I love this diet plan so much! As a carb addicted teen it's helped me to lose weight and feel better. I've lost 10 pounds already on this diet. The plan is so easy to follow and I don't get junk food cravings any more. I would reccomend this book to anyone who has struggled with weight and food cravings.

I ordered and read the adult version of this book. Within one week I ordered and read this book knowing that in I would find the answers to my daughter's diet problems. She has been following the program for only 5 days and has already experienced a dramatic drop in cravings. Her behavior and attention has never been better. She has also lost a pound already. I turned to this program as a solution for my weight but have found so much more. Never before had I been relieved of my obsession for sweets and breads. This program did just that for both of us! If you think you may need it you probably do. Just read the book. It explains it all. Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss this further.

The book is excellent. I have read all of the Heller's books and I think this one is one of their best. It makes so much sense and really offers a lot of suggestions on how to help our children change their eating habits, as well as helping our kids achieve weight loss. It also addresses several behavioral issues as possibly being food related and offers suggestions for correcting these behaviors through food. I have been introducing new foods to even my 3 year old daughter like they recommend, and she has responded positively. It really does work. I would highly recommend this book to ANYONE with kids,and a great read for adults too.

This is an excellent, simply written, but well researched, book on the dangers of bad carbs. I found it extremely enlightening and wondered if it was more than coincidental that Dr. Barry Sears, writes in an amazingly similar vein, in his book "Enter The Zone". It seems that more and more scientists, and doctors, are discovering that we suffer from an overabundance of bad carbs in our eating, and it's also imbalanced versus protein and fat intake.I would heartily recommend this book, and for more scientific corroborative data read "Enter the Zone". Combine this with the sensible exercise program outlined in "Body for Life" by Bill Phillips of EAS Inc., and you will do yourself a very large favour.

I picked up this book while browsing in a bookstore and it changed my life. I started at 153 pounds and my goal weight was 118. I weighed 116 this morning. And I have more energy, am more mentally alert and upbeat than I ever have been. The book is very motivational. The rules and guidelines for the diet are spread throughout the book so you must read all before starting. Only criticisms are that it's wordy and most of the recipes are bland, but I believe it's the best of all the books the Hellers have written.

When I began driving a truck I gained 30 pounds in the 1st month. Fortunately I found this book and re-learned how to eat. Doing this diet right is not the easiest thing, breaking food addiction is seldom easy, but if you read this book it will be easier to make happen. I've lost those 30 pounds and more, landing at an ideal wieght that I've never imagined being at again. Good luck, use this book - it's a great resource. Follow where it leads.

For years I've been looking for the perfect diet--a diet that would allow me to lose weight and be healthy. I tried a number of diets only to find myself falling off the wagon here and there and then finally giving up. After reading this book (and I've read it at least twice by now) I am convinced that this is the perfect way of life for me. The Hellers and Mr. Vagnini have done their homework and provided us with a foolproof means of getting the weight off and preventing heart disease. I recommend it for everyone but especially for women who like me (in their early 50s) are entering those years when we are most prone to heart disease and diabetes. IT'S A MUST READ!!

This book is definitely not just a re-hash of their earlier books. Although it follows most of what they previously wrote, it contains MAJOR improvements and refinements over their old program. Some that I found particularly intereststing are as follows:

1) Artificial sweeteners are now identified as being culprits in raising blood insulin levels, which relate directly to weight gain and heart risk factors.

2) Sulfates contained in foods are similarly identified for the first time by the authors.

3) Many supplements are identified and assessed with extensive bibliographies as they relate to weight control and heart disease.

4) This book is co-authored by a Cardiologist for the first time, and he incorporates many heart health-related issues and suggestions to form a major difference in the Heller's original book.

This newest book by the Hellers takes the ball and runs way beyond their earlier publications. There have been many developments since 1993 when they published their original book, and they identify and extensively discuss these updates. I really did not find this to be a rehash at all, but an update.

There is nothing worse than being a fat, out-of-condition cardiologist! You know your patients are wondering how you can be giving advice when you look like you're going to have a heart attack yourself any minute.Until I found this book I had all but given up.My father and his two brothers suffered heart attacks by age 55. My mother's family had diabetes. I felt as if I was headed straight for a heart attack.My blood fat levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels and weight were getting worse no matter I tried. I had seen this time and time again in my patients but, to tell the truth, low-fat diets just didn't work for me. I couldn't stay on them and they seemed to make my blood fat levels worse.In the two weeks after finding this book my life has turned around. My cravings are gone - gone - gone. My blood pressure, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels are normal! I'm losing weight even though I have a Reward Meal of my dreams every night.I knew this program made sense when I read it. It was built on good science and it was the first program I felt I could believe in. But living it is even better than I could have hoped for.I started giving copies of this book to my patients. The immediate results appear to be just a great for them. I just want everyone to know that this program not only makes good sense and is easy to follow but that it works, too!

Despite the "reward meal" thing, I found CALP is to be a much more restrictive plan than the authors would like you to believe. I was on it for 9 weeks and it was a waste of time with very little weight loss even though I believed I followed it religiously. I've heard that when people like me who have more than 60 lbs to lose cut way down on carbs, they see results pretty quickly. And all I was hoping for was only a pound or two a week. But during the 9 weeks, I kept losing and gaining back the same 3 pounds over and over again. Asked other CALPers on the e-mail list and here's some of the suggestions: "Take chromium." "Cut down even more on carb." "Eliminate dessert from your reward meals." "The foods you're eating contain MSG. That's why you don't lose." "Cut down on cheese." "You add too much milk to your coffee" "Don't eat broccoli and tomatoes, they contain too much carb." Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. This is no magic plan, folks. There's always a catch somewhere and you're the one to blame for the lack of weight loss. If you want to jump on the plan, because the "reward meal" concept appeals to you, please know that in order for the plan to work for you, you won't always get to eat what you hope to eat on this plan. That's all I can tell you. I now have switched to Weight Watchers and cut way down on refined carbs and sugar. I've lost 24 pounds since mid-July and I've credited my success partly to CALP which has taught me about insulin control. However, controlling your carbs won't work for too long unless you learn to watch your portions as well. CALPers may say that by dealing with the cause of your cravings, you won't have to worry about portion control. I found that to be untrue. And watch for the 1/3 ratio of your "reward" meal, don't expect to eat a piece of chicken and a piece of chocolate the size of that chicken. In CALP language, that's WAY overcarbing. Try this program if you think it will help you, but don't get too excited about the reward meals. When you hit plateau, they'll tell you to cut down even more on carbs. Next thing you know, you're doing Atkins or Sugar Busters and wondering where's the "reward" in your "reward meals".

It's true. Americans love their bagels, white bread, and pasta. But addicted - isn't that word just a bit strong for food preferences? As a naturopathic physician, it is easier for me to tell someone to cut out red meat, then to ask them to eliminate pasta and bread from their diet. I generally have to spend time explaining how these high-carbohydrate foods don't have many nutrients, adversely affect our blood sugar and the excess turn up as fat in our hips. But no longer - here is a book that does the explaining and helps people lose weight.

The Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program also covers some important issues like willpower and anti-nutrients in our foods. Using willpower to treat any addiction is going to work for only a tiny minority. Obese people commonly and unfairly blame themselves for this. Also, the description of anti-nutrients or foods like colas, caffeine, and simple sugars that reduce vitamins and/or minerals in our bodies is invaluable! For example, sugar-sweetened colas may cause depression, poor memory, irritability, insomnia, and difficulty in concentration because they deplete a B-vitamin called thiamine in our body. These are the effects of too little thiamine.

My only complaint about this book is how easy it can be for people (including several of my patients) to misread the dietary suggestions. The basic plan is to eat 2 low-carbohydrate meals and then an eat-all-the-carbs-you-want reward meal each day. In that carb meal, you are suppose to mentally divide your plate into three equal portions of carbohydrates, protein and vegetables. It's not to hard to easily envision people loading up the carbohydrate 1/3 of their plate 2 " high and the protein and vegetable portions ½ inch. Salad and vegetables are fibrous foods that fill you up. Remember it's 1/3 of your plate, not 1 tablespoon, that is filled with vegetables. It's virtually impossible for most of us to eat 2 full bowls of salad and 2 large portions of vegetables and meat and still eat 2 large portions of spaghetti. Which is probably what the Hellers had in mind. Your stomach would surrender before the second portion of pasta, because it just couldn't hold any more.

Do I think the book has merit? Absolutely. The recipes are good. I loved and would recommend the low carb lunch and dinner meals to everyone wanting to lose weight. I wasn't excited about their recipe suggestions that include eggs virtually every morning for breakfast! And those incredible desserts that drip with fat. Don't lose weight only to end up with a heart bypass. Also, who eats pancakes without some sort of syrup or topping, as the Hellers recommend in the book?

Do I think it is a sensible long-term diet program? Not really. Why have such an imbalance diet in which you deprive yourself to part of the day and gorge the other part? Better to establish a more balanced dietary lifestyle. Carbohydrates aren't the bad guys, but eating them by themselves without protein and fats is one reason we may gain weight. Remember - Jared, the fast food ... guy and a real carbohydrate addict, lost over 200 lbs. eating carbohydrates.

Dr. Suzanne ...

Since most reviews are written when people are still reading or have just read the book, I decided to wait longer, until I could really try this diet and see its results. After a year, I noticed that this diet offers a convenient way to lose and maintain weight, which is easier to follow in the long term. I would like to point out, though, that I had to restrict my carbohydrate portion much more than recommended. It's up to you to try the diet until you find out how much of carbohydrates you can eat and still lose weight, not necessarily one third of you meal. Eating a good salad first (wait 10 minutes) is really a helper, your cravings will be much more easily handled. Also, in the beginning there would be some kinds of carbohydrates that I would not be able to stop eating, so I had to avoid them. After a while, I found out that everyday there are more kinds of food that would trigger my cravings before and now I am able to eat a portion a day, like diet ice cream and pizza slices. So I guess this diet makes it easier to change eating habits. I thought it was a myth that having water together with your meal would lead to weight gain, but I had to change my mind when I tried it with and without water and saw the results. Now I drink lots of water long before and long after my meals. And I have to tell you I didn't lose weight when drinking juices over dinner, as it is allowed. Anyway, as in any diet, you need to stick to its principles. If it's not working, read the guidelines again, you may surprised to learn something you didn't notice before, as I was many times. It's worthy reading other books about this kind of carbo restricted diet, but be careful not to mix everything. For example, in this diet fat isn't allowed in the same way as it is in Atkin's. If you aren't lucky to lose weight easily, be prepared for a long period of trial and error to see what works for you and what doesn't. Although I am using this diet in a somewhat more restricted way, it still is the best for me, because it is more realistic, since I can eat anything, even if it is in small daily portions. But that's ok, now I have pizza everyday. Then, next week, ice cream. After a week they don't look so irresistible. I guess it takes time for your mind to realize these foods aren't forbidden anymore, just balanced. Good bye cravings!

I first heard about this diet 3 years ago when I was pregnant with baby #3. Recently, after the Heller's were on Oprah, I was reminded of it and bought the book. I have been working out consistently with a trainer for 6 months PLUS following a low fat high carb diet. I didn't loose a pound! After taking the quiz I knew I was Carbo addicted. I studied the guidelines and decided to try it. The first day I lost 3 pounds. I've been on the diet a week and I've lost 7 pounds! The weight is melting off. I have been a little hungry but it's Christmas. A lot of food around to tempt. BUt I've remained true to the guidelines and enjoyed my reward meal every day. It's getting easier. BUy this book. Take the quiz on the website and if you see yourself in the Q&A--BUY THIS BOOK. You will be so grateful to the Hellers. IF you are Carbo. Addicted this diet is the best for you.

The Hellers (co-authors of "The Carbohydrate Addicts Diet") have created an interactive guide for those using their diet plan. This is not a book of tips on how to use their diet plan, but a book that assists the dieter in understanding why they eat, and overeat, the wrong foods. Instead of focusing on the mechanics of diet, the dieter's other concerns: family reactions, childhood patterns, and self-esteem issues are evaluated. This is *not* a stand alone book, you will need to obtain one of the Heller's other books to understand their controlled carbohydrate diet, but if you are on the Heller's diet program, this book is indispensible.

Yes, this book and the Doctors Heller DID change my life and my entire life style concerning my health, eating habits, what happens after that particular food enters my body. The mood swings, the panic attacks, their HISTORY! It was the addiction to Carbohydrates! The adreneline surges,etc, it was all caused from my diet. I also learned, while just starting this Life plan was, that after starting hormone therapy a lot of changes were going on, and causing these pounds to add up, and the moods,etc. Just read the book, it makes sense! AND, it Works!!! Five pounds less in 4 weeks,...YIPPPEEE...

This is the best cookbook I own, and believe me, I own a lot. It is full of recipes that are easily prepared, healthy and tasty. The reviewer that did not like this book, made a keen observation. This is not a DIET, it is a way of eating. There is no measuring, or counting of calories or grams of fat, so nutritional information is not necessary with this plan. It is making healthy choices of wonderful craving reducing vegetables combined with lean protein. It is not a diet of elimination or deprivation. The program shows you how to regulate your insulin production, and control your cravings by eating healthy foods and healthy fats with smart carb choices. I believe these recipes will be loved by all, but more appreciated once you have read the Carbohydrate Addict's Healthy Heart Program, or the Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program.

I have been on so many diets in my life--and all they ever did was leave me fatter, crankier, and hating to cook, because of all the weighing, measuring, and special foods I had to fix for me (that no one else would eat). I've been following the Hellers' Carbohydrate Addicts Lifespan Program, with wonderful results on all fronts--weight down, cholesterol and trigylcerides down, energy up, creativity up, and mood soaring (good-bye, Prozac!)--but I was getting tired of fixing the same old "basic" proteins, salads, and vegetables for me and my family. This cookbook makes cooking FUN again. My husband and kids eat these recipes and don't even think of them as "Mom's diet food." (Mainly, because they are NOT diet foods--they are healthy choice foods that control my appetite and cravings, while allowing my body to release stored fat). Each night has become an adventure. I especially like the unusual ways spices are used--allspice in chicken, jalapenos in green beans, for example. Those who follow the Hellers' plans do not count calories, fats, carbs, or weigh and measure food--so there is no NEED for all this kind of information (as some other reviews suggested). We balance our meals visually, and can enjoy traditional carbs (again, in balance) during a one-hour "Reward" meal each day. This is truly a way of life, and for once, I am enjoying my life while losing weight. I don't even THINK of the way I eat as dieting anymore. It is just what I do to balance my insulin levels. And it's nice to no longer hate that daily chore--cooking. Thanks Drs. Heller! I'm so grateful.

This is an excellent companion cookbook for any of the Heller's programs, or any other program controlling your carbohydrate intake. The recipes in this cookbook are easy to prepare, using normal pantry ingredients. Most of the recipes are not run-of-the-mill items, these recipes were written so that anyone controlling their carbohydrates will have choices of delicious, easy meals. Many of these new recipes have now become staples in my home. Try it, I know you'll like it.

I didn't see the Oprah show but I used this book in 95. I had been sticking to a low-low-low fat diet at the time and was gaining about 2 pounds a year. The test in the book classified me as a light-to-moderate carbohydrate addict, but the people in the book had so much in common with me that I think I was more addicted than that. Anyway, sticking with the book, I completely eliminated all starch and sugar from EVERY meal and ALL snacks, except for the reward dinner, where I would eat whatever I wanted (pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, chinese food). During the day I would eat lots of fatty, greasy burgers and bacon and eggs. To my amazement I lost 29 pounds in 5 1/2 months. It was not difficult to keep it off, either. I ended up "easing up" on the diet after this time, but kept the general idea of avoiding carbohydrates except for dinner. The weight stayed off. I never had to worry about fats again. And I felt very healthy and pleased. TAKE THE TEST in the book - the authors themselves stress that if you are not specifically a carbo addict, this diet won't work for you. Also, this diet is VERY VERY DIFFERENT from a general low-carbohydrate diet so don't listen to those who say it's all the same. I hope this helps somebody reading it.

This is a very good diet if you follow the guidelines. I have tried it for 6 days and lost about 2 pounds. There is no starvation, no deprivation, no rapid weight loss or gain. I have to admit there is a bit too much of repetition and testimonials, but never mind that! Look at the diet! You can eat anything you want for dinner, and for the rest of the day you eat low carb foods. Things like beef,chicken,fish,lobster w/butter,cheese,eggs,salads,veggies,shrimp...and much more. For dinner...anything! Now if you want to lose weight eating chocolate, pizza,bread, pop, PLUS sit around all day, YOU WILL NOT LOSE WEIGHT THIS WAY! Of course if you are used to eating junk food all day, and then switch to healthier food, you're going to feel different! It's like not watering a plant for a long time, and then watering a plant and watching it become alive! That's sometimes what we do to ourselves. We don't nourish our bodies with healthy food, and then when we do, it feels strange, and it's hard to adjust to in the beginning. But with this diet, is not like you are going to starve yourself, it's just a different way of eating. A good way. You cant become sick in a couple of days by eating healthier! Try it for a least 2 weeks to view your results. Of course in the first 2 or 4 days is going to be difficult, but it becomes simple,(it's like driving!)Look at Rosie O'Donnel! She's lost 30 pounds on this diet! She's looking great! I believe it works, if you actually do it! Don't expect miracles. Work hard for what you want.

I am 25 years, 5'7" and now way 127 pounds, when I began this diet on July 6th I weighed 146 pounds. I have only two pounds left until my goal weight, a weight I haven't weighed since I was 16 years old and modeling, I never imagined I could ever reach this point, it didn't even occur to me until a couple weeks ago that I would make it. The diet is simple I have lost my cravings completely I have so much more energy. In response to "talk to your doctor first please" and anyone else wondering, I was diagnosed hypoglycemic 4 years ago after fainting and severe dizzy spells, I was retested again after begining the diet and am no longer hypoglycemic, and my doctor is fully supportive, so there is hope, I agree it may not be for everyone. but I support it. I followed this diet but I suggest reading the 96' version for hints such as chromium supplements and salad eating, oh and NO diet soda. Regarding alcohol, I drink 5-7 (microbrews-12 carbs each) a week and consistanly lose more weight after a night of drinking than normal days. Beer is one of the only natural sources of chromium and works as a diaretic as well. Upon reaching my goal weight I will attempt to quit smoking I'll write back with those results in a couple months, but I'm confident that I will maintain my weight!