The Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program : A Personalized Plan for Becoming Slim, Fit and Healthy in Your 40s, 50s, 60s and Beyond (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"If you are carbohydrate addicted, this book will give you the information you need to literally eliminate your cravings for starches, snack foods, or sweets and get control over your eating and your life--at any age, through all the decades to come--and without sacrifice. You will be able to lose weight and greatly decrease your risk for virtually all of [America's] top killer diseases. You will get the guidance you need to make the lifestyle change you have been waiting [for] for so long. And, in addition, you will gain the courage and conviction that your hunger, cravings, and weight problems are not your fault, and as the pounds fade, so will your guilt and self-blame." So begins The Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program, a book especially tailored for those 40 and over, especially menopausal women and those who were prescribed Fen-Phen. Its premise is simple--it's designed to help you rid your body of excess insulin. When excess insulin is circulating through the body, it's virtually impossible to lose weight, say Richard and Rachael Heller, both research scientists and professors and authors of the bestselling Carbohydrate Addict's Diet.

They've created a sympathetic and clear guide for keeping insulin levels--and therefore food cravings--in check, with plenty of appealing and easy-to-prepare recipes, including low-fat Chicken Kiev and Herby Crabmeat Salad. A stress-reduction plan, progress charts, meal plans, and comprehensive index are included.--Erica Jorgensen

From Publishers Weekly

The authors of The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet (1993) and Healthy for Life (1995) aim the latest volume in their approach to carbohydrate addiction at maturing Americans. Professors at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, the Hellers reiterate their claims that excess insulin causes some people to crave carbohydrates, creating an unstoppable cycle of cravings and weight gain. Noting that metabolisms slow down as individuals age, the Hellers again tell personal stories of learning how to manage their carbohydrate intake and their weight. They present their Basic Plan, which is based on craving-reducing proteins and vegetables and allows "Reward Meals" that include reasonable portions of carbohydrates. Nine "Options" include such tactics as adding chromium, exercising, or cutting out MSG (which triggers carbo cravings). The Hellers also link excess insulin to such age-related diseases as high blood pressure, heart disease and adult-onset diabetes. Accompanying recipes and menus, which allow much more fat than typical low-fat/high-carb plans, may attract new readers. To maturing Heller fans, much of the text will seem familiar.
Copyright 1996 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: 496 pages
• Publisher: Plume; 1st Plume Printing edition (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452278384
• ISBN-13: 978-0452278387
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (282 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #252,458 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

195 of 197 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just weight loss, but energy abounds!, January 14, 2000

By	Patricia (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

I have been using the book and the "diet" for a while now and will report that I feel terrific, which is even more important than my weight loss, which is happening. This book/diet does not promote a high fat/high protein diet like Atkins (which I tried and got sick from), but does promote a balanced low-fat, low-carb diet. Almost instantly, I was finding my energy levels elevated all day. Before, I would be sleepy late morning, mid-afternoon and early evening. Now, I can concentrate at work, and have the energy to exercise at night. That's been the most exciting change. It would be easy for some to dismiss this diet because of the reward meal, but the truth is that once you start the program, your desire to pig out at the reward meal goes away. Yes, I enjoy the fact that I can have dessert, but I usually don't want that much. Not because I am stuffed; I just don't have the strong desire I used to have! Anyway, give it a try -- but only if you pass the test and are a Carb Addict. Good Luck!

256 of 261 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read the entire book before you claim it's a hoax., November 15, 1999

By	"dmr1" (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

I too saw Oprah on October 4 and bought the book immediately. I read it and followed it. In one month's time, I have lost 13lbs (avg 2-3lbs per week). This program works when done properly.

What bothers me is all of the negative comments that are completely untrue. The Hellers are not condoning a high fat diet. They are not promoting "binge" eating. They are not endorsing a "one-size-fits-all" diet. This program was specifically designed for people who have an addiction to carbohydrates. When followed properly the dieter will see the desired results including:

1. loss of hunger that drives people off their "one-size-fits-all" diets

2. weight loss

3. lower cholesterol levels

4. more energy

5. freedom from yo-yo dieting

6. joy in learning it's not about will power.

If a person is not addicted to carbohydrates, they may see success with this plan and possibly with other plans. Of course everyone has to make their own decisions regarding health and fitness. Addicted persons CANNOT lose weight and heal their emotional wounds - weight and image related - on a carbohyrdate-rich eating plan. This program is empowering to the carbo addict in more ways than one.

And if I'm not mistaken, Oprah did not TELL anyone to do this. She merely stated that she would give it a try for a month along with whomever wanted to in the audience (and watchers). That is NOT the definition of "endorsing a program".

It is obvious that some people who have "reviewed" this book, COULD NOT HAVE READ IT.

192 of 196 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Carbohydrate's Diet, November 29, 1999

By	christine (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This book has revolutionized my life! I am 51 years old and have been on diets since high school. Many of them over and over again. You wouldn't think that I should weigh over 200 lbs with all that dieting! But this diet addressed my carbohydrate addiction. Something I had never heard before. The diets I had been on before had me eating lots of the things I was addicted to, and had my family wondering, "Why can't she lose weight?" and, "She could be so pretty." When I started on "the diet", the first thing I rejoiced about was the fact that I was finally in control of what and when I ate. That was the most significant change in my life. Besides the fact that now I was eating the things that I had always wanted to eat in the first place! I don't experience those familiar cravings 2 hours after I eat a meal. I am satisfied at night and I'm not thinking about what I could eat after dinner,(until bedtime!) I have lost 18 lbs in 8 weeks and for the first time I'm not thinking, "as soon as I reach my goal, I'm going off this diet". This is something that I want to continue for the rest of my life, because my blood pressure is down and I won't get Adult onset Diabetes like my father has. I am so thankful for this discovery, that is isn't a matter of "willpower", but BIOLOGY! I love the new me!