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The Carb Lovers Diet: Eat What You Love, Get Slim for Life!
The editors of Health Magazine (and top nutrition scientists) have big Eating carbs is the best way to get and stay slim. Breakthrough research revealed in this book shows how certain carb-rich foods--especially those with the amazing natural ingredient called Resistant Starch--act as powerful metabolism boosters and appetite suppressants. Rather than making you fat and bloated, as decades of low-carb diet gurus claimed, CARBS make you thin. They shrink fat cells, especially in your belly; boost fat burning; increase muscle mass; curb cravings; keep you feeling full longer than other foods; control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides! Health Magazine, the expert when it comes to healthy living, takes this revolutionary new science and turns it into an easy-to-follow, real women-tested, dietitian-approved road map proven to melt off 10, 35, even 100 plus pounds forever. Our test kitchen chefs and registered dietitians also developed 85 delicious, simple recipes an
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2010
17 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 15, 2011
The title is so misleading and the messages are mixed. The study they quote in the first chapter states that the slimmest people ate the most carbs in the form of whole grains, vegetables and fruit. Big caveat for a booked titled "The Carb Lovers Diet" released in a country where many people are addicted to carb-laden, processed convenience foods.
But it turns out that the book is aimed at people who have been programmed to fear carbs since the Atkin's craze.
The kick start plan is just 1200 calories a day, which I find extremely restrictive, especially during the transition to a healthier way of life. No much new information here, eat more "good carbs" from vegetables, fruit and whole grains. The information on resistant starches seems fairly gimmicky.
It may be a decent starter plan for people who want to move toward a more plant based diet and like guidelines to follow. The recipes seem very easy, but awfully high in sodium and they rely very heavily on "grab and go" foods, which are really best left as last resort options.
I grabbed the copy at the library and if you're truly interested in reading it, do the same and save your money. Much of the information is heavily featured in just about every issues of "Health" magazine, to which I subscribe, so a lot of the information was just a review to me.
But it turns out that the book is aimed at people who have been programmed to fear carbs since the Atkin's craze.
The kick start plan is just 1200 calories a day, which I find extremely restrictive, especially during the transition to a healthier way of life. No much new information here, eat more "good carbs" from vegetables, fruit and whole grains. The information on resistant starches seems fairly gimmicky.
It may be a decent starter plan for people who want to move toward a more plant based diet and like guidelines to follow. The recipes seem very easy, but awfully high in sodium and they rely very heavily on "grab and go" foods, which are really best left as last resort options.
I grabbed the copy at the library and if you're truly interested in reading it, do the same and save your money. Much of the information is heavily featured in just about every issues of "Health" magazine, to which I subscribe, so a lot of the information was just a review to me.
December 15, 2010
I really liked this book. After studying various diet and nutrition books for years, I finally found one that I think I can live with. Yes, anyone can lose weight on only 1,200 calories a day which is the goal for the first week. But can you stay on most diets out there for longer than a few weeks to a few months? This diet I believe you can. I was searching for an eating plan that would let me lose a little weight, but more importantly, come up with a healthy eating plan for life. The book gives you a healthy eating plan for today and the future - and makes it an easy plan to live with. This plan includes chocolate and wine on a daily basis (if you so choose) once you move beyond the first week. Plus, the authors include ways to modify the diet if 1,200 - 1,6000 calories is just too low for your activity level, or if you're not losing at all. Plus, the recipes are simple and very good. To everyone out there who is disappointed because the book doesn't recommend gorging on donuts and pizza, I say let's be a little more realistic. If you can find a meal plan you can live with, that makes you healthy, and that allows you a small treat daily (and the occasional larger indulgence), then quit looking for a miracle diet solution because that hasn't been invented yet - unfortunately!
March 4, 2012
I have PCOS and eating foods using the Glycemic Index as a guide helps keep things under control. The Carb Lovers Diet seems to use the Glycemic Index to its advantage by using foods with resistant starches.I recently went low carb/no carb and tried the South Beach Super Charged Diet with disastrous results. I didn't lose a single pound and felt awful.
There is no quick fix to weight loss. Exercise, healthy eating, smaller portions and the occasional "cheat" day seem to be the best solution for the long term. I think this book is a great guide to helping a carb lover improve their eating habits overall.
There are a lot of people rolling their eyes and saying that the reason the 1200 calorie 7-day jump start works is only because it is low calorie. I think they are missing that this low calorie diet is especially effective because you are eating foods that help you feel fuller longer and avoiding crashes because of blood sugar instability.
Overall, I think that this diet has potential and there is no "One Size Fits All" diet so it is good to experiment.
There is no quick fix to weight loss. Exercise, healthy eating, smaller portions and the occasional "cheat" day seem to be the best solution for the long term. I think this book is a great guide to helping a carb lover improve their eating habits overall.
There are a lot of people rolling their eyes and saying that the reason the 1200 calorie 7-day jump start works is only because it is low calorie. I think they are missing that this low calorie diet is especially effective because you are eating foods that help you feel fuller longer and avoiding crashes because of blood sugar instability.
Overall, I think that this diet has potential and there is no "One Size Fits All" diet so it is good to experiment.
January 29, 2011
Easy to understand and it's full of common sense. A long time ago we were told that carbs were bad, this book proves that carbs are necessary. To me it sounds like the GI Diet, but that's a good thing. It's full of easy recipes that don't have you running to specialty stores or using just one ingredient once and never again - like the Biggest Loser 30 Day Jump Start. I think I still have peanut sauce in my fridge that I used once and never again. I know dieting is basically less in, more out, but this book lets me eat pasta, rye bread, chocolate and well yeah, chocolate!! I also know that I won't lose weight by just following the recipes, I'll need to make some lifestyle changes. There's a 7 day jump start type thing in the book that I'm going to try as soon as I do some grocery shopping. I'll let you know how it goes!
September 12, 2010
Loving this book! I'm not giving it 5 stars because I don't know how it rates health-wise on fruit/vegetable servings, sodium, etc. But I can tell you I lost 2 pounds in a week without feeling like I was trying - plus my energy is much higher and I'm able to have better workouts too.
If you work out, I would recommend skipping the 7 day, 1200 calorie starter week - it's just not enough food and I thought it a little boring. If you start with the 21-day (around 1600 calories), you'll probably feel pretty good. Sometimes I'm still a little hungry, but I work out alot and that's why I add one of the snacks here and there.
I've tried many of the recipes, and with the exception of the fish tacos, I'm going to keep making them (the cherry ginger scones are sooooo good in my opinion!).
If you work out, I would recommend skipping the 7 day, 1200 calorie starter week - it's just not enough food and I thought it a little boring. If you start with the 21-day (around 1600 calories), you'll probably feel pretty good. Sometimes I'm still a little hungry, but I work out alot and that's why I add one of the snacks here and there.
I've tried many of the recipes, and with the exception of the fish tacos, I'm going to keep making them (the cherry ginger scones are sooooo good in my opinion!).
March 8, 2015
I wasn't as interested in the actual diet plan, but I did like reading the research about resistant starches. It makes a lot of sense in light of all the low carb diets out there. It seems like eliminating entire food groups is a bad idea. But not all carbs are created equal! The recipes have me some ideas, but they didn't look amazing or anything. Perhaps good if you want to cook very simply or don't have a lot of cooking experience.
August 25, 2011
I lost interest in the author's opinion when they enthused over the fact that unripe bananas have a huge amount of resistant carbs. I don't fancy eating a puckery mouthful of starch and don't feel like trusting anyone who suggests we ought to.
July 20, 2011
I saw this book being heavily promoted on display at a local store and was intrigued. Even after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease last year, I still consider myself a carb girl. But associating carbs with weight loss or weight maintenance seemed like two things that didn't belong together at all. So when I saw the book at my local library, I decided to see what all the hype was.
There's a lot of circular talk in the beginning trying to establish this method as a prove and effective tool. It is somewhat convincing. If you read between the lines you realize that what the authors are actually advocating is what nutritionists call "a well balanced diet."
Instead of looking at a slice of 5 grain wheat bread as an instant multiplication factor for your posterior...this book asks you to look at good carbs as foods that keep you satisfied longer, contain less fat and calories than many of their counterparts, and provide optimum nutrition.
The method sets you up on a 7 day jump start to loose up to 6 lbs. How? It's a 1200 calorie a day diet. But be sure...it's really about smaller meals including a snack with a heavy emphasis on breakfast. For the next 21 days you get to up your intake and have 2 snacks a day, one of which can be a luxury snack (think banana ice cream, Hershey's dark kisses, and raspberries Merlot). To lose weight faster, eliminate one of your snacks or add in an exercise routine to burn an extra few hundred calories. At the end of the 21 days you can have lost up to an extra 7 lbs.
The book claims to help you be able to loose 15, 35, or 100+ lbs, but the success stories have people who have lost between 9-24. That being said, this method seems a lot more sustainable than most other methods that try to eliminate all instances of one type of food.
The recipes are nice, especially the breakfast type recipes. I struggle with this meal and as many other nutritionists have reminded us, it is critical to get breakfast right. The book did a nice job with meal plans, too, including frozen options and even some take out ideas.
Overall, I'm glad I read it. I'll definitely try some of the recipes and keep the method in mind.
There's a lot of circular talk in the beginning trying to establish this method as a prove and effective tool. It is somewhat convincing. If you read between the lines you realize that what the authors are actually advocating is what nutritionists call "a well balanced diet."
Instead of looking at a slice of 5 grain wheat bread as an instant multiplication factor for your posterior...this book asks you to look at good carbs as foods that keep you satisfied longer, contain less fat and calories than many of their counterparts, and provide optimum nutrition.
The method sets you up on a 7 day jump start to loose up to 6 lbs. How? It's a 1200 calorie a day diet. But be sure...it's really about smaller meals including a snack with a heavy emphasis on breakfast. For the next 21 days you get to up your intake and have 2 snacks a day, one of which can be a luxury snack (think banana ice cream, Hershey's dark kisses, and raspberries Merlot). To lose weight faster, eliminate one of your snacks or add in an exercise routine to burn an extra few hundred calories. At the end of the 21 days you can have lost up to an extra 7 lbs.
The book claims to help you be able to loose 15, 35, or 100+ lbs, but the success stories have people who have lost between 9-24. That being said, this method seems a lot more sustainable than most other methods that try to eliminate all instances of one type of food.
The recipes are nice, especially the breakfast type recipes. I struggle with this meal and as many other nutritionists have reminded us, it is critical to get breakfast right. The book did a nice job with meal plans, too, including frozen options and even some take out ideas.
Overall, I'm glad I read it. I'll definitely try some of the recipes and keep the method in mind.
July 27, 2010
Some pretty tasty recipes in here--just getting started on the 7-day part of it before heading into the 21-day bit. Doesn't look too bad (not like some books I've seen). Lots of choices and CARBS. Yahoo!
September 20, 2010
ok... I love Carbs.. but this book was interesting. A woman I work with started it and has lost 25lbs on it. The only problem I have is... If you go from eating 3600calories a day to 1200 calories a day.. of corse your going to lose weight!?!
January 17, 2011
I would have put 4 or 5 stars but I haven't tried all the recipes yet or vowed to the healthier eating plan so I have only lost 2lbs so far and I credit that to my workouts. When I put some real effort in I will let you all know.
September 16, 2010
This was a total joke. Basic food pyramid information combined with cutting calories down to 1,200. Why yes, anyone would lose weight with that idea.
December 14, 2024
Technically 3 1/2 stars...
Broke down in an easy to follow set up. Shopping lists, menu plans, table of resistant starches, and recipes. Even and exercise plan. It was a great premise but there are a lot of foods I, unfortunately, can't eat so it really limits me a lot. I will have to see if I can still use some of the tables and put something more viable for me. If you have no food limitations for medical reasons, check this out! It looks promising if you have the will power to follow it.
Broke down in an easy to follow set up. Shopping lists, menu plans, table of resistant starches, and recipes. Even and exercise plan. It was a great premise but there are a lot of foods I, unfortunately, can't eat so it really limits me a lot. I will have to see if I can still use some of the tables and put something more viable for me. If you have no food limitations for medical reasons, check this out! It looks promising if you have the will power to follow it.
January 5, 2018
Website listed in book not active. No related FB page. Wonder about the "resistant starch" theory. I can't see how eating the sugary but green banana for breakfast with honey is a great idea. I had one take-away....a Blueberry Oatmeal Pancake recipe.
May 6, 2014
Summary: a damn fine plan if you're the person who just needs a little nudge to make healthy meal choices, but nothing in here you probably didn't already know.
* * * *
Yes, I can see how you'll lose weight on this "diet for life". Yes, it does appear to be a healthy mix of foods. Yes, the advice is sound (based on my limited knowledge of dietician recommendations and personal research). Portion control is key, interesting meals are recommended, the right proportions of grains to greens to protein is provided, exercise is suggested, the whole bit. Recipes and suggested meal plans are detailed, and inspiring success stories are strewn throughout.
I'm fairly sure that my doctor and my former registered dietician would do jumping jacks of joy if I followed this book's recommendations.
* * * *
No, there is nothing particularly carb-lover-y about it.
My criticisms:
Just about anyone will lose a few pounds on 1,200 calories a day (that first "jump start" week). Seriously, even if I ate nothing but Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream (one pint is about 1,200 calories) I'd still lose weight. I'd be horrifyingly unhealthy eating nothing but a single pint of ice cream a day, but I'd lose weight.
This book is geared toward Americans; we consume mass quantities as a general rule. The text sort of glosses over this problem in favor of assuming that we simply are more troubled by carb counts than portion control. That may be so for Atkins adherents, but not so much for me.
Bananas, rye crackers, and oatmeal figure prominently. Okay, they are carbs, but in general I'd not be eating what I love on this plan - I found three recipes that appealed to me and that's about it. What can I say, I'm kinda picky.
* * * *
Yes, I can see how you'll lose weight on this "diet for life". Yes, it does appear to be a healthy mix of foods. Yes, the advice is sound (based on my limited knowledge of dietician recommendations and personal research). Portion control is key, interesting meals are recommended, the right proportions of grains to greens to protein is provided, exercise is suggested, the whole bit. Recipes and suggested meal plans are detailed, and inspiring success stories are strewn throughout.
I'm fairly sure that my doctor and my former registered dietician would do jumping jacks of joy if I followed this book's recommendations.
* * * *
No, there is nothing particularly carb-lover-y about it.
My criticisms:
Just about anyone will lose a few pounds on 1,200 calories a day (that first "jump start" week). Seriously, even if I ate nothing but Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream (one pint is about 1,200 calories) I'd still lose weight. I'd be horrifyingly unhealthy eating nothing but a single pint of ice cream a day, but I'd lose weight.
This book is geared toward Americans; we consume mass quantities as a general rule. The text sort of glosses over this problem in favor of assuming that we simply are more troubled by carb counts than portion control. That may be so for Atkins adherents, but not so much for me.
Bananas, rye crackers, and oatmeal figure prominently. Okay, they are carbs, but in general I'd not be eating what I love on this plan - I found three recipes that appealed to me and that's about it. What can I say, I'm kinda picky.
Want to read
May 31, 2013Website: carblovers.com
Flagged: Page 30 Eat one slightly green banana a day
32-33 Top Starch-Resistant Foods
38 Carb Stars - Bananas, oatmeal, beans & lentils, potatoes, Whole-grain pasta, barley, brown rice, rye & pumpernickel bread, polenta, potato chips
41 Pantry Essentials (Barley, quinoa and beans)
45 Meat & Dairy CLA & Salcium Supplementation
64 Fat-flushing cocktail: 2 qts. (8 cups) brewed green tea, Juice from 1 orange, lemon and lime. Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher. Serve warm or cold. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
66-7 7-day Kickstart Plan (1200 cal/day)
73 21-Day Immersion Plan
94 List of 7-day Kickstart Recipes
114 Kickstart Snacks
116 21-Day Immersion Recipe List
120 Blueberry Oat Pancakes
168 Bistro Style Sirloin with New Potatoes
177 Orecchiette with White Beans & Pesto
207 Warm Pear with Cinnamon Ricotta
209 Super Simple Carb Lovers Snacks
210 banana Ice Cream
212 Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites
219 Maple Brown Rice Pudding
225 Smart Recipe Swaps
230 9 Get-to-goal strategies: Automate eating, control potions with frozen meals, cool your food (more RS), choose less-ripe fruit, cook al dente, swap pepper for salt, drink more green tea, sleep an exta hour every night, get some exercise.
247 Cardio Interval Workouts
253 4 Carb Lover Rules: 1 RS + 1 Lean Protein + 1 Fruit/Veg + 1 Metabolism Booster (options on p. 255)
254-5 Carb Lovers Potion Sizes at a Glance (Chart)
256 Score a Perfect RS 10
258-9 Restaurant Guide
Flagged: Page 30 Eat one slightly green banana a day
32-33 Top Starch-Resistant Foods
38 Carb Stars - Bananas, oatmeal, beans & lentils, potatoes, Whole-grain pasta, barley, brown rice, rye & pumpernickel bread, polenta, potato chips
41 Pantry Essentials (Barley, quinoa and beans)
45 Meat & Dairy CLA & Salcium Supplementation
64 Fat-flushing cocktail: 2 qts. (8 cups) brewed green tea, Juice from 1 orange, lemon and lime. Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher. Serve warm or cold. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
66-7 7-day Kickstart Plan (1200 cal/day)
73 21-Day Immersion Plan
94 List of 7-day Kickstart Recipes
114 Kickstart Snacks
116 21-Day Immersion Recipe List
120 Blueberry Oat Pancakes
168 Bistro Style Sirloin with New Potatoes
177 Orecchiette with White Beans & Pesto
207 Warm Pear with Cinnamon Ricotta
209 Super Simple Carb Lovers Snacks
210 banana Ice Cream
212 Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites
219 Maple Brown Rice Pudding
225 Smart Recipe Swaps
230 9 Get-to-goal strategies: Automate eating, control potions with frozen meals, cool your food (more RS), choose less-ripe fruit, cook al dente, swap pepper for salt, drink more green tea, sleep an exta hour every night, get some exercise.
247 Cardio Interval Workouts
253 4 Carb Lover Rules: 1 RS + 1 Lean Protein + 1 Fruit/Veg + 1 Metabolism Booster (options on p. 255)
254-5 Carb Lovers Potion Sizes at a Glance (Chart)
256 Score a Perfect RS 10
258-9 Restaurant Guide
August 31, 2011
Like so many women trapped in today's societal cycle of "am I good/skinny enough?", I have become jaded by the amount of effort I am told to spend in personal appearances, the amount of money made off of fad diets and the general attitude of needing to be fixed.
This book is different. The first several chapters of this book run through the slew of research that supports what the authors are advocating. Throughout the text, it is repeatedly stated that rather than a quick fix, this particular diet plan is a lifestyle plan--a long term plan to keep your body healthy and supplied with the nutrients that it needs!
While I have not truly tackled the 21-day plan that they offer up, I have been able to adapt the 7-day plan to a routine that works for me, which has allowed for a gradual loss of healthy weight that I am continually happy with. The recipes are yummy and the lessons learned, the information shared, has been is utilized in restaurant and shopping decisions that keep me satisfied. :]
This book is different. The first several chapters of this book run through the slew of research that supports what the authors are advocating. Throughout the text, it is repeatedly stated that rather than a quick fix, this particular diet plan is a lifestyle plan--a long term plan to keep your body healthy and supplied with the nutrients that it needs!
While I have not truly tackled the 21-day plan that they offer up, I have been able to adapt the 7-day plan to a routine that works for me, which has allowed for a gradual loss of healthy weight that I am continually happy with. The recipes are yummy and the lessons learned, the information shared, has been is utilized in restaurant and shopping decisions that keep me satisfied. :]
February 8, 2016
I love the concept of this diet because it is realistic. It shows how to eat good "resistant" carbs. It is the first diet I have ever tried that I did not feel hungry on. I feel better eating healthy food. Very easy to stick to. Results are good - I was happy losing 5.5 pounds in the first 2 weeks. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is because the dinner recipes are not easy. They also take twice the time to make than it says in the book. Breakfast and lunch are fine with lots of variety.
January 21, 2011
I'm always interested in diet and nutrition books, although I'm not personally a believer in "diets" - most of the time I don't agree with what is said, but I like to read what the latest "research" shows. This book actually has a much more balanced approach to dieting than most, and has some tasty and easy to prepare recipes that I might try out.
February 5, 2012
I don't read diet books anymore, only books that when I flip through it seems like a plan I can do long term as in forever otherwise the weight comes back when I stop.
I've lost 80 pounds to date. Although I have not flowed any specific plan it does resemble this o e. I will try to add some of what is in this book and see I like the recipes there are many good ones I would like to try.
I've lost 80 pounds to date. Although I have not flowed any specific plan it does resemble this o e. I will try to add some of what is in this book and see I like the recipes there are many good ones I would like to try.
Read
July 26, 2010This was a very straight forward book about Resistant Carbs. The recipes look very good and easy to prepare. I will be starting the diet tomorrow. If you are looking for something that you can stick with forever this is your book.
September 22, 2011
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to lose weight without feeling deprived or hungry. All about making the right food choices and exercise. Recipes are yummy...my family even likes them. Not rocket science...choose whole grains! Good carbs!
December 23, 2012
This book didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know but it helped me validate my arguments for the benefits of carbohydrates. It is written in a very basic and simple style with success stories, kick start plan, diet plan, pantry lists, and recipes. Good book, overall, just not fantastic.
August 23, 2010
Nothing too surprising....healthy portions, choosing whole grains over processed carbs, etc. The science behind carbohydrates' effect on the liver and release of fatty acids was new to me though.
September 20, 2015
Revamping of "How to Lower Your Fat Thermostat" with current data on more food groups that boost health. Smart science.
June 6, 2011
Quick read; new concept to me-resistant starches which are not metabolized.
August 6, 2011
So far so good...Lost about 2 pounds and the recipes are tasty and filling! Who knew a banana a would keep the pounds away!?
October 31, 2013
This book is excellent if you are wanting to try a low-carb diet that does not deprive you of carbs altogether.
August 6, 2018
Quién no amaría comer la comida que le gusta y perder peso al mismo tiempo? A mi me compraron sólo con el título!
October 9, 2014
A bit redundant at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews