One reviewer said they didn't know of anyone who's had long-term success with the Heller's plan , so I want to speak up. I've been following this plan, modified with some of the Hellers' more recent books, for close to 12 YEARS and am maintaining a loss of 100 lbs!
I'm a woman who struggled with weight all my life, lost and regained weight many times, and hated myself for not having the willpower to keep it off. I had pretty much given up hope when I found my way to this book. I have found it to be a workable, balanced and healthy plan. I eat fish, chicken, meat and cheese, tons of salads and other lowcarb veggies, and once a day the carbs of my choice. It might be a bagel or a bowl of cereal, garlic mashed potatoes, chocolate chip cookies -- whatever I'm hankering for. As long as it's part of a balanced meal, I don't have to feel guilty -- I'm still on my diet.
In skimming the negative reviews, I see a lot of inaccurate descriptions of this diet. Breakfasts and lunches are NOT protein/fat only - high fiber, low carb veggies are an absolutely essential part of them. I typically eat a brunch of scrambled eggs or quiche with lots of veggies, chicken caesar salad, etc. Dinner is not a carbo-loading binge - it's a balanced meal with my choice of starchy or sweet foods. Snacks are allowed - last night I was hungry and had some tuna salad and bell pepper slices at 9 pm. Having the freedom to enjoy carbs as part of my dinner every single day keeps the diet livable, and avoiding starchy and sweet foods the rest of the day keeps my appetite under control.
I hate to sound corny, but after 11 years and 8 months on this program, every day feels like a miracle. I've gone from having to sit down to peel potatoes (because my back hurt from standing) to having a very active lifestyle. My cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar are all great, despite the fact that I was borderline diabetic before I started CAD. Best of all is this joyous freedom that comes when realize you have all the willpower you need because you're not fighting your body all the time.
If you're someone who can maintain a healthy weight eating carbs all day long, lucky you. However, please don't think that's how everyone should eat. For many of us, high-carb eating produces insulin resistance, appetite control problems, binge eating and weight gain. Luckily, many scientists and nutritionists now understand this phenomenon, and there are a lot of low carb programs (and books) to choose from.
Is this the plan for you? If you've got a lot to lose or have struggled with a lifelong weight problem, if you feel hopeless about your weight and yourself, I encourage you to give this book a serious look. Rachel Heller is one of us and also a psychologist by training, and her empathy, kindness and understanding shine through these pages. I would also suggest looking at some of the Hellers' later books, such as the Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program, because their understanding has grown over the years. I hope the Hellers' program makes as much difference in your life as it has in mine, and offer my warm wishes for your success!!
If Atkins, Protein Power, The Zone, South Beach or one of the other low carb plans is working for you - cool! This may not be the plan for you, but please realize that there are many of us for whom the Hellers offer a very practical, viable plan - and in some cases a genuine life preserver!
