Customer Reviews

The Reality Diet

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

With 60% of Americans currently overweight, something is still missing when it comes to finding that optimal eating plan and Dr. Schnur may have the key to what that is.

Imagine eating Spanish couscous, Ham and cheese egg muffins, chicken pasta salad and STILL managing to achieve a nice, steady weight loss. I'm sure this will be a shocker to low carb devotees but, speaking as a former low carber, I've lost MORE weight on the Reality Diet, feel better and don't crave carbs as I used to.

Committed as I was to "low carb" diets, I didn't exactly have high hopes for this one but was shocked to see the pounds coming off. Besides, I'd gotten bored with counting every carb and I missed some of my old favorites

So I was opening to trying something new and discovered that this is a truly sensible diet, with an emphasis on just enough fiber to keep your body operating at maximum metabolic efficiency. What a difference that makes!
Here was my experience on this diet (and yes, I WAS skeptical when I saw how many grams of carbs most of these recipes contained):
1. A steady weight loss of about 7 -8 pounds a month which adds up to 30 pounds in about 3-4 months. Sound too slow? Not if the weight STAYS off.
2. Feeling fuller than ever and actually having to struggle to eat ENOUGH calories, quite a novelty for a diet!
3. More energy.
4. More efficient and regular digestion.
5. No dark circles under my eyes - maybe because of increased circulation or a missing nutritional ingredient?
6 Reduction of wrinkles, perhaps from drinking more water or having better circulation.

This book has the strength of being written by a cardiologist, one who can give plenty of examples of how dangerous those other diets can be, based on people he's seen in the emergency room after they've lost something like 30 pounds in a month. The weight may come off quickly, true...but that isn't necessarily a good thing, as he indicates by the patients he's seen who've seriously impacted their cardiovascular health, their energy and their nutritional requirements.

Based on his experiences, Dr. Schnur advocates steady, realistic weight loss. This doesn't mean losing TOO slowly, however but at a pace of about 7 to 8 pounds a month - a loss that is not only sustainable but can be healthy.

And yes, there is a major GUIDELINE, a formula for following "The Reality Diet" which is a very easy guideline to learn. It involvesl learning how much fiber you need daily (and what types of fiber) to keep you feeling full, the kind of fiber that occurs naturally in food. By using this very simple rule, you can look at ANY food label and know if the food is appropriate for the plan.

This means that carbohydrates no no longer off limit, as long as they follow the guidelines established here.

I won't give the secret away because I really think you need to learn it in context with the rest of the book..and also because Dr. Schnur explains why you need the approximate amount of fiber he suggests - - and how that allows you to eat certain starches like waffles, some breads, potatoes and even pasta (the right kind of pasta). Plus, he has the cutting edge research that indicates how to make the most of this plan.

I found this to be a very sensible and healthy eating plan which even advocates regular glasses of red wine, in moderation. Who wants to eliminate ALL carbs? I certanly don't. Also, this diet is not Too high in fiber (too much can lead to bloating and cramps) but has the right amount, enough to make dieters feel full and to maintain regularity and optimum metabolism.

This is also one of the EASIEST diets to follow, with complete meal plans that include easy recipes that taste good (I LOVED the toasted Tuna and Avocado Sandwich, Vegetarian Stir Fry, Classic Hamburger and the homemade cranberry almond bars. The apple- peanut butter sandwich is an easy lunch choice, pakkable and good for those on the run. I could go on and on...and if you like to experiment with different flavors, the recipes will thrill you. They aren't run of the mill but they aren't overly exotic either. My kids were fond of many of them. There are lists of suggested foods and menus and I was delighted when my kids asked for the Tofu shakes nd Strawberry Custard cups. Did they know they were eating "diet" food? Nope.

If you've missed you carbs (admit it, you have, haven't you?) you'll go nuts for the Stir Fried Broccoli and rice and the creamy strawberry Tofu Dessert only take an hour in the freezer to come out with a very nice consistency.

OTHER MAJOR PLUSES OF THIS BOOK:
Handling restaurants and holidays
Exercise tips

I have been on diets all of my adult life and never thought that i could lose weight until Dr. Schnur published this book. I have only been on the diet for exactly one week now and have lost 3 1/4 lbs this first week. I have eaten more than i would normally eat. I have not been hungry. I have enjoyed learning about sensible eating by reading food labels and looking for the foods that are better for you containing more fiber, but best of all, i like the simplicity of being able to eat well, eat foods that i like, eat all kinds of food, and not feel that i am so restricted with part one, then part two, then maintenance to keep the weight off. Dr. Schnur has come up with a manageable way of life that makes so much sense! I recommend this book wholeheartedly and without reservation. I am going to buy it to send to my friends who are always complaining that there is no such thing as an easy diet....THIS IS SO EASY THAT YOU DON'T FEEL THAT YOU ARE ON A DIET......THIS IS ONE WAY OF EATING THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE WITHOUT DEPRIVING MYSELF OF ANYTHING! THANK YOU DR. SCHNUR!

I think the reviewer from Indianapolis is on the money with the review. It cannot be put any better than that. I personally was lucky enough to have the diet available to me before the printing of the book and I must say that it works and you don't. What I mean by that is not that you don't have to try to lose weight on this diet but it does seem that way as you dig deeper into it.

Some diets seem to require you to "make this" and "buy this" ... or prepare this meal the night before. You end up losing weight because of all the running around you are doing to prepare your different meals. Other diets say "you can't have this". OOOHHHHH, let's think about this one. When do you really want something the most? When you can't have it! And you will want it because the thought has been planted in your mind that you can't have it. Those of you who have been on diets, don't you get sick of going out with friends and saying "Oh I can't eat that because I'm on a diet" and then you chuckle while thinking ... "Man I wish I could have that dessert or that glass of wine".

What I am getting at while making light of the situation so many people go through is that this diet is just as the name implies. This is "REALITY" and depriving yourself of things you like is not reality folks. "REALITY" is enjoying your favorite foods, being able to go out and enjoy your food while eating healthy, improving your health with healthy eating and exercise ... not starving yourself! "I am going to eat one meal today..." and "I've only eaten ..." are phrases that you all have probably heard or used yourself. Not the case with the "Reality Diet". I could sit here and write glorious things about the diet all day but they would truly just be words to you unless you try it. I urge you to buy the book. You will find that it will be the best money you've ever spent to accomplish a lifetime of pleasure for you and your loved ones. Let's be real about it. If you improve your health, others around you want to do the same and you increase your chances of living a longer more rewarding life (mentally and physically). And I would just like to add that if you are saying, "well I am 40, 50, 60 years old and it is too late ..." again I am going to use the phrase "let's be real" or in this case "get real". It is never too late to live a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy the book and enjoy your life! It is truly the best and easiest "diet plan" (I almost feel bad calling it a diet because it really is much more) I have ever come across in my entire life.

I love this plan!! I am so relieved to finally read and learn about a health plan that includes all of the food groups, since I love all types of food. I have tried a few low carb diets and they have only given me short term success and I have always been concerned about the vitamins and nutrients I was missing by cutting out so many foods like grains and potatoes and corn etc. For me it was just was not realistic to never eat some of these foods again. With the Reality Diet I learned about the importance of fiber and the 2:90 rule is such an easy and realistic measure to follow. I have already started following the diet and I am thrilled to say that the suggested meals are delicious, filling, and I have so much energy throughout the day that I am actually motivated to go for a jog after work!

If you're looking for a diet that you can live on look no further! As a woman in my forties my metabolism has began to slow and that's the scariest thing. I thought I might have had a thyroid problem but a series of blood tests have proven otherwise. The weight loss methods that I used when I was younger simply don't work for me anymore. I struggled to find a program that was balanced, healthy and practical.

"The Reality Diet" is the most enjoyable diet I have ever tried. Whether I'm cooking at home or more so enjoying meals on the go or at a restaurant, this book has taught me to make healthful, yet delicious choices. I don't feel as if I'm being deprived at all. Staying on the "Reality Diet" is insurance for me.
"The Reality Diet" has become a part of my life and is the new blueprint for my eating habits.

The best example I can think of is Corn-Meal Crusted Sole, it's delicious!!! When I picked up the stone ground corn-meal in the supermarket as listed in the recipe provided, I was excited to learn that the corn-meal coating contains 5 grams if fiber in it. Try looking for that in breadcrumbs! I also love the Parmesan Chicken and can't forget the Raspberry Breakfast Smoothie. Each week I'm anxious to trying some of the new recipes and seeing the results. The great thing about it is that you are not obligated to cook all the food and can simply stick to the meal plan and guidelines, which could not be any easier.

My food shopping trips have become less stressful. Who would ever imagine that food shopping could be a breeze! Thanks to the "Shopping with Shirley" section of this wonderful book I now understand what I need to look for rather than doing the guesswork myself.

Anyone who wants to live a healthy and enjoyable life should pick up this book today. Dr. Schnur's diet has become my reality and I'm thankful for that.

Very easy to follow and very practical.
Dieting is not a quick fix and this book certainly gives you the tools necessary for a lifestyle of change.
I am following it and feel great.

Imagine a diet where you can eat bread, meat, veggies, fruit, dairy and even wine occasionally! This is it! Almost nothing is off limits as long as it's got fiber to balance the fat. Lose weight, feel full, and know you're eating healthy with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, and proteins. Behave yourself during the day and enjoy a large strawberry shortcake with whole wheat waffle "shortcake", fresh strawberries, and whipped cream as a treat. Every day has the reward of a delicious treat! Weight came off quickly and easily and I didn't feel restricted. Even found some new favorites.

This is the most common-sense diet I have ever read. The key to this diet is simple and straight-forward. Eat smaller servings, exercise daily, don't eat between meals, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and finally (and this is the key to the whole diet) all carbs should contain at least 2 grams of fiber per 90 calories.

I think the "Reality Diet" book is wonderful.I read the book and followed the diet and it works. As a working woman I thought it was going to be hard to prepare meals but it was easy and they taste great.I felt full and now I have alot of energy.

I have to say that the reality diet is the best diet book that I have read or followed through. The best thing about this book is that its not just another fad diet. The reality diet is a life style change. It teaches you that you can eat everything in moderation and not deprieve yourself or feel cheated. Thus it does a great job in preventing the overindulging that usually happens later on.
Fiber, a very important factor, has been overlooked time and time again, usually in favor of other obvious things like protein, fats and carbs.
On this day and age, we have come to favor or limit the intake of one thing vs. another. With this diet we learn the truth behind whats really good and whats really bad.
Shirley teaches us in stepts the right way to follow an appropiate life plan that could keep everyone from the young to the old on track. The 2/90 rule is great keepsake and something thats easy to remember and that will keep us in line if we follow it.
I recomend this diet to everyone that wants to keep a healthy life style without feeling deprieved or hungry.
From real life restaurants to our home environment we can finally enjoy our eating without worries.
Thanks Shirley and Dr. Schnur for your great book!