The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet: The Lifelong Solution to Yo-Yo Dieting (Signet) (Paperback)

by Rachael F. Heller (Author), Richard F. Heller (Author) "A century ago, epileptics were thought to be taken over by "spirits..." (more)
Key Phrases: most carbohydrate addicts, doubtful addiction, weight during the past week, Reward Meal, Carbohydrate Addict's Diet, Complementary Meals (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
If you've been a yo-yo dieter for years or if you can eat a pound of pasta at one sitting, this book may very well be an eye opener. In simple--but never condescending--language, it explains the roots of carbohydrate cravings and teaches you how to normalize your insulin levels to prevent future food binges. Regulated insulin levels in turn help to temper serotonin levels, so food cravings and mood swings are prevented. The authors, both research scientists (one a health psychologist, the other a pathologist), have lost and kept off a total of 200 pounds between them. They've based this book on nearly a decade's worth of research, during which they've helped nearly 80 percent of their patients lose weight and keep it off for at least a year.

They explain that carbohydrate addicts most commonly crave popcorn, breads, bagels, rice, pasta, potatoes, ice cream, chocolate, pie, cookies, crackers, cake, fruit and fruit juice, potato chips, and pretzels. A questionnaire at the beginning of the book determines if you're indeed a carbohydrate addict, and if so, to what extent. (For those readers whose quiz doesn't indicate addiction, but who are bothered by their food cravings, the authors recommend a doctor's visit for an explanation.) The book includes a diet plan with dozens of easy recipes, a chart of the carbohydrate content of many common foods, and lists of binge triggers to watch for. The most appealing part of the diet--and one reason that it wins raves from its followers--is its once-a-day reward meal, which allows you to eat anything you want. The authors also offer helpful tips for incorporating the diet away from home, such as at parties and restaurants.

From Library Journal
This low-carbohydrate diet was designed by a research biologist and a research psychologist to treat hyperinsulinemia, a condition where normal carbohydrate consumption produces not satisfaction but even more hunger, especially cravings for starches and sugar. Beginning with their own weight loss experiences and continuing with those of others, the authors provide a carbohydrate addiction test for readers to take to determine their own degree of addiction. Then they outline the easy-to-follow diet plan that includes several slightly different variations. Basically, dieters eat two low-carbohydrate meals a day and one "reward" meal with lots of carbohydrates. The authors also supply upbeat, positive advice for weight loss success and a limited number of meal plans and low-carbohydrate recipes. This would be a good addition for most public libraries.
-Linda Chopra, Cleveland Heights-University Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Signet (1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451173392
• ISBN-13: 978-0451173393
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (307 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,861 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Authors, A-Z > Heller, Rachael & Richard
  #22 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Diets & Weight Loss > Special Conditions > Low Carbohydrate
  #22 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Diets & Weight Loss > Diets > Low Carb

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

248 of 248 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A NEW BEGINNING, April 24, 2000

By A Customer

I read the book entirely in one sitting, the very night I bought it. Then I studied it at length many times, highlighting, making notes in the margins. As a registered nurse, I learned a lot from the references to their research, and their detailed explanation of hyperinsulinemia. They have over 100 references, and 10 years or more in research of this disorder. It was as though a veil had been lifted and I suddenly understood that my condition is physiological, NOT psychological! I have found a new beginning. I know many doctors who recommend this diet for weight loss, depression, high blood pressure, pre-diabetic conditions, high cholesterol. I cannot diagnose myself, but I know it is working for me. I have been on the diet for 6 months and have lost 62 lbs! I don't weigh and measure, count calories, or deprive myself of any of my favorite foods. I feel better, no cravings, and I have more energy than ever! and above all, I am only 18 lbs away from my goal...6 months ago I would NEVER have thought it possible. Give it a try, and follow the 4 rules...you will succeed.

154 of 155 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you fit the type, it works - this is how, January 3, 2000

By A Customer

I didn't see the Oprah show but I used this book in 95. I had been sticking to a low-low-low fat diet at the time and was gaining about 2 pounds a year. The test in the book classified me as a light-to-moderate carbohydrate addict, but the people in the book had so much in common with me that I think I was more addicted than that. Anyway, sticking with the book, I completely eliminated all starch and sugar from EVERY meal and ALL snacks, except for the reward dinner, where I would eat whatever I wanted (pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, chinese food). During the day I would eat lots of fatty, greasy burgers and bacon and eggs. To my amazement I lost 29 pounds in 5 1/2 months. It was not difficult to keep it off, either. I ended up "easing up" on the diet after this time, but kept the general idea of avoiding carbohydrates except for dinner. The weight stayed off. I never had to worry about fats again. And I felt very healthy and pleased. TAKE THE TEST in the book - the authors themselves stress that if you are not specifically a carbo addict, this diet won't work for you. Also, this diet is VERY VERY DIFFERENT from a general low-carbohydrate diet so don't listen to those who say it's all the same. I hope this helps somebody reading it.

89 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Carbohydrates Addict's Diet, February 3, 2000

By	[e-mail] (Trabuco Canyon, Ca. USA) - See all my reviews

02/03/00 The first week was real tough, I really missed the sugar & cream in my coffee and the scone for breakfast. After the 2nd week I now enjoy black coffee, eggs and ham for breakfast. I have salad and sliced meat for lunch. Every week I eat smaller portions of my reward meal. I am now on week 5, I do not consider this a diet, but a different way to eat for the rest of my life. Have lost 15lbs so far, Have 25 more to go. My wife has lost 8lbs.