. We hear so much in the news about overweight and depression and ADDH. How much of this is caused by diet? I spent 8 years with the same doctor and he never caught the problem. It was a ENT who was referred becase of my ear problems who found the thyroid problem. Diet related symptoms look so much like documented afflictions that most doctors are actually treating you for the symptoms, not the root cause.

Hi guys - Well the Eades' have put a lot of things out there that many drs do not condone. But the bottom line is, it works. It works for many many people. Just like we do not all respond to the same anti-biotic, we do not all respond to the same diet. I read Molly's review too. I also checked her history. She has added a blasting opinion to every protein-based diet book in the review section, saying each book is a waste of money. Few found her reviews helpful. So, take it with a grain of salt, since she is very anti-protein!

This diet may sound way out there. BUT, the Eades go into great detail, explaining HOW the cells utilize what we eat, HOW they react and WHAT certain foods do to them. I will never buy margarine again! I did not realize what it was doing INSIDE my body. I followed a low-fat diet for a year on the advice of my dr. I GAINED 50 lbs. Unusual? Perhaps. I was critized, and told I must have been cheating. I wasn't. I ate mostly fruits and salads, with occassional meats. Following this plan, I have lost 10 lbs in two weeks. That is probably not typical, but I have an a-typical amount to lose. I am out to lose 150 pounds.

I am not wanting to lose 5 lbs to fit into a certain dress, I am trying to get a life back! I want to go to movie theaters again, ride bikes again, enjoy my life again. I for one, was tired of being trapped in this bodily prison that I thought I alone had created. I suffered from depression as well. The solution? Another pill. Well, the depression has lifted since following this diet. So have other symptoms, such as incontinence. The benefits are enormous.

This diet might not work for you, but what have you got to lose by trying? I can feel my body getting back into line. I am also hypoglycemic, and this diet has allowed me to get off the blood sugar roller coaster. I highly recommend it. If you are overweight by over 50 lbs, and your doctor is telling you that your only problem is will power, you owe it to yourself to try it. It isn't all will power - there are complex body chemistries at play. So to borrow a phrase, Just Do It! Get the book and change your life!

It's a pity we can't vote on the helpfulness of an Amazon reviewer (A.R.). It should be noted that the Eades are much less dogmatic than A.R. about their ideas, and much less likely to resort to sarcasm when someone disagrees with them. Somehow, I suspect they're also better qualified to judge the scientific validity of their ideas. How many years has A.R. been practicing medicine?

Unlike A.R., the authors don't pretend to be all-knowing. In fact, they freely acknowledge that they have changed their minds about some things in their previous book, and they are careful to state that their advice is based on what they consider to be the best *current* evidence.

The previous book, Protien Power, was much more oriented to weight-loss, while this new book focuses more on overall wellness. I have read both and benefited from both.

The subject matter is sometimes rather technical, but their presentation is admirable. I suspect most readers will do fine if they're willing to give it a little thought.

This book might well be called "Paleolithic lifestyle for the modern man". The basic idea of the book is that our bodies have been developed to live in the Stone Age. Then came agriculture and we've been downhill ever since.

The authors try to adapt that Paleolithic lifestyle to today without being radical. They don't suggest you have to go eat snails, tough there are some intriguing suggestions. One of them is to give regular blood transfusions to "balance" our current lack of parasites and help regulate iron contents in the body!

Diet is a very important part of the book but not all. In this new book they discuss supplements, cholesterol, how the gut works, sunbathing, exercise AND diet.

If you buy the "Paleolithic Hypothesis", which they make a fine case defending, then this book is for you. If you just want to diet, their own "Protein Power" would be an easier reading, though there are a few revisions in the new book.

The book is very well written and even funny sometimes. It's not a "reheated" version of "Protein Power" but a completely new book where the authors had a lot of latitude, even to defend some polemic ideas that would certainly not help sales. They claim, for instance, that cultivating grain is a form of drug trade.

I would also recommend "The Ketogenic Diet" for people that want to know the physiology of this kind of diet.

By the way, I've been on the diet for almost a year now. I lost 60 pounds and feel great

Molly -- There are literally hundreds of reviews of the Protein Power books from people who tried it and are amazed at the results. The health benefits have been confirmed by their doctors. As a nurse, don't you think you should give it a fair try and see the medical results for yourself before you condemn it? It seems that your attitude is shared by much of the medical community -- knock it before you investigate and throw it out because it isn't in line with the popular belief. Check your medical textbooks for the principles Drs. Eades espouse. They are right there in black and white and have been for many years. I lost almost 50 pounds and an amazing number of inches in just a few months on the original Protein Power diet. And within weeks I could walk uphill without breathing hard. People were surprised at the new roses in my cheeks; long shiny hair with no split ends -- the evident signs of good health.

You owe it too yourself to try it Molly -- have a friend explain it to you if you can't understand the book yourself.