Stephen D. Phinney

This book explains the fundamentals of the Atkins diet. It also offers excellent cognitive behavioral strategies to aid in weight loss . It is well referenced, which is a pleasant surprise when compared to other diet books. However, the book falls short on several fronts.

First, I didn't think they emphasized enough how dangerous the interaction between carbohydrates and saturated fat really is. You can't have large quantities of both without seeing adverse changes in blood work and these show more occur after only one meal. the adverse effects are so powerful that it is actually difficult to even feed individuals saturated fat in a study because the risks to the study subject are considered almost unethical. This information is relevant when one is trying to switch between stages. Basically, one NEEDS to reduce saturated fat as one goes up in carbohydrate. Also, the Inuit Indians consumed large quantities of fish oil in addition to saturated fat. The book was not clear on the quantity of fish oil recommended.

The book also neglected to discuss the paradoxical insulin response to whey. Many individuals release a large quantity of insulin in response to whey and all foods containing wheat germ aggluten. A high insulin response to whey could counteract all the health benefits that are advertised from the low carbohydrate diet. show less

Quite technical but readable. Added some information to my Atkins data collection and reinforced my resolve to diet. It also made me feel chuffed that I knew the news was skewed for the past 40 years by big business and mass media. Talk about fake news...no wonder people believe Trump when he yells 'fake news' because we have all learned that money manipulates the media and we do get fake news. I remember the beating Dr. Atkins took in the 70's and I remember everyone telling me I was a fool show more to follow his diet even when it was working better than any diet I had ever been on in my life till then. People are still spouting that stuff but the scientific community has finally got on board and is being heard and Atkins is redeemed. I wish he could have lived to see it. show less

This book was a bit of an eye opener for me. It makes a convincing case that the common recommendation for a low fat diet is not well supported by the science. This pretty much flips the traditional food pyramid on its head. For people, like me, who have developed an insulin resistance and type II diabetes, the low carbohydrate (higher fat) diet may be the better option.

Ok, it's January. Had to include a diet book...

his book is way more technical than your average diet book with science in the title. Although it made the book a great deal harder to read, it's great to have the processes, studies and numbers all laid out.

I've been following a very low carb diet for a while now and wanted to reassure myself that it's not just a cranky fad that is going to end up with me becoming ill. For someone clooking for practical guidance to actually start this type of show more diet however I would recommend their other book on the Modified Atkins instead. show less