It talks about how NOT to diet, from workouts that doesn't work to why we need fat. It's easy to read, and you'll be motivated to lose weight!

I read this book 20 years ago when I was only thirteen . I never thought I would still be using these training principles now in my thirties. I recommend it highly to anyone who wants to learn the most important of physical fitness knowledge ever researched. This one book has been my training master since my first push-up, pull-up, and crunch. It covers speed training, bodybuiding, strength training, fat reduction, cardiovascular training, proper food selection to aid in all of the above. Buy it!, Read it!, Learn it!, Live it! Everyday. You'll be glad you did.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin and Diana Rich have a talk show in the DC area where he talks about nutrition, diet, medicine, disease, etc. This book covers mainly his philosophy on eating. However, half of the book is a listing of his low-fat, high-fiber recipes, most of which are vegetarian, but some of which have fish and shelfish. Basically Mirkin's philosophy involves eating low-fat, high-fiber foods. You are supposed to eat no more than 20 grams of fat per day. And you are allowed only 2 or 3 serving per day of low-fiber foods(even if they are low in fat), like milk, jam, bread, pretzels, etc. This may seem a harsh regimen, but Mirkin includes some leeway as well: for one or two meals a week you can have whatever you want, which makes eating out much easier; and you can have as many whole grains (whole wheat, barley, oats, etc.), beans, fruits, and vegetables as you want at ANY meal. The idea is that you will never feel deprived because you can always go to the cupboard and eat two cans of beans, a pineapple and a pound of broccolli. Mirkin emphasizes that this will not effect your weight unless you exercise, so this is no magic formula.

What I liked so much about this book was how Mirkin describes the science of how fats break down and are absorbed into the body and used, the chemical differences between saturated, mono-saturated and poly-unsaturated fat, and how curbing fat and calorie intake can not only elleviate many of the health problems that we already associate with obesity (such as heart disease), but can actually cure other problems such as adult-onset diabedes, high blood pressure, etc. If you're not into dieting or healthy eating, it's at least interesting as a scientific look (albeit at a layman's level) at food and how the body is affected by it.

I lost 30 pounds in 6 months on this diet and kept it off. The reason this book succeeded for me where all other diets failed is that it supplied me with lots of recipes for food that I could stuff myself silly with. There is no limiting portions or stopping at one serving (with the high fiber, low fat recipes). I can make a whole pot of stew and eat the whole thing at one sitting if I want. It works for me because I find the recipes absolutely delicious. This book won't help people who dislike grains, beans or the exotic flavors it uses. But if you like this type of food, this is THE weight loss book to use!

Dr. Gabe Mirkin and Diana Rich (his wife) have a talk show in the DC area where they discuss nutrition, diet, medicine, disease, etc. This book covers mainly his philosophy on eating. However, half of the book is a compendium of his low-fat, high fiber recipes, most of which are vegetarian, but some of which involve fish and shelfish. Basically Mirkin's philosophy involves eating low-fat, high-fiber foods. You are supposed to eat no more than 20 grams of fat per day. And you are allowed only 2 or 3 serving per day of low-fiber foods (like milk, jam, bread, pretzels, etc.). This may seem a harsh regimen, but Mirkin includes some leeway as well: for one or two meals a week you can have whatever you want, which makes eating out much easier; and you can have as many whole grains (whole wheat, barley, oats, etc.), beans, fruits, and vegetables as you want. The idea is that you will never feel deprived because you can always go to the cupboard and eat two cans of beans, a pineapple and a pound of broccoli. Mirkin emphasizes that his eating plan won't take pounds off unless you exercise, so this is no magic formula. What I liked so much about this book was how Mirkin describes the science of how fats break down and are absorbed into the body and used, the chemical differences between saturated, mono-saturated and poly-unsaturated fat, and how curbing fat and calorie intake can not only elleviate many of the health problems that we already associate with obesity (such as heart disease), but can actually cure other problems such as adult-onset diabedes. If you're not into dieting or healthy eating, it's at least interesting as a scientific look (albeit at a layman's level) at food and how the body is affected by it.

This book gives practical advice and recipes for people that are tired of fad diets, hollow promises, and menus that just do not work for life. This book lays out in a simple manner the ingredients, cooking methods, nutritional value of each of the recipes. The recipes are as good for you as they are good tasting. Try the Maryland crab soup...it's a winner. I am not a vegetarian, just looking for a way to introduce better foods into my diet...this book makes it easier to accomplish this goal.

Dr. Mirkin is my doctor and I own all his books, as well as listen to his radio show. This book stresses the importance of eating lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds and nuts which he preaches religiously. The book goes over the anatomy of a whole grain, why refined startch is bad, the importance of fiber, why you have to eat plants, fat restriction and the dangers of Hydrogenated Fats and how to avoid them. There are also comments on starting and exercise program. The second half of the book is dedicated to low fat and fat free recipies using the foods described. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to eat well and get fit and healthy for once. This book shows you how to make healthy food taste good without using butter and oil and instead using sharp flavors like tomato products, wine, bullion, vinegars and spices, curry powder, harissa sauce, lemons and herbs etc. which is very useful. This way of eating allows you to eat very large amounts of food, just not junk food. I love Dr. Mirkin he has done so much for me. He has been a doctor for over 45 years I think he knows what he's doing.

Although the concept of the book, which is to eat no more than twenty grams of fat a day, makes sense; it neglects to tell the reader up-front that it is a vegetarian diet. Only after reading through the recommended daily diets does one realize that there isn't any meat included! If one eats mostly fruits and vegetables, and some grains, meat can be included while still remaining under twenty grams; but I wouldn't imagine that kind of diet is safely recommended. The plastic attachment that helps to keep track of the fat grams consumed throughout the day is very handy though. If the reader is willing to forego meat, then I would recommend the book, but otherwise, it's a little discouraging.

I used this diet and bought the book in conjunction with a mandatory, doctor assisted and ordered low-fat diet to lose weight. I found as long as I referred to the book, and kept the key chain gram counter with me, I never went over, and I ate enough meat to satisfy me. The only meats that really end up to be a no-no are red meats, because of the high fat content. Skinless, boneless chicken, and some fish was fine. The only rule the book, and my doctor told me to follow to hold to this rule was the following: no more than 2 grams of fat per hundred calories, and no more than 1200 calories a day. This book was a God send in being able to follow that advice. It even helped me withdraw from habit fats like butter and margarine, and helped me lose my carbohydrate fixation as well. In four months I was down over 43 pounds,a nd never felt healthier. As long as you are creative in your menu choices, and follow the rules that are laid out in the book, with some leeway if you are not vegetarian (the Doctor who wrote this book definitely is, and does promote a vegetarian lifestyle), you WILL lose weight, and you WILL learn to eat more healthy combinations of proteins which will take the place of some of the fats and carbs that you used to eat. You will be healthier, and will have more energy! Try it once! But be patient, and make sure that you don't exceed your quotas. By the way, there are also guidelines (less stringent, but possibly easier to follow as a Lifestyle change, not just a diet) for a 30 gram or less diet, using a 1500 calorie limit. Check it out!

This diet was great ! I lost 15lbs in one month. After I had my son I couldn't loose the weight no matter what I tried because I couldn't stay commited to a diet that left me hungry. Although the book does not promote eating lots of meat it states to follow the diet for 19 out of 21 weekly meals wich allowed for two "cheat" meals a week. I made that friday and saturday dinners. So I could go out if I wanted, eat what I wanted and still lose weight. The counter was very useful and also encourages that you don't pass your 20gram limit. For [this price] you cant go wrong...TRY IT !!

The basic nutrition information given in this book is excellent. If you eat only 20 grams of fat and 30 grams of fiber per day, you WILL lose weight and you WILL be eating a lot healthier!!

The author does an excellent job of explaining WHY this kind of diet will help prevent disease and promote excellent health.

However, I think that the 20 grams of fat allowed per day is on the low side. Also, in looking at the listings of foods (taking up about the last half of the book), I saw that the author really believes that we shouldn't consume any beef or chicken!! He has symbols for "eat all you want" foods (fruits, veggies, etc), foods to cut back on, and foods that have the time bomb as the symbol. Under beef, there isn't one single item listed that doesn't have a time bomb symbol!!

I have lost weight myself on a low fat/high fiber diet, and I'm currently on Weight Watchers. In my opinion, Weight Watchers is much more liveable in the long run. On Weight Watchers, you can have a favorite food if you just count the Points.

To be fair, the 20/30 Plan allows for 2 meals a week where you can eat whatever you want, as long as you don't go overboard. But the recipes in this book are based on mainly whole grains and beans. I do think eliminating meats is excessive. I think that the emphasis should be on LEAN meats and poultry, and small serving sizes.

If you can eat this way, I think that's great! I just don't think it's very practical for the average person who is trying to lose weight.

For low fat/high fiber healthy recipes, I highly recommend any of the Weight Watchers cookbooks (the newer ones that have recipes for the current 1-2-3 Success program).

Another interesting book on weight loss and healthy eating is Volumetrics. Please check my review of this book here on Amazon (as well as reviews of cookbooks - though not necessarily low-fat ones!).

I wish you all the best in the quest for better health!

Dr. Mirkin's book "20/30 Fat & Fiber Diet Plan" is a wonderful educational learning resource, not only for weight loss but for overall health. I am learning so many important facts from reading this book. I am now using the 20/30 plan to lose weight. The greatest benefit is that I am never hungry and I am still losing weight. Cancer and heart disease are prevalent in my family. Dr. Mirkin addresses the important health benefits of a low fat high fiber diet and how maintaing this style of eating can prevent both diseases as well as aid people who suffer with diabetes. The key chain counter that comes with the book is a very useful tool to keep track of the daily intake of fat and fiber. The chapter listing the foods you should eat, cut back on or avoid is very beneficial. Anyone can who wants to lose weight and still eat plenty of food or maintain a healthy lifestyle will benefit from the 20/30 Fat & Fiber Diet Plan.

I have been struggling with my weight since I had my first child. Normally I don't like diets because a) they rarely work and b) many aren't healthy (like The Zone). A personal trainer in my gym recommended this book to me because it's medically sound. Well, after three weeks on this diet, I can tell you that it really works. I have lost 5 pounds and I feel like I have so much more energy. I eat a bowl of oatmeal with dried cherries in the morning (7:00 am) and I don't feel hungry until 1:00pm! I eat all the fruits and veggies I want and the whole grains they talk about are actually really good. Plus the counter that comes with the book is a neat tool to keep you counting your fiber and fat grams each day. I plan on staying on this diet for life. Thank you 20-30!

There may be some extreme views about vitamins, but there has been much documented scientific evidence that illustrates that prescription drugs do far more harm than good to the liver, and many other organs of the body. Your body is made up of vitamins and minerals, and it makes sense that if you supply it with the vitamins and minerals that it needs that it will be in much better health. We are bombarded on every side by carcinogens and preservatives in our food. Since 1938 it has been known even by Congress that our food is lacking in mineral content because of the depletion of the soils. It makes sense that we need to get these minerals in our diet somehow. Prescription drugs are synthetic substances that are foreign to the body. They may help with one problem, but they often create other bad side effects. If we were created to use prescription drugs, then we would have been born with a prescription in our hands. There have also been many doctors that have hundreds of cases to attest to the value of vitamin and mineral supplementation, and their role in the treatment and prevention of disease.

This book was written in part to make sure there is a nice long line of sick customers at the doctors office to maintain cash flow. The medical industry is a business, just like any business, that depends on people being sick for their money. Same story for the pharmacutical industry.

Is it not strange that their are so few doctors practicing preventative medicine? Why - because there is NO MONEY in it!

Is is not strange that the medical industry has been working on curing cancer for almost 70 years, using billions and billions of taxpayer dollars, and the problem just keeps getting worse. The cure rate is no better than it was in 1935, despite what you may read in the newspaper.

The info in Barrett's book is pure garbage. If you wish to prove that to yourself, look at the many fine books Amazon sells on Vitamins, written by MD's and PHD's. People like Lester Packer, a top biochemist, he does his own research - see "The Antioxidant Miracle". Look at any of the many books Amazon sells on Biochemistry. For example, "Harper's Biochemisry". It is not light reading, but a quick scan thru it will show the most casual observer just what those vitamins and minerals actually do to preserve your health, and why the body needs them. You would die fairly quickly if certain vitamins were removed completely from your diet.

Vitamins and minerals alone will not cure disease but it is very clear from reading any biochemistry book that they will help prevent it from occuring in the first place.

Check it out for your self and don't believe Mr. Barretts lies.

No helpful information. Much of the quackery characterizations are literally decades old. Justifies the phrase 'the greatest fanaticism is always seen in those who are challenged by changes to the status quo.'

A hate book if I ever read one..