The Maker's Diet: The 40 Day Health Experience That Will Change Your Life Forever (Hardcover)

by Jordan Rubin (Author) "MOST OF US ENTER THIS WORLD WITH GREAT FANFARE, FEW problems, and no serious health problems..." (more)
Key Phrases: functional fitness, long hollow tube, biblical aromatherapeutic blend, Health Experience, United States, Get Sick (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Miracle cure stories abound when it comes to natural healing. A super nutrient reverses cancer after chemotherapy has failed. A Chinese herb lowers high blood pressure in a patient with heart disease after being dismissed as quackery by doctors. Jordan S. Rubin’s account of returning from the medical abyss, however, includes an original twist. After several years of battling Crohn’s Disease, which included a small fortune spent on both conventional and alternative treatments, as well as trips abroad in search of help, Rubin weighed only 111 pounds and, at just age 21, thought his life was over. At the urging of his father, a naturopath, he contacted an obscure nutritionist in California promoting a diet based on the teachings of the Bible. Yes, we’re talking what Jesus ate: kefir, lamb, sprouted breads, eggs and meat from free-range chickens, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Rubin also started to pray and added a new powder supplement containing homeostatic soil organisms (HSOs) to his diet. Four months later he weighed 170 lbs and was on the road back to his former athletic and healthy self. Inspired by his experience, and now with advanced degrees in nutrition and naturopathic medicine, Rubin has crafted The Maker’s Diet. While the faithful will surely find the book of interest, Rubin’s command of the scientific issues underpinning his recommendations may also appeal to those more accustomed to studying food labels in search of what to eat than ancient religious texts. --Patrick Jennings

From Publishers Weekly
After nutritional consultant Rubin (Patient Heal Thyself; etc.) nearly died from an inflammatory bowel disease that caused him to lose 50 pounds and suffer severe pains, he devised an approach to health that combines wholesome eating with a heavy dose of faith. Indeed, while Rubin presents scientific evidence of his plan's effectiveness and detailed lists of recommended supplements and foods, the diet's religious aspect is fundamental. The 28-year-old Rubin bases his diet on a "Biblically-correct lifestyle," recommending the consumption of organically grown foods and frequently referring to the Bible on matters ranging from personal hygiene ("If the Maker has a preference, it might be the use of ritual bathing that combined bathing... with sprinkling") to getting tattoos ("Scripture warns against piercing the skin"). To help readers avoid disease and live healthily, Rubin lays out a three-stage plan. The first stage-somewhat restrictive, akin to South Beach-prohibits virtually all commercial dairy products, chlorinated tap water, many fats and oils, and all carbohydrates ("While it is true that the people of the Bible consumed a diet that contained liberal amounts of... carbohydrate foods, they were higher-quality, lesser-processed carbohydrates, therefore much easier to digest"). More foods are introduced in subsequent weeks, and those following the diet may eventually incorporate red meat, carbs and saturated fats into their regimens. Rubin's program will be difficult for many, as it calls for drastic changes in the way they go about their lives. However, his approach is unique and provides a refreshing, holistic antidote to many of today's fad diets.
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Siloam Press; 1 edition (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0884199487
• ISBN-13: 978-0884199489
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (226 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #68,519 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much more than a diet...., November 21, 2004

By	W. E. Petit "creosote7" (Lookout Mtn, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In all reality this book is not about a diet, but rather about a serious life change for the better. This book puts together what my family and I have been trying to do for the past 2-3 years now. It provides a sound model for eating and living based on biblical principles. After reading some of the other reviews, I think some
people are throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Just because Rubin has a supplement company that provides alot of the healthy products he describes in the book, doesn't mean his advice is skewed or necessarily biased. It looks like some are questioning Rubin's credentials and education to discredit his advice. However, I have founds many other resources and websites that also come to the same conclusion as Rubin when it comes to our diets and lifestyle. Rubin goes to extensive details to provide the reader plenty of solid medical facts to explain what the human body needs and why other eating patterns fall short.
He provides the names and websites of almost 100+ other companies that provide healthy eating and living information and products.

My family and I considered ourselves very healthy compared to most people we know, but were shocked to find out the negative side effects of Soy products. We have been consuming a good deal of Soy over the past two years, from Tofu, Soy Milk, Cheese, veggie burgers, etc. I was shocked to learn of the side affects
"Processed" soy can have, especially in Baby formula (where there are several lawsuits now against soy manufacturers). This was a reality check for us to look at what we are really eating, even though we thought we were healthy. If anyone wants more info on soy dangers see the website: http://www.westonaprice.org

Overall, I would Rubin's advice very highly. Can you actually imagine what would happen if millions of people actually switched to a lifestyle similar to the Maker's Diet? Our nation's health would dramatically increase almost immediately. All those people who are hopping from one diet to the next would really benefit from this book. If nothing else, this book serves as a huge wake up call to all those who are unaware of the toxins that surround us. From chlorinated/flouronated public water supplies to Hydrogenated fats/oils that are labeled as "healthy" by most food companies to the hormone laden chickens and beef we eat to the herbicide/pesticide vegetables that line our groceries. Yes, I do think it is time people took a hard look what the put into our bodies and ask themselves what has changed over the last 100 years of modern agriculture and food processing. Do youself a favor and get this book to read...

59 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Biblical?, August 1, 2005

By	MotherLodeBeth "MotherLodeBeth" (Sierras of California) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Have to admit I was disappointed in this book. Why?

Because the section on what foods to avoid in the phases of the plan. Coming at this from a kosher or Biblical viewpoint, very few people in Christs time ate meat on a regular basis, if one studies history. It was special occasion food. Fish yes, yogurt etc yes. And bread. Bread was a daily food and was the hearty type of bread, not what most Americans eat. So not allowing bread in my opinion is unbiblical. Same with Garbanzo beans also known as chickpeas which are almost a daily food in the middle east, the heart of the Bible. On page 126 he notes fruits to avoid in phase two and lists Biblical fruits like raisins, dates figs and prunes.

Beverages he says not to have are all alcoholic beverages, ignoring the fact that in kosher and Judicia living real wine is a daily or at least weekly beverage for adults. Again one need only read history to see the author is ignorant.

And then he talks about (and sells) something called Clenzology. Good hygiene is one thing, and does prevent health problems, but Clenzology seems to be something he made up to make extra money. And I disagree with his idea that one need whole food fiber in water every morning which is basically what Benefiber and other constipation regulators are.

In phase three he notes that beans and legumes that are soaked or fermented are best. Never mind that during biblical time fermented beans etc were not kosher. Then he starts to allow in what I consider unhealthy foods like canned fruit in its own juices. Canned anything should be avoided since canning unlike freezing and drying reduces nutrients. And he constantly says that veggie burgers are to be avoided. Makes me wonder if he know much about the dozens of type available that are Biblical and healthy.

Study history and read up on food thru the centuries. Get the facts not stuff like this book pushes.

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Works!, October 31, 2004

By	Never Look Back (Pontiac, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This book changed my life! I always knew there was something missing in my diet. I never felt healthy or energetic. I was a size 26 and over 260 lbs. I couldn't lose weight, on the road to diabetes, thyroid and candida problems. I tried every quick weight loss scheme, from Pritikin, to Metabolic Typing to Adkins. Nothing worked. I'd lose 5-10 lbs and gain 20-40. It's not about just low-carb. Carbs are not our problem. Low Nutrient foods are our problem. Today, six months later, I'm a size 20.

Jordan teaches that we need nutrient dense foods such as kombucha, cod liver oil, coconut, naturally fermented foods, organic meats and vegetables, preferably raw goat butter, goat milk and yogurt, organic lamb and organic chicken stocks, celtic sea salt and living water. I eat beets, palm hearts, artichoke hearts, salmon, kefir, organic raw eggs in smoothies, raw honey, olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, homemade sauerkraut, sourdough breads. I limit bleached flours, soy food, vegetable, canola, and corn oils, hydrogenated oils and margarine, snack foods, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, TV dinners, store meats that have hormones, pesticides and disease, pork and certain seafoods.
I don't overeat anymore and I'm satisfied. God gave us food to eat and enjoy. When we fight against our own hunger we destroy our relationship to food. I no longer horde food, freak when there's not enough, nor do I eat when I'm sad.
I also take Clear Energy. I went from working in an office and came home ready to collapse, to being a nanny of 5 year old triplet boys. I come home tired, but happy and ready to start my day! I use clenzology. And usually start autumn with a good sinus infection...no sign of one yet!

I think we need to separate the idea that this is a `religious' concept and understand that Jordan is asking us to think about what we put into our mouths. Are we going to accept what we've been told is healthy or are we going to finally question the Standard American Diet? He isn't contradicting himself. Anyone who read the book knows he's saying that sometimes it is necessary to temporarily eliminate certain foods from your diet until the flush is complete. And, regarding the comment about wine, there is an enormous difference between naturally fermented raw drinks and commercial wines. They are pasteurized and highly processed, all the possible nutrients are cooked out. This is the problem with the entire food industry.

Other reviewers suggest many other diet books, however; these books focus on specific concepts and remedies, but not on overall healthy eating. None of them suggest eating all of the foods in Jordan's book including coconut, palm oil and fermented foods which helps correct diabetes, thyroid, cancer, hormonal problems, and digestive problems. I have read many of these books; they completely overlook key nutritive foods.

I met Jordan at a local seminar. He is the picture of health and offers free seminars. He is the least "Commercial" person I have ever known. His products are of the highest quality; made of whole, organic dried fruits, vegetables and seeds and herbs. He isn't peddling a low-grade, laboratory processed, chemical `supplements'. He is personable, kind, without the slightest hint of pretense. And he has feelings. I think twice when reading a review of someone who attacks another human being without having met him personally.

And as far as exercise. I couldn't exercise last year. Every time I got on a tread mill, my blood pressure skyrocketed. Many Americans are in such poor health, that they need to get better first, then consider workout regimens. That's like asking a person who needs open heart surgery to run a marathon. It's impossible. But with health comes the ability to keep on track and exercise and stay in shape. One step at a time!

We need more people like Jordan Rubin to swim upstream, amid a world of nay-sayers, and be a living example of health!