Best diet i've ever found
359136
I started this diet in mid Jan,99. I weighted 299 lbs(5 ft 10 in)and my cholesterol was 286(should be below 200).With modertate exercise by June I was 235 lb,and my cholesterol was 184. I took no medication except  niacin,500 mg a day. I still am 234 lb today. I stopped exercising which I  need to lose wt. This diet makes more sense to me,medically and from a  scientific viewpoint than any other diet I've encountered. It tends to get  lumped into the same category as the high fat and protein and low carb  diets. This is simply incorrect,as reading the book will quickly show  you.this is not a fad diet! I eat plenty of whole grains,brown  rice,vegetables,and fruits and still lose wt. I have been a doctor for 26  yrs,and i have recommended this book to so many of my patients our local  bookstore can't keep it on the shelf.
2816768
The book:  The best layout I've ever seen in a diet cookbook.  Easy to read.  Organized beautifully.

The food:  I decided to try every recipe in order as shown in the meal plan.  I discovered that I enjoy some foods that I thought I wouldn't care for (like brussel sprouts and kale chips).  My husband and I have enjoyed all of the recipes.  I'm not a salmon fan, so it's no surprise that those aren't my favorites.

Does it work?  It has for me.  I lost 20lbs within a year with weight watchers several years ago and then plateaued.  A bit later I was diagnosed with PCOS, which is a hormonal imbalance which can make losing weight very difficult.  I counted my calories and was hungry most of the day, because calories-in/calories-out was supposed to work.  (Cause it's math!)  I went to the gym on my lunch breaks and did cardio... my husband was melting away, no change for me.  Very frustrating.  I hadn't given up, but I felt like I probably should.  This Paleo diet was going to be a shot in the dark and I thought it probably wouldn't work, but it did.  I've lost 16lbs in 21 days which has never happened in my life, ever.  I eat my 3 meals a day with a little snack here and there, and I'm not hungry.  Some days I don't even have a snack, which is very unusual for me.  For exercise I'm lifting weights 3xs a week (starting strength program).  Days 2 & 3 of eating Paleo kind of sucked.  I was tired.  Since then, I've felt so much better.  I wake up better and sleep better.  I've lost fat from my belly which I thought I'd be stuck with forever AND I've dropped a whole pants size.  It's nice to finally see something happen after a year of calorie logging with no success.

I hope you buy, try, and it does awesome things for your body too!
4954670
Of all the diet systems I have read this is the best. Just limiting some of the foods he suggests, and eating those he recommends has made me feel much better. My blood sugar numbers have really improved. I started slowly, and I'm going to do more as time goes on.
4122782
I LOVE this diet! OMG! It's the best! Recently my doctor told me I was heading towards being pre-diabetic so I was praying for a sane diet that doesn't eliminate entire food groups. This plan allows you to eat, drink and be merry! I never feel deprived, I eat every two hours I excerise and I feel great! I was heading towards 200 and that scared me! I have high blood pressure and hypothyroidism which makes loosing weight especially challenging. Dr Smith makes you more aware of sugar, fat and sodium content of what you are eating. It's very close to "clean eating" in a simple easy to follow plan. I'm down 10 pounds and I'm in day 1 of week 3 today. I will go to his next book Crush the Sugar Out and recipe book. Thank you Dr. Smith!
1846889
I bought this book on a recommendation from a friend and I could not be happier.  Finally, I can throw these ridiculous diets that don't work, aren't fun, and make my life hard out the window.  Instead, I can eat things I like, enjoy life, and still lose weight.  This book shows how diets can sometimes hinder weight loss.  Its about lifestyle changes rather than dieting.  Its about eating natural instead of artificial.  Its about getting healthy and doing it while still enjoying life.  I highly recommend this for anyone trying to get healthy and lose some weight.
3683977
I have tried almost all diets available online but found limited success. Most of them allow very minimal food intake which makes me quit them soon. I decided to try something different when I found this book. It is the perfect solution for my dieting ways. It has all foods that I generally crave for, but substituted with low carb ingredients so that I still get to eat my favorite food but without accumulating those carbs. I have tried many different recipes from the various sections and I love all of them. Not only are the recipes low carb, but very flavorful and tasty - Its like i'm on a diet without giving up anything I like. I tried the buffalo wings and shrimp scampi and both of them turned out awesome! Peanut butter cookies were heavenly. I have switched out high carb stuff in my kitchen and pantry ro the great low carb substitute list provided in the book. This is not a short term diet but a long-term switch to healthy heart and healthier lifestyle. I look better and feel better now.
2282375
I am not in a habit of reviewing or recommending books, certainly not "diets books."  I have absolutely no connection with or loyalty to the author.  But I purchased this book sight unseen in early May 2011 and I followed the recommended eating plan very closely.  I have now lost 25 pounds in seven weeks, going from 225 pounds to 200 pounds without any "workouts" (other than three moderate yoga sessions per week).  Eggs and protein shake in the morning (along with a coffee).  Chef salad with vinegrette for lunch.  Protein (alternating fish, beef, pork, rotisserie chicken) with side of vegetables at night.  Sugar free cup of jello for dessert.  Handful of almonds  or pistachios during the day from time to time for a snack.  One "binge day" a week.  That is it.  Very simple.  No hunger.  No snacking.  You will also be amazed at how much less you spend at the grocery store.  I would think that this diet works for some, and not others, and it seems to me that the negative reviews are from people who already are in pretty good shape and who exercise and workout regularly.  I think this plan works best for people, like me, whose metabolic rates are low and who need to get it kickstarted (which this diet does through the use of some supplements, all which can be found at GNC and which do not have to be purchased from or through the author -- which I would have been very wary about doing).  The one thing this book really opened my eyes up to is that exercise is NOT the way to lose weight despite all the drama and theatrics on shows like "Biggest Loser" -- for example, the author simply points out the fact that it would take over 12 hours of hard walking on a treadmill to burn off a single meal of pasta alfredo from the Olive Garden.  Exercise, without a change in diet, will NEVER be able to keep up with weight gain for most people.  So, the change has to come through diet, not with the goal of reducing caloric intake (which causes hunger pains and bingeing and ultimately, failure), but rather from transferring those calories from starches and processed sugars (which trigger insulin response and fat production) to proteins (which do not).  It really is quite easy, as long as you don't mind eating a lot of eggs and egg whites and you can give up diet drinks and beer (and can drink red wine).  The only logistical difficulty is in finding good alternatives for lunches at work (given that bread / sandwiches are a big no no).  It really is amazing to me how quickly the human body can snap back into shape in only 6-7 weeks after months / years of mistreatment, and how the body will shed the fat on its own if you just let it (and don't drown it with sugar and carbs).  My plan is to lose another 5 to 10 pounds (which I should achieve after 12 weeks) and then wean myself back to a more normal diet (re-incorporating things like some fruit, oatmeal, wheat bread, yogurt, etc.).  This book has truly given me a new perspective on food / weight management and I highly recommend it to someone who needs to lose 20-30 pounds and then keep it off.
215126
I wanted to start DASH diet for a long time. Now Ive got really amazing results, Im thinner, stronger and healthier! Im happy! The most delicious diet Ive tried!
1165520
Other reviews have given a good overview of the book and the diet.  So, I'll give a first-hand report on my experience with the Dukan Diet.

I started the diet on July 18, 2011.
I lost 25 pounds on the Dukan Diet and am now (November 29) on Phase 3 - which is basically maintenance.

The weight came off at about 1.5-2 pounds a week.  Very healthy.

I was never, ever, EVER hungry.  If I got hungry - I had 100 foods to choose from in any amount at any time of day.  Why would I be hungry?

I never craved food - but then I don't normally eat tons of chips and sodas and carb filled junk - so I didn't have the withdrawal so many others report.  I'll admit that I missed wine with dinner and summer fruit .... but I got that back now in Phase 3 - it was a short term sacrifice for long term gain.

I don't know why others have reported feeling tired and awful - I had energy and have felt great following the diet.

The diet has been easy to follow.  In fact, I've felt kinda guilty to have lost 25 pounds so easily while others sweat and struggle to drop a few pounds.

Dukan's website is priceless.  On it, you answer several questions and he gives you a game-plan, complete with dates to start and end each phase.  That was helpful knowing I was doing without some foods for only so many weeks.

What sold me on the Dukan Diet was not just the diet - any diet can help you lose weight.  But the maintenance in Phase 3 and 4 was my deal breaker.  After losing the weight, he guides you in gradually adding back the carbs, sugars and other foods in such a way that your body doesn't over-react and gain the weight back.  The maintenance is what makes this diet unique and successful.

All around, I can recommend the diet - with reservations.
This is NOT a fad diet for all those who follow whatever the latest fad is.  This is a serious diet.  If you follow it, it works like a charm.  But, if you cheat, it won't work.

I tell everyone to get the book and READ IT before deciding to try the diet.  In the book, he doesn't just detail the diet, but discusses dieting in general and its effect on the body and important information every dieter needs to know.  After all, this is his profession - he's been counseling the morbidly obese for 35 years.  He probably knows a thing or two about dieting.

I look amazing.  Co-workers are jealous, family are starting the diet.  I honestly can't remember the last time I was this size (in college??)

I'm shopping for clothes because - frankly - I have to replace my entire wardrobe!  I'm shopping in the fashionable section of the store and putting on cute outfits.  Clothes shopping is fun for the first time in decades.  The day I was trying on a medium sweater and had to go back out on the floor to get a SMALL - that made those few weeks of tiny sacrifices worth it.  Note - I was wearing LARGE and X-Large just months ago.

Would I do the diet again?.....  Actually, with Dukan's plan - I'll never have to because Phase 4 of Dukan's Plan is instructions on keeping the weight off FOREVER!  I'll never be fat again.

Can I recommend the book?  If you REALLY want to lose the weight, and keep it off - and will follow the diet to the letter - ABSOLUTELY.  If fruit and chips and junk food mean more to you than looking hot and feeling great - skip it.

UPDATE - Janurary 31.  In a few weeks, I'll go to Phase 4 and will be off the diet.  I have kept the 25 pounds off for three months.... through Thanksgiving pie, pigging at Christmas, New Years Eve treats.  I can see how, with the simple rules in Phase 4, I'll be able to keep the weight off forever.  His plan is brilliant.  The Phase 3 maintenance is key.  If you really, REALLY, want to lose weight, and will follow the diet, this one works.
2821082
When I first saw the title of this book, my immediate response was, "Yea, right!"  I was in no mood for any more "way out" diet books with miraculous cures.  I wanted something I could live with for the rest of my life. I've been overweight for a long time and have failed at every other diet. Now, despite initial cynicism, I'm a total fan, and who wouldn't be if this happened to them?

Blood Pressure way down; meds cut in half

Weight loss:  +40 lbs and steady

Eating great food and feeling satiated

I like the way the authors have presented their material.  It's upbeat and has great recipes--really easy and good. I've highlighted the book like some people highlight their Bible, and shared the good news with friends. Even my brother-in-law (a scientist and a health nut) has been converted. I feel better than ever, and am taking great pride in preparing these wonderful, healthy foods. I'm a total convert. For me, this is the best diet on earth.
3992452
I love this book. Granted, I've only been on the plan a few days, but I truly believe that I can stick to this one! At first I was concerned about the low calories, but the food is so filling and delicious (I admit that I have to add a tiny bit of salt to some recipes), that I haven't felt hungry once. I was afraid that I would be famished at bedtime, which is my worst snacking time, but I have honestly had no problem at all. The exercises are hard, but completely doable, and they really don't take all that much time. I was very sore the first couple of days, but I already feel so much stronger.
Several people have mentioned the lack of grocery lists, which seems silly to me as many diet books don't come with them. And for the many people who don't know how many servings are in each recipe - try reading the book. He tells us more than once that each recipe is one serving for women (men have to increase the recipes a little). I love that! So many diet books have recipes for 4 or 6, and if you're the only one in the house following the plan, it can be very difficult to do.

Another aspect that I really like is that at the beginning of each week, he tells us what to prepare in advance. A couple hours of chopping and cooking once a week, and for the rest of the week the recipes are a snap!

I understand people's skepticism about the 800 calorie/day plan, but it's only 3 weeks, and it really is A LOT of food. The meals are big and very filling and extremely healthy.
I am refusing to step on the scale until I'm done, so I can't say what I've lost in 6 days, but I feel healthier than I have in a long time. If you're on the fence about buying this book, go ahead and give it a shot. I think you'll love it, too.

Addendum (5/5/13) - Re:hard to find ingredients-

Several commenters have griped about not being able to find a few of the ingredients in Bob's recipes. All I can say is, "substitute." I had to do a Google search for Persian cucumbers. They are a small (~ 5-6 inch) variety of cucumber. They can be replaced with English cucumbers (the really long kind that come wrapped in plastic in many regular super markets), for a similar taste/texture, or with any other green vegetable from Bob's free vegetable list. I found mini cucumbers at my Safeway in small-town Oregon, so I'm using those. Quinoa can be replaced with just about any whole grain (brown rice, millet, oats, etc...). Ezekiel Bread is really good and worth the hunt, it's a sprouted whole grain bread and often found in the freezer section at regular grocery stores. If you can't find it, I'm sure that any good quality, whole grain bread will do. Bragg's Liquid Aminos are similar to soy sauce in flavor. Try low sodium soy sauce instead.

Please don't pass up this plan because of a few specifics. Not all of us live in big cities with a Whole Foods, but all recipes/ingredients can be tweaked if you just do a little research.

Update (5/26/13) - I finished a few days ago. Lost 15 pounds. Loved this plan. Thanks, Bob!!!
3775230
I bought this book for two reasons: 1) a long-time friend lost a ton of weight by following the diet to a T; and 2) another long-time friend did a 180 degree turn-around in what he ate, followed this diet and he lost a ton too. Although I'm not sure I get the scientific thought behind it, I can't ignore the results of people I know. As a type 0, my main thing is to avoid grains, breads and pasta - and wouldn't you know it, those are the things I like eating the best! I think trying this diet is going to be a slow process but I'm willing to see just how well it works for me.  The book itself is well-organized with great little charts that make it simple to tell at-a-glance what I should eat and what I should avoid.
625164
This diet works wonders. I went on it after having each of my children. In 1997 I lost 40 lbs in two months. In 1998, I lost 47 lbs in two and a half months. The meals are extremely simple, and if you need to substitute you can just swap one day for another. I felt like I was really hungry for the first week, but I definitely felt great. The dinner makes you full. Every doctor (the last one was a midwife) I have asked if I could go on this while breastfeeding has said absolutely. I did increase the diet by having three extra glasses of milk per day, because I was breastfeeding and still had great results. My husband did this diet, but went off of it too early and gained all of his weight back. He lost so much more than I did, the same amount in half the time it took me. (of course he was in his early thirties). I think if he would have just kept to the diet he would have the same results I have, not gaining it all back. If your looking for some fad diet that is going to make it easy, there is not one. Losing weight takes self control and determination. If you do not want to actually lose the weight, this book is not for you. If you do, its going to take work the first week, at least. If your faithful to this the weight is coming off and you will feel wonderful.
4237157
I have been using this diet for years and it works, I've probably tried just about every diet on the market Atkins, south beach, the zone, paleo, keto, military diet, weight watchers, cabbage soup, this is the diet that works the fastest, my mother went on this diet while I was a teenager and I watched her lose 70 lbs in 5 months, also she was feeding a lot of the recipes to me and my brother and just adding a carb on the side the lamb a la provincial I developed a love for along with the substitute lunch I would eat the sub lunch as an after school snack with a few extra pecans in it, and guess what 5 months later I was 15 lbs thinner and I wasn't dieting I was eating all kinds of stuff not on the diet, school lunch, a baked potato with butter at dinner, I wasn't fat back then but I was slightly over my ideal weight 16 years old I was 5'6 and about 145-150, ive always had a butt like jlo, but at 130-135 I looked amazing, after that whenever I need to lose weight I turn to scarsdale, in college, after having a child, after sitting on my butt for 2 years working home health care and driving all day, after a divorce, I've always had some trouble with my weight and this is the only thing that works, yes you need willpower of steal to get through the first 3 days, I've found that 2 weeks of Atkins induction helps break my carb and sugar cravings before starting scarsdale and helps curb the appetite, I also switch back to Atkins for 2 weeks when I can't take low fat any longer, I usually just maintain for 2 weeks when I do that but it gives me a break and I take a cheat day about once a month that is preplanned not on a whim don't let yourself just give in and cheat you won't go back on it plan your cheat day in advance and if you feel like you can't take it after a month or 2 switch to Atkins for 2 weeks just don't expect to lose a lot of weight in that 2 weeks, me and my family have lost hundreds of lbs on this diet over the years, it works and it works fast but you have to be in the right mindset before starting this diet or young stick to it and when you are at goal you can't completely go back to eating the way you did before or you will gain it back, that has always been my problem ill maintain for a while and then I get lazy and start avoiding the scale last time I amaintained for 2 years before starting to gain I've got to make weighing myself daily a priority even if I'm not going to like what the scale says and the 4 pound stop signal is a good tool that I need to use
2324443
I've read some of the other reviews on this book and am a bit annoyed with most of the negative one.

Before answering the negative comments, let me say that I've been following the diet for 7 weeks and have lost 20 pounds. The thing I like best about it is that it's the ONLY diet I've found that allows me to eat the quantity of food I'm eating, and still keep my calorie count at about 1350. I love having a full plate and a full tummy. With this way of eating I get full at all 3 meals, have 3 snacks during the day, and am still able to lose weight. On Atkins I got full, and my lipids and sugar were great, but I didn't lose much weight because my calorie count was too high.  On Weight Watchers I was always hungry, because I invested too many of my points in refined carbs and grains. This works for me.

I'm planning to use Dr. Heber's earlier book "What color is your diet," for maintenance. I have my physician's enthusiastic blessing for both.

BTW - I have no cravings.  I'm easily able to say no to candy, chips, cake, cookies, etc.  My pre-diabetic metabolism is loving this!

Here's a typical day's menu for me:

Breakfast: Shake made with 1C skim milk, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 a banana and 1/2 cup of frozen raspberries.

Lunch: Salad made with 3 C romaine lettuce, 1/2 a cucumber, a 1/4 of an avocado and 3 oz of roast chicken.

Dinner: 4 oz lean ground turkey burger smothered with sauteed onions and mushrooms, 2 C pureed cauliflower (a la Atkins), 1 cup thinly sliced butternut squash sauteed in a small amount of olive oil

snacks/dessert:  1 C non-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 c pineapple; 1 clementine orange; 1 c watermelon; 1/2 cup blueberries with 1 T low-fat coolwhip.

All this runs about 1350 calories, with 140g of protein (1 gram for every pound of lean body mass I have), and is about 20% fat. A smaller person, with less lean body mass, should be able to eat closer to 100 g of protein and still get all of the fruits and vegetables in, for fewer calories.

My reaction to other comments about the book:

1. I read the book cover to cover and (unless I missed it somewhere) I didn't see the name "Hebalife" anywhere in it. It does NOT promote any particular brand of protein powder. It does suggested using "flavored" shake mix (vanilla or chocolate), but I ended up getting plain unflavored protein powder (Genisoy) that I could mix with skim milk. If I want chocolate I add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa for 15 calories. For the person who said the shakes taste horrible, well, for goodness sake, try a different brand, and be sure to add some fruit!

2.  How can anyone say this is not a healthy diet? You end up eating a huge amount of fruits and vegetables, healthy added fats like olive oil and avocado, and lean protein.  No one needs grains in their diet. They're just not necessary.  I use a computer-based program (fitday.com) to keep track of my calories/carbs/fat/protein and 32 different nutrients.  I consistently take in well over 100% of the RDA's for all nutrients (except vitamin D, but you get that from sunshine too), without taking any supplements. And I get about 30 grams of fiber a day.

4. Even some of the people who said they liked the diet didn't seem to be really following it.  A nutrition bar for lunch and a reasonable dinner? That's not what this diet is about.  You're supposed to eat from all 7 colors of fruits and vegetables every day.  You can't get them in if you don't eat them at every meal and for snacks. Nutrition bars are not recommended in this diet. Have a huge salad with meat instead!

If you follow the diet the way it's laid out, it's very healthy and satisfying.  But like any diet, if you stop eating that way and go back to eating the way you ate before, yes, you're going to gain the weight back.  That's how you got fat in the first place!
817666
I started this diet five years ago while stationed in Japan.  I decided the food the Navy was feeding me had two major problems, it was too often and too much.  After a year on the ship I had gained 15 pounds and was facing getting the waist of my dress blue pant let out.

One of the other guys in my shop who was trying to loose weight had bought this book (hard back) and told me to read it.  I realized quickly that it was going to take a life altering change in eating habit to stick with it (eat almost nothing during the day, eat a huge meal at night, but the meal at night has to be eaten in a certain basic order (vegetables first, starches last but room for some variation), but decided to go for it.

Early on, I was famished during the day.  I coped with this by eating excessive amounts of carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes.  Eventually I cut back on these until I ate almost nothing throughout the day.  It was a gradual cutback and was based on my hunger pains.  Additionally, I started to workout twice a week (45 min weights and 30 min cardio each time.  It was the most I could fit in my schedule).  With in a year I had basically no hunger pains at all (though still ate a small portion of fruits/vegetables/nuts on workout days).

After five years, at 6', 170 lbs, and a 29" waist, I'm in better shape than I was in college (I was a slug in college, but a thin slug who started putting on weight later).  Due to my job I occasionally have to eat a social lunch during the day.  When possible I get a salad, if that's not possible I eat light and then eat light in the evening also.  On the down side, I'm no longer use to being lethargic during the day so, when I have to eat lunch I really want to find a place to go take a nap within an hour of eating.  It's amazing how much more energy you have if your body is not spending all it's time digesting food.  Additionally, I found I fall asleep much quicker at night with a full belly.

Good luck to all who try it, but this diet is no different than others in that it requires self discipline.
1398215
Because of my metabolism, I have tried all the low-carb diets, for over 20 years. Not one was permanently successful. Some (like Atkins) were much too severe, others (like Carb Addict's) were too unbalanced, but this one is really working for me. I'm not losing weight any faster than "usual" but the difference is in the way I feel. I didn't realize how many of my problems were related to the type and timing of foods that I ate until I started on Diane Kress' miracle diet. My body is finally functioning normally (after only a few weeks), my fuzzy mind has cleared up, and I have a lot more energy and endurance. When I cheat, even a little, the symptoms come back. No question about it, this is my permanent way of eating for the rest of my life.

The diet is simple and easy to follow. She doesn't go overboard with glycemic index or calorie counts. She explains the principles, and then gives guidelines that require very little work to implement. This is the best low-carb diet out there, trust me!