Dieting Books

The author of this small book has really listened to overweight patients and has an analysis of obesity I have never heard of before: that it is not a single disorder, but a SYMPTOM of many different problems and health considerations unique to each obese individual.

Dr Levy, a Canadian, is far more intelligent, realistic, and interested in his patients than any American MD of my experience, far more sensitive and sympathetic than American shrinks. He does not seem to have his time squeezed into teeny, pressurized encounters that prevent him from communicating with and coming to understand his patients. Over a long period -- years -- of trial-and-error explorations, he and his patient gradually discover what problems prevent the patient from eating self-responsively, and address them one by one as they show up.

Just reading this book is extraordinary. You get a glimpse of what medicine might have been, had it not been hijacked by the forces that want to force everything into a business mold, however bad the fit, however horrible the resulting nightmare, and however much MORE rather than LESS expensive the results.

But even if all U.S. MDs WERE forced to read this book, it would not help, since they are no longer free to practice medicine. Patients, however, can benefit enormously from studying the book, working up their OWN case histories, and sorting out, as Dr Levy indicates is necessary in such cases, one by one, the problems like sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, mood disorders, predatory families, etc., which result in the disordered eating of which obesity is symptomatic. Unlike the cruel diet clubs that put overweight people through a weight loss process they know is bogus and will only revert to a heavier weight in time, this very methodic and gradual approach respects the obese individual, sticks to reality, and really helps. No other book is like it. Nowadays, it is rare to find a doctor even BOTHERING with obesity. People prefer to write about anorexia and bulimia. This is a terrific book by an impressive medical doctor.

This is not a long book, but it is full of good advice that should really be given to anyone who has - or thinks that they have - a weight issue.

Dr Levy's emphasis on an individualized approach is just what we have also been doing for almost three decades, and it is demonstrably superior to the "One size fits all" approach. We are all biochemically, metabolically and psychologically different, and the systems involved in the maintenance of weight are amongst the most complex in the body.

I also like the way in which he integrates endocrinological and psychological approaches into his program. To ignore those is not just disrespectful, but terribly inefficient. Many factors can lead people to have problems with weight management.

One surprise about the book is that the subtitle is "The Five Medical Causes," yet it was difficult to find them! He cites a great many medical causes, and they are all correct!

I would also like to have seen some discussion about the use of the subtle systems of the body and the tremendous value of bringing a transpersonal perspective to bear on weight management. But then I suppose that he wouldn't have left me anything to write about!

Dr. Levy provides a great wealth of information regarding the struggle with obesity. I would say that if you are not obese, but have been struggling with trying to lose weight over and over this book would be a great help.

Having worked with people who are trying to lose just a small amount of weight, just saying eat right and exercise fail for the same reasons they do for someone obese. Many people say that want to lose weight, but have not truly discovered a meaningful reason for change. Many of the other aspects of disordered eating and FEAR of change apply to the slightly overweight as well.

A truly insightful book about the struggle with weight. The insight Dr. Levy provides is spot on. If only more people would hear this information and not all the "weight-loss" rip offs. Highly recommend, easy to read, case studies provided illustrate perfectly.

Dr. Levy points out the major error within the diet and weight control industry: for most people obesity is first of all a symptom.

He offers excellent insights and suggestions on ways to regain your communication with your body so that you can learn to pay attention to the most knowledgeable person of all when it comes to deciding what and when you should eat-- yourself.

No one asks the person with a fever to "just stop that elevated temperature" and yet most diet and weight control "experts" repeatedly tell people with elevated weight to "just lose that weight." I sometimes fantasize about smashing a cheesecake in their faces.

All doctors should read this book. Dr Levy explains the real reasons why people overeat & offers a variety of ways doctors can assist people to lose weight & keep it off. His perceptions & sensitivity to the problems that the obese face when attempting to lose weight are a rare find. The best book on the subject, bar none.

"Dinner Music" was the first diet book that ever worked for me. It's creative approach to learning how to eat well was inspiring and energizing. I thank Dr. Donze for the wonders his book has done for me!

Poetic in its tone and imagery, Dr. Donze's book reads like a wholesome delicious feast - each new chapter unfolding a new course and building new understanding. This is clearly not your ordinary diet book. I gulped the book in one sitting, but would return to savor it in buts and pieces again and again.

The ten books I would take with me to a desert island? Sorry CAT IN THE HAT, you've been dumped for DINNER MUSIC. Super advice packed in a great read...

DINNER MUSIC is clearly THE book for the new millenium!

I have been pulled so much in every direction by diet books in the past that I feel like three-day old taffy but after reading "Dinner Music" I now know what a food plan for life truly is. Blast you, Dr. Donze, for waiting so long to write it!

The ISBN differ for the hard back and the paperback, but it is the same book word for word per Bantam publishing house.

This is my favorite book on health, and I strongly recommend it to anyone wishing to improve their health in a effective and natural way. Its superbly written, and you have a hard time putting it down. Its a easy read and you will feel like implementing it right away. And it works!!! I have used it for everything from curing colds fast to loosing weight. My parents have received a copy for lowering cholesterol and blood presure ...in the natural way!

Dr. Murray really has written a "whole body" book. By coming from the naturopathic viewpoint, he has made achieving and maintaining optimum health an obtainable goal without a lot of side-effect inducing prescriptions. He does not just list a series of steps to follow, but makes the reader a participant and advocate for his or her own health by providing explanations as to why the procedures work. He also provides rating scales so that the reader can prioritize the steps by personal need. If I can only have one health book, this is the one.

This is another excellent book by Dr. Murray. I highly recommend any of Dr. Michael Murray's books--he is an acclaimed naturopath who provides excellent insight into the workings of the human body. This book itself is very straightforward, well organized and contains loads of information. Well done!

What can I say? Dr. Michael Murray is still one of the very best and most instructive of all Naturopaths I've ever seen live at health conventions. His books are pure gems of how to self-diagnose and heal yourself of all kinds of difficult health problems, including Phase I and Phase II detoxification problems in the liver...explained in great detail, actually. I loved Total Body Tune-Up because I already do a bit of health counseling and a LOT of study of natural health and healing. Dr. Murray filled in some blanks for me regarding some of the mystery health problems.

I am still working on healing the last 15-20% of a damaged immune system/environmental illness....so anything that can knock off the last few stubborn problems is WONDERFUL news to me. :-) There are only two things I do not intend to be without from now on: my beloved (organic, therapeutic) Young Living Essential Oils and natural healing advice from Dr. Michael Murray!

Since first reading this book about 7 weeks ago, I have purchased another 3 copies and given them as gifts. "Total Body Tune-Up" THAT significant of a book.:-)

Dr. Murray, please come back to the Syracuse area.. We want to hear you speak AGAIN!


Joyce E. Stotts
Newark, NY

This is great read for everyone because the information in this book about trans fats is so important to understand. Each one of us needs to take personal responsibility to rid our bodies of trans fats. This book is easy to read and understand in order to make diatary changes.

The information in this book, and that of it's author Dr. Demaria has had a life changing impact on my family. His info makes logical sense. His other book on ADHD also is a great work. It will save so many of our children from uneducated people trying to medicate them with poisons.

I am a retired nurse and was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome 15 years ago. I am always looking for something to help the dryness. I first saw Dr. Robert Demaria on TBN and the things he talked about made sense to me. So I bought his book "Dr Bob's Trans Fat Survival Guide". I cut out all trans fat (which takes some time reading labels) and incorporated good fat, including flax oil, in my diet. My eyes are much better, not near so gritty, and I've only been doing this for 2 months.
I did not know the impact trans fat had on your life and as I talk with my friends and family I realize they don't either. This is something that needs to be exposed. It can kill you!
Dr. Bob has a wealth of knowledge in health. He has been a blessing in my life and I'm glad I bought the book!

Following the advice in Dr. Bob's Trans Fat Survival Guide isn't always easy, but the resulting increased energy, enhanced mental awareness, and reduced pain makes it very worthwhile. Dr. Bob DeMaria not only tells you the "do's and don't's" of a healthy diet and lifestyle, he explains why in detail. I don't feel like I'm exaggerating when I say that this book can literally save a reader's life if he or she follows the advice in it.

This 134-page book is written by Robert DeMaria,a chiropractor, and Laura Meyer, a former English teacher with a master's in exercise science. According to the authors, trans fats are dangerous. Veiled, covert, and debilitating, these fats wreak havoc on our hearts. Trans fat is the George Bush of food. DeMaria said "It's actually stealth", the insidious killer.

Trans fat, like sucrose, does not occur naturally in foods apart from dead animals or meat. It is manufactured. Like heroin is manufactured from opium, so is sucrose refined from sugar cane, and so is oil heated with a metal catalyst and hydrogenated. Dr Bob is against sucrose and hydrogenated oils because not only do they cause disease, but they cause pain. Dr Bob is a chiropractor who treats pain, and he's found that what you put into your body is often responsible for alot of pain. Most people feel pain in their back, then their knees, then their head, followed by legs, shoulders, and feet.

Dr Bob is sincere about practicing what he preaches. He does not drink alcohol because that is like ingesting sucrose. He doesn't smoke or drink soda pop. His only bad habit is organic coffee rather than raw coffee. He probably doesn't know that roasting the coffee bean produces a carcinagenic tar same as when you burn tobacco leaves, and that tar causes colon cancer. He eats alot of nuts, but it is unclear if they're salted or not. The DRA of sodium is 500 milligrams, and if Dr Bob is eating salted nuts on a daily basis, then he's not doing his kidneys any good.

However, he gets a colonic peroiodically, jogs daily, and takes no medication. The value of this book is the message that there is no safe level of trans fats, so stop ingesting them. Also, the warnings about the effects of sucrose are well said. This means no more fast foods, although some Wendys restaurants fry their fries in non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, but you have to ask because their all different; or better yet - get the baked potato!

Dr Bob also has a website: www.DrBob4Health.com .

Nutritionist and author Ann Louise Gittleman, M.S. and C.N.S., is currently a consultant to numerous professional organizations. Dina R. Nunziato, C.S.W., is a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and weight management. They've teamed up to write Eat Fat, Lose Weight: How The Right Fats Can Make You Thin For Life. Their book is essential reading for anyone wanting to know the true role of dietary fat in weight control. Gittleman starts with the premise that Americans have done themselves more harm than good by banishing all fats from their diets. She says that "all fats are not created equal. In fact, certain fats boost the body's metabolic rate and protect the heart and nerves." She adds that "certain fats are essential to the health and vitality of every human being, regardless of age, gender, or current weight." The authors describe each kind of fat and what it does in the body. They cite statistics showing that since Americans became obsessed with low-fat and fat-free diets obesity has increased significantly, the incidence of diabetes and heart disease has increased, depression has become common, and immune system disorders are "rampant." People obviously need some fat in their diets, but "it's the type of fat that counts." They also discuss the role of carbohydrates and protein in the diet, and relationship between those nutrients and fat. Gittleman and Nunziato devote several chapters to the healthy fats and how to include them in your diet. They finish with the "Eat Fat, Lose Weight Eating Plan," and include sample menus and suggestions for items to keep stocked in your pantry for when you don't have lots of time for food preparation. They describe their book as being "about health, about achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as healthy percentages of body fat, lean muscle tissue, and strong bones. It is about living well and being well throughout your lifetime." Readers will find that Eat Fat, Lose Weight lives up to the author's promises. -- Sandra I. Smith, Reviewer

I really like this book. This is more of a nutritional book than a diet book, although weight-loss is the added benefit. I found her advice sound and logical. I highly recommend this book to people who are interested in their health, especially women. I look forward to reading more of her books!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has tried a low-fat diet and failed. This book goes into many specifics regarding EFA's, Omega 3s, 6s, and 9s and how eating the right fats can make you thin for life by jump starting fat burning systems in your body and also by assisting the insulin energy storage system in the body to help burn more fat. It may be as simple as eating the recommended foods and taking the proper supplements. I really liked that this book wasn't just about weight loss, but overall health and how the American diet has deteriorated so that it has promoted many diseases in the last 10 years. It's a wonderful change of pace from your average diet, this is one that just might be livable for LIFE.

I have read numerous nutrition books and most of Ms. Gittleman's books as well. I think she is one of the most thorough and knowledgable nutritionists around. Her insight into our dietary needs is accurate. This book and her "Get the Sugar Out" book have changed the way I eat and feed my family. We like our results! I believe the american people are being mislead with misinformation and half truths. We have limited choices and inferior products available in most of our restaurants and grocery stores. I hope people educate themselves and find their own good health. I highly recommend " Eat Fat, Lose Weight" as well as any other book by Ms. Gittleman.

Ann Louise Gittleman is right on the money. I found this book the most important book about dietary fat I have ever read.

I, too, used to subscribe to the "fat-free" lifestyle in sad, desperate attempts to lose weight. After finding out just how much the body needs fat, especially the right kinds of fat, I realized that I was really "abusing" my body by ignoring it's needs for essential fatty acids. I have added flaxseed oil to my daily regimen and have started to incorporate dietary changes. I do feel much better.

I also appreciate the scientific evidence that supports her claims. She sheds new light on the body's need for protein and fat, something that flies in the face of traditional nutrition advice. Since I've started to give myself more protein, I feel fuller longer and my sugar cravings are much reduced.

If you have been living the "Fat-Free Lie," you owe it to yourself to read this book. I was so engrossed in the thing that I finished it in a day. It is truly breakthrough.

What one eats means more than anything when facing health concerns. "Eat Your Way to Natural Good Health: How to Achieve and Maintain Your Ideal Weight and Health Without Drugs and Pain" is a guide to improving one's health through a more excellent diet. Prescribing certain diets for different types of ailments that people face, and how to boost one's current health even if it's otherwise described as healthy, it's a solid nutrition manual. "Eat Your Way to Natural Good Health" is worth considering to anyone who wants to eat their way to better health.

Eat Your Way to Natural Good Health is a book you don't want to miss, especially if you are fighting sickness, exhaustion, or the battle of the bulge. This book puts the responsibility for our well-being in our own hands, and goes into detail of how to turn your tired, sick body into a healthier you. What can be better than that?

The book is broken up into fourteen chapters, each one packed full of useful, vital information for your health. A few examples of the chapters are: You Can Make Your Food Your Medicine and Your Medicine Your Food, The Best Foods and Food Supplements for The Common Chronic Diseases and The Health Benefits of Drinking Water. You will be amazed at the high price in health your body pays for keeping it in stress, and you will receive some helpful ways to get out of stress. I believe we all could benefit from this advice.

You are given sample meals and also a listing of beneficial vitamins, exactly what they do for the body, and what foods you will find them in. Interesting and written in a clear concise way that cut down on confusion. I liked that.

I found this book to be very well written, well researched, and written by a woman who does more than talk the talk, but walks the walk in her own life concerning her health and well-being. I appreciated the reminder that God has indeed put certain foods on this earth to help our bodies stay healthy and again the reminder that certain foods should never be consumed. I have to admit I was rather grossed out by the revelation given forth about ham. I do believe all the little piggy's are safe from me nibbling on their flesh at this point. It almost made me want to give up meat altogether. I never fully understood the health danger involved in eating this meat, and have to tell you I was a little shocked. Glad I found out.

All in all this is a very good book, written in an easy to understand manner and full of top-notch information that will definitely benefit you. Well done. Recommended.

Kathleen Beisel
Outskirts Press, 2008
ISBN: 9781432724979
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 2008
5 Stars
"Top secret tips revealed..."
Kathleen Beisel offers sound, practical advice to her readers. She begins her book, Eat Your Way to Natural Good Health, by discussing stress and its effects on the body. There are lots of tips in this book including: 4-6 small meals a day are easier for the body to digest. Chew your food, so that it is easier for the body to digest. Do not skip breakfast. Do not consume processed foods.
One section suggests which vitamins you might be lacking if you have certain symptoms. Beisel discusses dehydration, cholesterol, pork (which I will never eat again),and many other pertinent subjects.
I had recently decided that my weight problem was because I make bad choices. After reading Eat Your Way to Natural Good Health, I know that I was right. Now, I am better educated to make those choices.
Eat Your Way to Natural Good Health is well written and easy to read. Kathleen Beisel is a Clinical Nutrition Consultant.

I am a wife, mother of two children and a personal trainer. I have read Eat Your Way to Natural Good Health and have implemented Ms. Beisel's recommendations for positive changes in our diets. I have also recommended this book to my clients who find it easy to read and easy to incorporate into their lifestyle, along with regular exercise. The sensible eating plans are wonderful and suggest foods that we are all familiar with and Kathleen deals with all the essential things we need to know like the importance of drinking water, the effects of stress on our system and so much more. Thanks Kathleen for a great resource!

This book is a life changing experience. Reading this book has given me a lot of information on how to live a healthy life. The author did a good job by giving us knowledge on the right foods for our body and how to stay healthy. I am grateful that she took the time to write this book. Good job!!

If you're looking for an exercise regime to complement the Fat Flush Diet Plan, then this is the book for you. Besides recommended exercises for the three phases of the Fat Flush Diet, Ann Gittleman and Joanie Greggains go into other information that is just as important as exercising for the diet to succeed. These are: dry brushing for the lymph system; proper sleep; using essential oils for your bath. They also discuss cellulite, and how best to diminish it. I found the book very useful and informative. I love using my rebounder! I recommend this book very highly.

As usual, this book is very informative, so I give her three stars in that respect. Her books in general paint a splendid natural way to eat for health-conscious people that harkens to a time when organic food was the norm. Sometimes I slap myself when I realize what brave new world we exist in now when eating organic food is a luxury. Who knew that one day we would have to pay ridiculous prices to avoid eating hormone-pumped chickens allowed to sit and fatten in cages under artificial light while being fed animal byproducts to boot? "Organic" food now costs two to three times more than conventional food.

I have nothing but appreciation for nutritionists now. When I was young and couldn't comprehend death, I've been known to shew away nutritionists with one hand and with a candy bar in the other. Now they're my mystic advisers who are themselves advised by science; this regimen is a reliable and sound one. I have been on this plan for one week. I have already lost six pounds.

Most importantly, I have gained mental clarity and stability. I have recently been severely depressed and was prescribed antidepressants. This regimen was my last hope that I can reverse the problem myself. I believe, as a result of this diet (flaxseed oil in particular), my moods are not so strong and intrusive. I still feel frustration, but it's no longer overpowering and I can usually persist through my problems. I also feel energized. So that desire to oversleep is almost completely eliminated. And there is still more to come as I walk toward that horizon of more possibilities -- exercise!

As a veteran dieter I am slow to jump on new diet plans. However, I quickly learned that Fat Flush is not just a new approach to weight loss but an attempt at a higher standard of nutritional health and well-being.

I found this book and the plan it outlines to be exceptionally beneficial toward my weight correction goals and toward general health improvement efforts. I think the menus are tasty and satisfying. I find Ann Louise Gittleman to be very thorough in her concerns for the overweight and addresses many more issues than just what to eat. I find her book and the resources she offers in it to be very helpful.

I wholeheartedly recommend the book to anyone struggling with weight problems. I wholeheartedly recommend the book to anyone concerned with their health.

This book was well written and easy to read. Finally a fitness plan that works in harmony with your body and your total overall health. I like that the book not only goes in detail (including pictures ) about the fitness plan but also includes important information about cleansing our lymphatic system, reducing stress, eating well and giving us the knowledge and tools to create a healthy body from within as well as being fit on the outside. It complements my other book the fat flush plan,lost 45 lbs. Thanks for turning my size 14 body to size 5!

Ya hafta love a book (Fat Flush Fitness Plan) that advises you to take a long, scented, therapeutic bath three times a week as an aid to appetite suppression! (I'm sooooooooo there!)(page 165)
And dry skin brushing! I mean, who knew?! Since starting this regimen, my skin is soft as silk AND I have the added smug knowledge that this routine aids the lymphatic system in flushing fat!
Add to these activities some yoga, stretching, rebounding, and cardio workout and you have a varied, supportive exercise regimen that seems more like fun than a chore. (Let's face it, there's no such thing as a too tight [rear]!)
Bottom line: this is a smart book. You NEED this book! You WANT this book! You DESERVE this book!