Customer Reviews

The UltraSimple Diet: Kick-Start Your Metabolism and Safely Lose Up to 10 Pounds in 7 Days

5 star:		(49)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

My husband and I did the first week strictly as described in the book. He lost 8 lbs. and I lost 3 lbs. (I'm not overweight). We've been following the guidance in the book for about a month now (gradually adding back in different foods) and he's lost 17 lbs. and I'm still maintaining. We feel really good.

Benefits for him:
Within a few days his snoring was nearly gone. I really don't understand why, but it was clearly noticeable. He also was able to stop taking his Prilosec for heartburn.

Benefits for me:
After a few days, I had much more energy than usual. The sugar cravings go away after a couple of days as well.

What's hard about it:
The first week might be hard if you're a big coffee drinker or someone with a sweet tooth (like me!) It'll be worth it if you stick with it though.

What we did to make it easier:
We bought Trader Joe's organic vegetable broth instead of making our own. Most grocery stores stock Pacific or Imagine brands vegetable broth in the health food section too. Way easier. We also used Uncle Ben's Instant Whole Grain Brown rice - you can microwave it and it's done in 10 minutes instead of 40. We bought frozen berries from Costco for the shakes - Costco also had bulk containers of rice protein and flax along with many other foods we needed for the program. Between Costco and Trader Joe's it was easy to find what we needed.

Experiment with the shakes. Adding a little bit of almond butter and half a banana makes them taste really great.

It's going to take a little effort to get into the routine, but once you do, it's easy and you'll feel wonderful.

I lost a pound-a-day my first week and I'm now starting my (optional) second week.

Catchy title, but no hype. Written by an M.D. who has worked with hundreds of obese individuals. Straight-to-the point book. No hunger. No enemas required. Nothing complicated to buy. Sure, some stuff he recommends I never heard of, but I didn't let my lack of knowledge stop me (after all it was my ignorance or know-it-all attitude that got me fat in the first place).

Yes, its inconvenient living in a small town to find the health products--but it's a lot more inconvenient walking around each day with this weight on my body. I simply bought a couple of things I needed online, that's it. Some products appear to be expensive, but the contents will last a long time, and it sure beats the price of medication my doctor wants me on if I don't do something about my weight. And it's cheaper than the groceries I buy for the week anyway, with a lot better nutrition. (So I did not listen to my negative voice that wants me to stay fat and depressed.)

Be sure to read some sections of the book over a second time, so that you understand exactly what the minimum it is he wants you to do and to understand your options. Don't throw up your hands and say this is impossible. Personalize it. Change this plan in places he describes so that you cannot fail and so that you enjoy yourself and so that you can stay on the plan as long as you desire.

For example, there's an "UltraShake" he recommends for breakfast that tasted better and better the more I played around with the additional ingredients he suggests. (So if you blow-it the first time, don't give up, just alternate the ingredients a bit here and there and it will taste delicious.) The good news here is that this breakfast shake can be one you have the rest of your life. It's that good.

Another example is his "UltraBroth". He offers a couple of ready-made products as an easy substitute over making your own. So that's what I did.

Also, there is an "enhanced plan" included in this book, but I just did the basic method - it's plenty fast for me. I tried only the basic method because I did not want to be too overwhelmed. I might do parts of the "enhanced" method another time.

Some of his information I have heard before, in other books, but this is by far the easiest way I have found to simplify the science so that I can reach my goal weight (I need to drop a total of 30 lbs. I am 1/3 of the way there.)

I'd gladly give up 3 weeks so that I can drop this weight and transform my body for life.

I love this book, as well as Dr. Hyman's other books. I did not need or want to lose weight, I bought this book as a detox guide, as well as to find out if I have any food allergies. I did end up losing a few pounds without trying to. This is a great way to start Dr. Hyman's UltraMetabolism plan, which is a whole foods lifelong way of eating more healthfully, not a diet. But if you want to lose weight it is an easy way of doing so, and you will not be hungry! There is one caveat to this "diet": it is only a 7-day diet, however there is one week of preparation where you eliminate sugar, caffeine, flour, hydrogenated fats and alcohol. Dr. Hyman also strongly suggests slowly re-introducing foods after the 7-day detox, which takes several more weeks. After the 7 days though, you will probably feel so good that you will want to continue with his plan.

I read about Dr. Mark Hyman's programs and books in a well-respected health and wellness magazine, Experience Life, and I decided to purchase both Ultrametabolism and The UltraSimple diet based upon the recommendations. This past week (from April 29th - May 5th, 2007) I followed Dr. Hyman's one-week program. Within a day of starting the program, I saw and felt results. My skin was more hydrated and moisturized, and my hair was easier to manage. I awoke each morning feeling well-rested and calm, ready to face the day. I had energy after a long day at work. These changes were also followed by 5 lbs of weight loss, and several inches of toning in my midsection.

The beauty of this program is the variety. I tried many new vegetables, and I was able to spice up each meal with new seasonings. Every night, I prepared my meal for the upcoming day - grabbing my prepared food before I left for the office. It was easy to incorporate the program into my daily activities, and by the end of the week, it was already part of my regimen.

Dr. Hyman's program works! If you can commit to this program, you will undoubtedly see the results that he promises.

I read the first few pages of the book and realized that this Dr, stated everything I truly sensed and believed on different levels about health, vitality and wellness in the body, and that all weightgain is due to 2 things, Toxicity and Inflammation.
I admit I spent 2 weeks researching and getting ready for the 1 week program, call the UltraSimple Diet. I realized that in order to succeed, I needed to look at this as investing in creating and entirely new lifestyle for myself, new habits, new rituals, and fully imersed myself into the details.
I wasn't totally fanatical, but I did make the broth with organic and non-organic, frozen and fresh vegetables.
I didn't do all the baths, or exercise.
I did however make 2 smoothies a day in the morning and took them with me in mason jars to work. At first I used up protein powders and products that did similar things in my house, and gradually I've introduced more higher prices (and quality) supplements and protein powders.
I also noticed, with all the recommended nutritional supplements, that I am less hungry, and have more stabilized blood sugar.
Things seem to be becoming more normal and less unstable.
I am eating popcorn, which is my one cheating food, as I don't have too much difficulty with grits or popcorn.
I also got from the library the UltraWellness CDs and UltrMetabolism book. Both are excellent supports for the program.

I have been very happy with this.
I never was so successful with weightwatchers, but it is more similar to zone. One of the main differences why this is working for me is that he explains WHY you need rice protein powder, EFAs, Flax Seeds, and the various supplements he recommends. The beauty in this program is in its simplicity. However the pdf supplement to the book is definately poorly organized and not as well edited as the paperback. Very difficult to follow the recipes and supplement sections; however they are critical. It took me a week to figure everything out. So I can understand some frustration.
However, the program is well worth it.
I have lost 12 lbs, and kept it off for 5 weeks. I am going to start working towards losing another 12 shortly.
This can work fine on a busy schedule, and with a little organization and patience, you will realize that this will create rewards you have never imagined.

First let me say, I've never reviewed a book because I've never found one that was worth my time to do so, this book changed that.

I have had Hashimoto's hypothyroid for over 10 years, and because of medication issues, saw my weight creep up little by little, about 30 pounds total in that time. My doctor told me it would take double the amount of exercise a "normal" person would have to do to loose weight, and he wasn't joking. Months of counting calories, exercising (exactly what the PT told me to do), and after 3 months, I lost 2 lbs. VERY FUSTRATING!

I heard about this book and thought to give it a try. As some say, it's not 100% simple, but I think the title really is meant to be that it is Simple to change your lifestyle, because it is - if you just have enough willpower to do so. The stuff you buy I found is actually not that expensive, I already took a majority of the supplements he recommends (so maybe that is why). I also took a short cut that the book gives (though it's not preferred), I bought the veg. broth, and then added only some veggies to it when I cooked it. The Organic broth did not cost anymore than my grocery store charges for the brands all filled with preservatives.

While the broth isn't the tastiest thing in the world, it is not bad. I don't care for some of the foods that you can eat for dinner, so eating the same stuff does get old, but based on my results, I will deal with that.

I'm on day 6 (and I did not do the prep week, I decided just to jump right in, since I don't drink caffeine anyway, and limit white flour). So far I have lost 6.8 pounds and 4 inches (between belly, hips, thighs, and chest). Some may say this is just water weight, but I don't care, because in addition to that, I feel better. I have more energy, my IBS has stopped (a miracle in itself!), my skin has cleared up (ever since I stopped taking medication, my skin looked like a 16 year olds again because of acne, but it's almost all gone, when it's been constant for 6+ months).

If you have some will powper, give this a try, it is worth it. I've also noticed, at least at Whole Foods, that it is simple, and not much more (and in some cases cheaper) to buy some of the normal every day things (like steak sauce, ketchup) in organic to avoid high fructose corn syrup... so once you start reintroducing foods, you can do so in a healthier way. I have not gotten to that stage yet, but I have a feeling I will find that certain foods were an allergy, based on the difference I feel now.

Sorr for rambling and making this so long...

I went on this diet because for most of the year I've suffered bouts of bronchitis and sinus infections. Medication for allergies wasn't helping. I read in a magazine where readers who had tried the diet eliminated quite a few of their allergy symptoms so I tried it!

It worked. My worst diet days were the first and second days, giving up caffeine was hard!! On the third day I woke up with more energy and a clear head-no stuffiness, no itchy eyes or throat. It was bliss! I also lost almost ten pounds the first week which was a surprising bonus. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and have had nearly 75% of my thyroid removed, I expected to lose -at most- three or four pounds. Losing weight is no longer a goal of mine, I suspect I will never reach the weight I was when I first became sick, my metabolism just doesn't work the same anymore. The first ten pounds has given me hope that I might come close. My current goal is to be healthy--and I have never felt better then I do at this time.

I've remained on this diet, bringing back into it my favorite veggies while continuing to avoid the common allergen foods as much as possible. I do have the occasional slip, and the scale has slowed its downward trend (but its still moving down). The benefits I've received are phenomenal-I no longer suffer from sinus infections, I have energy and most important to me, I am off the medication I took daily for allergy symptoms.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is questioning if they have an undiagnosed food allergy or who just wants to feel healthy again.

I've tried most of the best selling diet books. This happens to be one of my favorites. I lost 5 lbs the first week, the diet was common sensical, easy to follow and near genius in its simplicity. The author, one Dr. Hyman, explains in exquisite detail the WHYS - why you should eat this, why you should not eat that, why you are feeling better, why it's important to keep weight off.

If you're looking for an easy to follow diet this is it. Most diet books are so weighed down with needless detail and confusing charts and graphs they take all the fun out of changing your body and your body image... and, unlike lots of the other diets THIS ONE WORKS! YOU LOSE WEIGHT!

Now, my complaint - the author, on this amazon page and in the book, keeps hitting the reader over the head with his HARD SELL about how good his diet is. Enough already. Let the reader determine how good your diet is or is not. We don't need this hard sell. The diet works. Leave it alone.

The hard sell reminded me of a hilarious book, Martha Bolton's "Maybe Life's Just Not That Into You" which parodies diet books like this in highly amusing fashion. In my humble opinion it's the funniest book of the year. Maybe Life's Just Not That Into You: When You feel Like the World's Voted You Off

And "The Ultra Simple Diet", along with "The Cardio FRee Diet" is one of the better diet books of the year. If enough people read this book the obesity problem will be greatly diminished. I cannot think of a stronger endorsement than that.

I bought this book not only for the idea that it would boost my metabolism but also as a diet that would de-toxify my system. I had an allergic reaction to a medication I had taken and thought this program would give me a fresh start. I found that both things happened...I did lose 5 pounds in a week but, more importantly, felt better. The recipe for the breakfast smoothie is delicious!

I was recommended this book by a friend who also introduced me to organic, natural foods and body products. I really needed to do something for myself because my skin was breaking out bad and my energy was really low. This diet worked wonders for my skin and energy....but I'll have to admit, the first few days were excruciating for me. I had an addiction to sugars, caffeine and starches, so when I had to basically go "cold turkey" with the caffeine and sugars, I had major headaches and I felt extremely irritable and sluggish (detoxing!!).

After the third day, I was feeling much better and my skin was glowing and more supple and moisturized, didn't need lotion! My acne was gone (except the scars, but no new blemishes!), the dark circles under my eyes were gone...by day 7 I felt like a completely different person. Clean, fresh, healthy, and energized (without caffeine!).

The reason I gave this only 4 stars, is because of the cost of all the foods and the fact that it doesn't offer alternative suggestions for people who don't have a large income. It is fine if you have extra money to spend and invest...but if you are like me (mid-20's, college student, living pay check to paycheck...it's un-realistic).

My friend had done the diet before, and this is what she suggested to save money -

1. Instead of making the broth from scratch, you could substitute with an organic, all natural vegetable broth mix - I made the broth the first time, and it is really good and worth the cost, but really, it's just vegetable broth...you could also just buy some of the approved vegetable to add to the pre-made broth.

2. Skip the supplements and laxatives- except for maybe a multivitamin. I didn't take them, and I don't think I missed out on anything. The lemon/olive oil and smoothie with flax works wonders for the bowels, you shouldn't need a laxative.

3. I was nervous about the olive oil/lemon combo in the morning, it was really disgusting at first. But after awhile I loved the taste (it's basically strong lemonade with a hint of oil), the result made me feel better, and it actually gave me energy! So I looked forward to the morning ritual. Also, it didn't make me feel like I had to RUN to the bathroom...it's just a regular "bowel movement" type feeling...definitely no laxatives needed.

TIP- Make the smoothie at the same time as you prep lemon/olive, Just chug it like a shot of vodka and have the smoothie ready to drink right away if you do feel sick.

4. I HATE brown rice, but when you make the brown rice, make it with vegetable broth instead of water - It's delicious!!! I LOVE brown rice now :)

5. I think the only thing worth spending money on is the smoothie, it is sooooo good. The almond butter is cheaper if you buy it fresh at a co-op, so that you can scoop/pour it yourself in smaller containers, the jars of almond butter are ridiculously expensive. I only used the following ingredients in my smoothies - almond milk, frozen cherries, frozen strawberries, 1 whole banana, almond butter, brown rice protein powder and ground flax.

Yes, this diet is hard...at first. You have to stick with it and just keep thinking about what you are doing for your body. Coming from a person who has a major sweet tooth and is a coffee addict, this is possible and do-able, once you get the concept of detoxing, living organic, and learning what your body needs, you could totally adapt this diet to your needs financially.