MAXIMUM METABOLISM: The Diet Breakthrough for Permanent Weight Loss

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 30, 1988

Another basic low-calorie diet, this one dressed up with some questionable extras. New York City physician Giller and free-lance writer Matthews begin with the standard diet-guide opening: ""I want you to try this diet. Even if you've never been able to stick to a diet before. . .Why? Because this diet is different."" They acknowledge that there is more to losing weight than simply sticking to a low-calorie regimen, and here name seven other factors that make a difference. Three can't be altered: heredity, age, and sex. The other four: exercise; stress; the proportion of brown fat in the body; and the body's varying insulin levels (the direct effect on appetite and metabolism as explained here is questionable). To boost the metabolism, Giller and Matthews recommend a low-fat diet, the ""fight"" carbohydrates (recommendations here for the ""nonstarchy"" kind are scientifically wobbly), careful timing and sequencing of meals, ""maximum nutrition"" (on low-cal diets, all food must be nutritious in order to meet basic nutrient requirements while intake is low), and regular exercise. Guar gum (a ""natural fiber supplement"") is recommended as an aid to regulating insulin levels and promoting feelings of fullness. The actual diet plan allows for about 1000 calories/day; unexciting menus and recipes, and behavioral tips and support are included. All in all, a standard low-cal diet with a sometimes shaky basis.

Pub Date: Jan. 30, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1988

Categories: NONFICTION