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., OhioCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Drs. Rachael and Richard Heller have discovered a revolutionary new diet that eliminates the cravings and helps you to overcome the yo-yo syndrome -- permanently -- without deprivation. Based on the Hellers' nine years of research, thousands of case studies, and their own personal victories over cravings and weight (maintaining a 200-pound loss between them!), this healthful, unique diet features a pleasurable approach that adapts to your lifestyle and does away with measuring, food exchanges, and calorie counting.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Does this sound like you? After eating a full breakfast, are you hungrier before it's time for lunch, than you would be if you had only had time for a cup of coffee? Do you have a hard time stopping once you start to eat bread, pasta or sweets? Do you have a tendancy to gain weight easily, or if you lose weight, to gain it back again?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions you may not be experiencing a lack of willpower but rather a physical addiction to carbohydrates--a compelling or recurring craving for starches, snack foods, or sweets. Now, Drs. Rachel and Richard Heller of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York have discovered a revolutionary new diet that eliminates the cravings and helps you to overcome the yo-yo syndrome--permanently--without deprivation. Based on the Hellers' nine years of research, thousands of case studies, and their own personal victories over cravings and weight (maintaining a 200-pond loss between them!), this healthful, unique diet features a pleasurable way that adapts to your lifestyle and does away with measuring, food exchanges and calorie counting. A daily Reward Meal, along with wholesome, balanced Complimentary Meals, fit easy into busy schedules, restaurant meals, holiday celebrations, and vacations. Filled with sound advice and effective strategies--including wonderful recipes and menu plans--this groundbreaking book helps eliminate carbohydrate cravings and puts you in control of your eating and your weight--for life.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal