The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet: A Simple 3-Part Plan to Lose the Fat, the Wrinkles, and the Years, by Nicholas Perricone M.D.   [Paperback 2007]

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• 1) An invaluable, approachable resource to any diet

  by T. Levine on August 23 2006
    190+ helpful votes

  INTRODUCTION:
  
  Over the last 2 months, I have lost over 40 pounds in fat. I have gone from 220 lbs to 180 lbs. In addition, I am walking 90 minutes a day or jogging 4 miles a day along with a variety of other activities. Essentially, I've changed my lifestyle, both in terms of diet, supplementation, and exercise. A large part of this weight loss and lifestyle change I attribute to many of the strategies I adopted by watching Dr. Perricone's PBS special, followed up with, of course, completely absorbing the information contained in Dr. Perricone's book, "The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet".
  
  BOOK SUMMARY:
  
  Dr. Perricone starts in PART i by making his case to you the reader, for the "Inflammation-Fat Connection", laying down basic principles that establish micro-inflammation as the root cause of the problem, and obesity simply a side-effect to this problem, along with various other aging ailments. He establishes that his strategy to deal with weight loss, is by dealing with micro-inflammation, the root cause, through diet, exercise (and other lifestyle changes), and supplementation. By attacking micro-inflammation, you not only achieve success with the battle of obesity, you also achieve success on a variety of other aging fronts. Essentially, Dr. Perricone presents this argument as an anti-aging program, focusing on weight loss as the emphasis for this book.
  
  In PART II, the core of Dr. Perricone's book, he presents his 3 step program: Food, Supplements, and Lifestyle. In Step One, 10 specific food groups are presented to focus on, and these groups will surprise you. This is not a rehashing of the government food triangle by any stretch. The foods range from wild Alaskan Salmon, to Avocado and Acai, to Spices, Red Chile Peppers, and Yogurt. Each section provides a description of the food "supergroup", the factors that contribute to weight loss, the top choices, and the runner-up choices. In Step Two, Dr. Perricone provides his top 12 nutritional supplements that contribute to the reduction of micro-inflammation, the reduction of insulin resistance, the balancing of blood glucose, etc. Each section lists and describes each supplement, along with tips, and dosage recommendations. Step Three, describes the lifestyle changes to be implemented, including the benefits of exercise, fact sheets, safety tips, etc.
  
  Part iii is called "THE PLAN", and this is where Dr. Perricone provides his 14 day weight loss diet. This section attempts to bring together the information from Part 1 and Part 2 with a sample program for weight loss. Various tips, suggestions, and reminders introduce the plan, followed with a rigid 14 day regimin, an ecclectic recipe section, a thorough Appendix that covers dieting questions, a complete Resource Guide, References, and Index.
  
  PROS:
  
  1. EXPERTISE
  This is not an ordinary dieting book. Dr. Perricone is a leading researcher on the subject of anti-aging, and his theories, approaches, and research represents the cutting edge of modern thought on the subject. Every claim he makes, is backed by thoroughly researched scientific data. His reference section speaks volumes. Not one claim is made in this book, without completely documented case studies from reputable resources and noted scientific peer journals. If you are interested or curious on the subject of aging, when Dr. Perricone speaks, you should listen.
  
  2. APPROACHABLE
  This book is completely approachable. Dr. Perricone gives you 10 food groups, and 12 supplements to learn. That's basically it. The solution is elegant in design. You read the section on the food or supplement you're interested in, and learn not only what it is, but WHY it is important to your weight loss goals, what it does to your body physiologically, and what studies prove its positive properties.
  
  3. COMPLIMENTARY
  This book compliments all approaches to weight loss. It is not really just a diet. Moreso, it is a strategy. Dr. Perricone takes weight loss from a different point of view. Tackle the inflammation problem, and the weight will come off. Various foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes approach this objective in a synergistic fashion. This means that each positive thing you do, compliments all of the other positive things you are doing with your body. Each anti-inflammatory, each antioxidant, each metabolic or thermogenic enhancement in your diet or lifestyle, works with all the other changes you are making to yourself. So, Dr. Perricone is not reinventing the wheel. He is simply presenting some basic food and lifestyle change recommendations, with modern science to back up his reasons why these changes are good for you. You can implement this strategy on its own, or, use it in conjunction with other diets or programs that appeal to you. Dr. Perricone is simply teaching you, the reader, 10 foods, 12 supplements, and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle that you can focus on in order to make your body the youngest and healthiest it can be.
  
  CONS:
  
  1. RIGID DIET
  To be honest, I actually think the first two parts of this book are amazing, but the diet is seriously lacking in approachability, usability, and flexibility. I was surprised that Dr. Perricone, who clearly spent a tremendous amount of time organizing his data for the first two parts, sort of dropped the ball on the last part. The diet is really nothing more than a 14 day sample menu.
  
  2. NOT USER FRIENDLY:
  The recipes are fabulous, and the food suggestions are useful in seeing how one person might incorporate the Food and Supplement suggestions, but the diet isn't really very user-friendly. You can choose to follow the rigid 14 day plan if you wish, however, most of us don't work like that in terms of going to the store, making choices, cooking food, eating it, and in some way, continuing on with our lives. Most of us don't have the time or energy to spend making plans to follow a rigid 14 day menu. I would have preferred more in Part 3, of what we got from Part 1 and 2 of this book.
  
  3. MISSING DIETING BASICS IN PART 3:
  in PART 3, I would have liked to have seen Dr. Perricone focus on more dieting strategy in this section, perhaps going back to dieting basics such as portion control, food balance, calorie controls, etc. The 14 day diet works great as a SAMPLE, but not as a template. In this, the book leaves me wanting more.
  
  MY TIPS:
  
  Here is a list of some things that I think you'll find useful, that I can provide as someone who has actually used and implemented many of the resources from "The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet":
  
  1. It's true that Dr. Perricone sells his own supplements, but he never suggests in this book that you are required, or need, to go through him for your needs. Every supplement is available from your local health food or vitamin store.
  
  2. Don't "dive in" tommorow and make massive changes to your diet and lifestyle. Take it one step at a time, changing perhaps one or two things a day. Overdoing it is a mistake. Start with a basic vitamin, adopt and emphasize one or two food groups in your daily diet. When I started, for example, I began to use vitamins, and 2 or 3 antioxidants, along with creating a dinner menu that focused on barley, beans, veggies, and salad. After a few days, I introduced more foods, and more supplements, so as not to overwhelm my body or my psyche. Taking a "one change a day" approach seemed to work very well for me.
  
  3. Learn the reasons "WHY" modern anti-aging scientific research points to the benefits of each food or supplement Don't just learn what each one is. Dr. Perricone gives you substantive reasons for changing your diet with 10 specific food groups, and supplementing with 12 specific products.
  
  4. This is not a magic bullet. This is a book that you add to your library of knowledge. Detractors will tell you that Dr. Perricone is simply re-hashing the glycemic index, or overstating that you should "eat naturally". For those that say Dr. Perricone's information is "nothing new", I'd just simply point out that of course it isn't. This is not a fad diet. Dr. Perricone is providing meaningful backbone to an anti-aging growing body of science. He is providing us with an approachable guide to some specific, easily accessible items in the grocery store and at the health food store, that can make a deep impact on our lives. It is backed by countless research studies, peer journals, and good, hard science, with a thorough, well documented reference section that points any researcher to the already established body of knowledge out there in the scientific community. No, this is not a new, innovative way to lose weight. Instead, Dr. Perricone is organizing this information in an approachable format. Use this information with your other resources. Don't think of it as a dieters bible. Think of it as a textbook in your ongoing studies of your own body.
  
  SUMMARY:
  Like I said in the beginning, I've lost over 40 pounds in 2 months. I've made many changes, of course, to my lifestyle, that accounts for this weight loss. But every night, while eating dinner, I am perusing through "The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet", learning something new about the things I'm doing to my body, that are positive, and why I am becoming leaner and younger each day. Every clove of raw garlic I eat, every ALA and Astaxanthin supplement I take, is making a difference, 60 days later. There is a glow to my skin, an improvement in my daily living, a decrease in my waist line. Dr. Perricone is not the only reason why I've lost this weight, but what I give him is Kudus for providing me with strategy, reasons, and backbone to making life-long anti-aging changes which have clearly made a direct impact on my life.
  
  I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this book, and make it an integral part of your home library.
  
  
  

• 2) Best diet book out there!

  by Patience on May 22 2006
    90+ helpful votes

  After giving birth to twins, I struggled for 2 years to loose the extra 15 pounds I had gained during pregnancy. I tried many diets including the south beach, which made me loose 10 lbs at first then made me gain 15 lbs around the 3rd phase. And the first 2 weeks of the south beach are very difficult, I felt deprived and constipated all the time.
  Dr Perricone diet is the only diet that not only helped me loose the weight but also helped me keep it. As Dr Perricone says, it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle. and I have adopted that lifestyle. I have more energy now than I ever did before and I can exercise 5-6 times/week and I run lot faster and longer now than I did before. And most importantly, I love the food! The 2 week diet recipes are very delicious! My whole family loved the food. while I was on the 2 week diet, my husband kept asking me if I was really dieting because my plate was always full. I did not feel deprived at all! The recipes were so delicious, I even bought the book "stop the clock cooking"!
  The only downside about this diet is that it involves a lot of cooking but how can you get good, wholesome food unless you cook it yourself? I cooked on weekends and froze a lot.It's lot easier now, I don't have to follow the diet line by line anymore. I know what to eat and what not to eat and I can prepare a meal really fast.
  My only problem was the supplements. They are very pricey and since I wasn't overweight, I was wondering if I really had to spend all that money on supplements. I decided to buy only some of them, the ones I thought will be most beneficial for me. Of course it included fish oil, Glutamine and a few antioxidants.
  And one more thing, my skin is also glowing now. Everybody tells me I have beautiful skin. I did not have wrinkles before and I hope I won't have them soon...
  
  Thank you Dr. Perricone for coming up with this healthy, healthy diet everybody should be following.
  

• 3) Doctor Gets Inflamed About Obesity

  by Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Man on January 10 2006
    80+ helpful votes

  Although I have lost nearly 200 pounds following a low-carb weight loss program that worked for me, I still remain an active student of health, nutrition and dieting. Regardless of what your weight is, it is imperative that you keep educating yourself about healthy lifestyle choices and learn what it takes to keep your body working as God intended by referencing the truly imaginative innovators and researchers of our day.
  
  One such person in the year 2006 is Dr. Nicholas Perricone. Although he is a board-certified dermatologist, he stumbled upon something in his research of complexion problems that even startled him. He found that there was invisible, undetectable layer of inflammation occuring beneath the surface of our skin that was causing our bodies to literally fall apart. One of the results of this inflammation, Dr. Perricone quickly found, was the body's inability to get rid of stored fat.
  
  That's the underlying basis for The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet. Although his previous books on wrinkles and complexion problems have been instant bestsellers, Dr. Perricone wanted to devote one book solely to the topic of weight loss to help the tens of millions of people who carry around excessive amounts of weight.
  
  For fans of Dr. Perricone, some of the concepts in this book will be familiar to you. But whether you have read his books before or if this is your first time, I have no doubt that you will be able to apply The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet principles to your own life.
  
  Ever since I lost my weight by livin' la vida low-carb, I am always apprehensive about any new diet book that I pick up. Actually, I wasn't sure what I would read in Dr. Perricone's book. But imagine my surprise when I noticed much of his weight loss advice matched up perfectly with what I was already doing as part of my low-carb lifestyle:
  
  1. Eat more good fats, especially ones found in fish.
  2. Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.
  3. Stay away from sugar, starch and white flour.
  4. Consume berries.
  5. Cook with extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil.
  6. Add fiber to your diet with seeds and nuts.
  7. Protein-up your body to keep your hunger satisfied.
  8. Exercise 30-45 minutes per day.
  9. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
  10. Eat sugar-free chocolate made with real cocoa butter.
  
  But the more I read through The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet, I realized that there were areas of my diet that could stand to change and this book convicted me of my need to make a few subtle changes.
  
  For example, Dr. Perricone encourages people to eat more fish, specifically Wild Alaskan Salmon. This is a naturally low-carb food and would be an excellent frequent addition to my healthy low-carb lifestyle. He also urges readers to use stevia or erithyrtol more in place of sugar and other sugar alternatives. Dr. Perricone is adamantly against using aspartame.
  
  There was something else that intrigued me in this book. The concept of eating your protein first, then your fiber, and finally your sugar -- in that order! I had never thought about this before now, but you can actually slow the rate that your body begins absorbing and using the sugars in the foods you eat if you load up on the protein and fiber first.
  
  I hope Dr. Perricone or somebody will conduct a study on the effect of this food order on the body. The experiment could compare the results of weight loss efforts of people participants eating the exact same meals except one group eats the protein first, another group eats the fiber first and the last group eats the sugar first. Which one would lose the most weight? I'd love to know the answer to that question, but I suppose Dr. Perricone would be opposed to people eating the sugar first since it increases inflammation and causes the blood sugar to quickly rise. That's an important lesson The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet teaches you.
  
  Let me warn you -- this book can get technical in some places, but Dr. Perricone attempts to break it down step-by-step to keep it from going completely over your head. He gently explains various terms and provides real-life examples of people he has helped lose weight using his 14-Day diet plan.
  
  There are many supplements that Dr. Perricone believes people should be taking to give them the essential vitamins and minerals that their bodies need to function at their best. He calls these "superstar supplements" and also suggests ten categories of "supergroup foods" to minimize inflammation so you will be on the road to weight loss success.
  
  The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet is a unique theory in the battle of the bulge and should be in the collection of anyone and everyone who wishes to keep their weight under control for life. If you apply the Perricone principles, which are surprisingly compatible for people doing low-carb, then you will be able to lose weight, keep it off, look and feel younger than you ever thought possible, and exude with energy beyond your wildest dreams.
  
  A 2-week meal plan and delicious recipes are located in the back of the book to get you started on the right foot. There's little wonder why The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet has followed it predecessors to the top of the bestseller charts.
  
  It is scientifically-proven to work and Dr. Perricone believes it can help anyone. Even YOU!

• 4) Overview and Comments on Fabrication In The Reviews

  by T. Deffenbaugh on December 31 2005
    70+ helpful votes

  Clearly, Perricone has a particular axe to grind, but fundamentally, he translates cutting edge research into interesting layman's terms.
  
  Problems:
  
  1. He represents other's work as his own. Often when he says "I researched" he means that he read reviews of the research of others. However, hype is hype.
  
  2. He presents all dietary adjuncts on equal footing. While the research on Omega-3 is staggering, the research on Glutamine (other than for burn patients) is lacking. Therefore, I would prefer him to clearly call out best supported by research. (Give me a break on Maitake--it has a long way to go for validation.)
  
  3. His hypothesis of controlling inflammation will reverse weight is clearly being kicked around in the research community, but there is no first mover identified. That is "What comes first obesity or inflammation?" Moving inflammation may not impact obesity. However, I tend to agree with him, and I believe that individuals can test this on a personal basis.
  
  The good:
  
  1. Controlling inflammation and things like NFkappaB is just common sense.
  
  2. Omega-3 clearly have anti-obesity tendancies for a subset of people.
  
  3. Generally, he actually gets into cool stuff like NFkB issues. Not many foks care to try and explain it.
  
  Overall, a good read. Just spend some time on Google testing his ideas.
  
  Finally, we have two "reviews" on Amazon by "doctors," which clearly are either fabrication or outstanding displays of ignorance. If you go to pubmed.gov--which abstracts all medical journals--you will see that linkage between inflammation and obesity clearly exists. Perricone should not use terms like invisible inflammation, since these pathways clearly exist. However, he simplified this for a lay audience. If you know the research, inflammation of the cells is clearly an issue with today's modern diet. I'm ticked enough that I'll give him a 5 star to balance out there lower scores.... (Revenge through Amazon rating!!)
  
  (As an example on Pubmed, go to www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15364812&query_hl=18&itool=pubmed_DocSum )

• 5) It Works!

  by Chris Swanson on March 01 2006
    70+ helpful votes

  After following the program outlined in the book for a month, I have lost 18 lbs., I feel better, and look better. My wife has lost 11 lbs. and really looks great. Eating lots of fish is difficult for us, so we have substituted more lean chicken and it still seems to work.
  UPDATE: It's now been about 10 weeks since we started the program outlined in this book. I have lost 33 lbs. (half of my goal) and my wife has lost 23 lbs. In addition to the weight loss, our health has improved. I was taking 3 blood pressure medications which were barely keeping it under control. With my doctors OK, I have cut the dosage on one med 50% and stopped another completely. My blood pressure now stays below normal and I expect to be off medication completely. My cholesterol is way down and I also stopped taking my cholesterol medication to see if the diet, exercise and weight loss will keep it down. I have never been a believer in herbs, amino acids, vitamins or other supplements. However, we bought the 12 suggested supplements outlined in the book from online sources at reasonable prices and believe they are helping. None of the many diets we tried have ever worked this fast, improved our health, or were this easy to stay on without cravings.

• 6) Lost Weight AND Saved Money!!!

  by J. M. Wood on January 09 2006
    60+ helpful votes

  I started the Perricone Diet as my New Year's Resolution, and didn't expect to lose weight very quickly because I had been on another diet (low-carb) and had just lost 10 pounds in December (usually I then plateau and don't lose another pound for a couple of weeks).
  
  Well, today is January 9th and I have lost 8 pounds!!! Not to mention that I am feeling so much better, and have quit hitting the snooze alarm in the morning! And I'm not even following the diet he lays out... just the principals he outlines, and taking about 3/4 of the supplements.
  
  The great thing is that I'm actually saving money. After going to the health food store to buy the supplements (which were around $100 for roughly a month, so cheaper than on his website) I thought that this was going to be a really expensive experiment... but if it works...
  
  However, after my first week of cooking I am WAY under what I usually spend on food in a month. For one thing, I'm not hungry, so I'm not making any fast food or restaurant runs, nor am I eating nearly as much as usual. Second, because everything starts out with whole foods, and I buy grain in bulk and lots of fresh vegetables, it is saving me quite a bit. Even buying organic is cheaper than eating canned or frozen it has turned out. I was expecting to have to spend more because the meat is expensive, but compared to doing a low-carb diet and eating lots of meat, I'm now eating normal portions, a bigger variety of foods (and feeling really full), so I end up even saving on that.
  
  Then, to top it all off, people keep asking me if I'm losing weight, changed my skincare, am using different makeup, all of those questions I LOVE to hear.
  
  Anyway, losing weight, saving money, enjoying what I eat... I'd never even heard of this guy before reading this book, but now I'm a convert!!!

• 7) Dr Perricone Rocks!

  by K. Faraci on January 03 2006
    50+ helpful votes

  I was introduced to the Dr Perricone by my manager, who use to be the counter manager at a major department store for this product. At first I thought the same thing, oh here we go again, I have about 20 lbs to lose but more important she could tell that I was stressed and getting redness in my face. The truth is I have never had a problem with acne and have great skin but the things she was telling me about the book made sense, the inflammation, the bloated tummy, so I said what have I got too lose. I did the 3 day starter and too my surprise and everyone around me, by the 2nd day, I noticed a flat stomach and people everywhere I went kept asking, what have you done? what makeup do you have on? etc? I had increased energy and felt great so after the 3 days have continued on the plan. I went off it over the holidays and boy, did I notice how bad I felt. But after 3 weeks lost 10 lbs, so back on it now and will continue to not only feel great but look great too.
  This works and I also take the pep powder, and I have tried everything, so the negative responses on this site are just people who think that they can just keep going on doing nothing and the weight will disappear.
  I too got a little sick of salmon but only have it a few times a week and do chicken or tuna on your salad.
  Buy the frozen salmon at costco and use it as you need it, I put mine on the george foreman grill when I am crunched for time. Also, a secret, dip in olive oil and then in mrs. dash and cook, it gives it a crunchy like breading taste.
  So here is to you Doc!

• 8) The Best Diet & Health book

  by R. Johnson on February 09 2007
    50+ helpful votes

  For me, I think the biggest point about this diet is that if you eat the foods he recommends, it suppresses your appetite like crazy!!! You can eat just a small meal and it will keep you feeling VERY full for hours and hours. He recommends one food after another that has antioxidants, fiber, reduces inflammation, increases insulin sensitivity, and reduces blood sugar. When you eat multiple foods like this, then it really has a huge effect on your appetite and your ability to feel satisfied on a small amount of food. On the other hand, when you eat normal, unhealthy American food, it's often impossible to feel satisfied and you just keep eating and eating until your stomach is in pain from being so overstuffed. That's because of unhealthy ingredients such as flour, sugar, corn syrup, and monosodium glutamate. These things destroy your health and make you unable to feel satisfied and full from eating.
  
  As for Perricone's recipes, I don't bother to follow them. I just eat the foods he recommends with the minimum of preparation, because I'm eating for health, not enjoyment. For example, I just cook the lentil beans in water with no seasoning or anything. Also I try to eat as many foods raw as I can so I can get more enzymes and other nutrients from them. I believe in eating whole, unprocessed foods. Besides the foods Perricone recommends, I also eat additional fruits and vegetables. Canned wild salmon is the primary meat I eat. It's fairly low-priced.
  
  I've lost 15 pounds so far. Besides the diet, it's also important to do some exercise. It's also critical to stop eating several hours before you go to sleep. You should eat breakfast every day. Lastly, don't keep any junk food in the house and don't use any kind of excuse to buy junk food.
  
  As for the 12 supplements he recommends, I've tried some of them. I think they help a little bit, but eating lots of raw fruits and vegetables helps far more. The only one that's absolutely necessary is fish oil for omega 3 fatty acids. It doesn't actually seem to make a noticeable difference in how I feel, but I'm sure it's important because it is something that is present in large amounts in wild meat and humans evolved to eat and require this substance. And since we don't get it in factory-farmed meat anymore, we need to eat wild salmon and fish oil pills. However, the alpha lipoic acid, carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 do seem to be improving my energy and overall health in a subtle way. So I think I will keep taking them. On the other hand, I can get a big energy boost just by eating a large raw salad with high-nutrient veggies like spinach, carrots, red bell pepper, and red beets.
  
  My skin does seem to have improved on the diet. The skin on my face is tighter and my face isn't so puffy anymore. It's also more radiant. I think I'm looking younger and better lately.
  
  My mood has improved. I generally feel happy and calm and have good energy all the time. When I ate unhealthy food, I felt very irritable, depressed, and exhausted all the time.
  
  Overall I think the Perricone diet is awesome for your health, your life, your mind, and your career success, not just for losing weight. I highly recommend it. This is the only diet book I've read, but I think it's probably the best one. That might sound funny, but I can't imagine a better diet book than this one. The one thing this book lacks is addressing psychological issues, so it might be helpful for you to read self-help books for any psychological problems that have been driving you to overeat and not take care of your health. Personally I have done a lot of work to overcome the psychological damage that was done to me.
  

• 9) I wish most of these reviewers had actually TRIED the diet...

  by Book Lover www.mystatusisbaddest.com on January 02 2006
    50+ helpful votes

  
  Yes, Dr. Perricone has expensive supplements. That is why he only gets 4 stars from me. I have never used his particular brand, but have been a devotee of his diet for months, and I am a changed person! I get many of my supplements from Trader Joe's (very inexpensively), and I have seen them at Target and Walmart, too. I didn't buy into his "infomercial", but I cannot ignore the results I have had in the last few months that I have followed this diet, even loosely.
  
  You will eat lots of fish, chicken, turkey bacon, almonds, olive oil, berries, yogurt, eggs, herbs, and lots of other fruits and vegetables. It is similar to the new Mediterranean Diets popping up out there...no bread, no sugar,etc. I am a believer in cheating on my diet often, and I have still watched in awe as weight dropped off my stubborn frame, with very little effort.
  
  What I really love is that this diet is easy to follow in restaurants, on the road, and at home. Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and just about any other grocery store carries fantastic pre-made salads and foods that are made with the all-natural ingredients he recommends. His recipes can be a little strange (edamame guacamole?), so I have made up lots of my own, and it has been very easy.
  
  The best part of this diet is the weight loss, but the added bonus of clearing up 10 years of adult acne is something that I would have paid a lot more for. Can you tell I love this book?
  
  

• 10) Dr Perricone's book changed my life!

  by L. Ballou on February 02 2006
    50+ helpful votes

  That may sound a little over dramatic, but it's true. I borrowed the book from the library. I was skeptical and didn't want to spend any money on the book. I have about 25 pounds to lose and nothing else was working so I decided to give Perricone's plan a try.
  
  Besides being overweight, I had been seeing a doctor for over 6 months for extreme achiness and fatigue. My doctor ran all kinds of tests and xrays and could find nothing wrong with me. I was also experiencing extreme brain fog and had a hard time thinking clearly. This went on for months and I was getting scared that I was suffering from some exotic disease that my doctor could not diagnose.
  
  After only a week on Dr Perricone's program, including omega-3 supplements I bought at Costco and multivitamins, not only did I lose weight but I suddenly had my energy back and the brain fog lifted! It was like magic how much better I felt. I am so grateful to have stumbled on Dr Perricone's book, which by the way I did go out and buy. It was money well spent! I feel like I have by life back. Oh, and it's nice to have perfect strangers come up to me and tell me how clear my skin is.
  
  I don't know if Dr Perricone's theories about inflammation and all that stuff hold up in the science community. But I do know that his plan works for me in a way that no other plan has worked.
  
  
  

• 11) first diet book I ever followed

  by Sarah Greer on September 22 2005
    40+ helpful votes

  Ok, I'm an ICU nurse and a bit of a health nut. this is the first diet book I've been compelled to buy AND read AND follow. I think Dr. Perricone is onto something with his inflammation theory. I have been certain for some time that most of my ICU patients, the elderly sickly types, have been suffering from poor nutrition that eventually manifests itself as disease. (I have a deep desire to not end up in the same boat)I don't know that his diet is founded on solid research but I look at his writings as sound advice that have some solid research potential in the future. His advice is a synergy of things that modern science has discovered about foods and their interactions with the body- He has a fourteen day meal plan that is devoid of wheat and sugar, full of high quality protein fats and carbs from fresh fruits. I decided I would buy the supplements he recommends- I also bought a weeks worth of groceries to make the recipies in the book (which are adapted from "stop the clock cooking" by cheryl forberg. with the supplements the total came to $333 which is a huge amount for me. I know next week it will be less ( the supplements will last a few months and I won't have to buy all the spices that were $5-7 a bottle ( he has quite a few curry/turmeric recipies) Dr. P sells the supplements on his website but a months worth is over $200 I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much so I shopped the sales at my grocery store I was suprised to find that they had most of what I needed I just need to head elsewhere for the carnetine and the glutamine. I know I won't be hungry on the diet but I don't really look forward to a fish meal every day ( I have never liked fish) thankfully some meals involve chicken and he also recommends bison and ostrich but they are not on the 14 week plan)). BTW you know how some diets you cant find the stuff they recommend?- my grocery store ( which has a healthfood section) had everything but the flax crackers. I was surprised they had the wild alaskan salmon that is a Perricone staple (in frozen and canned)THis book is a short read- I read it in an afternoon. most of the information was not news to me I really just wanted the diet laid out so I could use that till I develop better habits and new recipies- the recipies sound really good. full of flavor- I think I'm going to miss the bread and crackers though.

• 12) Thank you Dr. Perricone

  by HG on December 31 2005
    40+ helpful votes

  THIS DIET WORKS. I never, ever write reviews--, but I felt compelled to after reading the negative reviews on this plan which I believe to be unfounded . Over the years I have tried numerous diets, including very low calorie medically supervised fasts, popular diets, diet w/appetite suppression medication, etc., (by the way I reached a tolerance for diet medications fairly rapidly so my old habits always returned within a couple of weeks). As a result, my metabolism became totally out of whack and my caloric intake had creeped up to 5000 calories a day and I packed on close to eighty pounds. Perricone's is the first diet plan I have been able to adhere to and been able to control my out of control hunger without medication. I'm not extremely well versed as to the scientific validity of inflammation theories, but I know that sticking to his supplement plan and 5 meal a day program has worked for me. I am taking all the supplements he recommends except DMAE (I purchase the supplements from vendors other than Perricone's company) plus a multivitamin supplement; I firmly believe that taking the L-Glutamine in the doses Perricone recommends has made the difference for me in controlling my out of control cravings and being able to EASILY adhere to this diet (this has NEVER happened in my 20+ years of dieting).
  
  Other reviewers have criticized Perricone: 1) because of his over-priced supplements and his promotion of these in his book [my response: Perricone sets forth in his book the names of each supplement and the dosage range--a consumer may easily obtain these supplements elsewhere at a more cost effective price should they choose to]; 2) because he has derived much financial success from this and his past work [ My response: Why shouldn't Perricone make $ on a program he helped bring to the mainstream where countless people in fact have been helped]; 3) because of claims that his omega-rich food plan is too expensive to adhere to (response: buying the salmon from the website Perricone recommends on a regular basis would be extremely costly, however there are lower-priced options for the consumer saavy, i.e, the Whole Foods Market where I reside sells frozen wild Alaskan sockeye salmon for $8.00 for two filets, also there are other online suppliers that sell wild Alaskan salmon for less expensive prices--furthermore, there are other omega 3 sources (i.e., sardines, other fish, nuts etc.) which are less expensive-- consumers can easily adjust the diet to his/her budget]; 4) because the ideas Perricone espouses are not original (response: So what? Perricone nonetheless sets forth these ideas in a no- nonsense, easy to understand manner so the average consumer may understand and apply these ideas. Personally, I'd rather have these ideas exposed in a mainstream book by a bestselling author than buried in medical journals so only a relatively few scholarly individuals may be exposed. Furthermore, Perricone's PBS specials and his best selling books (although self serving and promoting) serve the important purpose of spreading the word about inflammation, its obesity ramifications and its solutions.
  
  True, it takes commitment to plan 5 meals a day and sort through a bunch of supplements to take daily, but I must say that I feel the best I have felt in several years. With a couple of weeks of working the plan under your belt, the plan simply becomes a enjoyable, productive part of your life. I am overwhelmingly grateful that this plan is out there for frustrated dieters. Thank you, Perricone.

• 13) Works for me

  by Lisa K on September 29 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  I am on day 7 of the 14 day diet in this book and have lost 12 lbs, so I feel obligated to let the world know about it with this review! The best part is, I'm never craving anything, as this diet includes great food like salmon, shrimp, turkeyburgers and omelets! There are healthy snacks throughout so that you are never wanting, and the best part is (besides the 12 lbs) that my skin has never looked more radiant. I've been on diets before where my skin greys and sags as I lose weight and I actually look older and tired. With this plan, I actually look and feel more radiant than I have in 10 years! I can't wait to see what it's like after 2 weeks.

• 14) Nutritionist Approved

  by Abby Andrews on September 28 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  As a nutrition professor, I am usually skeptical of diet fads, but bought this book after seeing Dr. Perricone on Oprah and Larry King a few months ago. It arrived last week (it hadn't been released until then), and I agree with everything he has to say. His approach is unique, as it does not simply focus on how many pounds you can lose like so many others, or follow an extreme regimen of one type of food (remember the cabbage soup diet?!?) - it is a well thought out balanced approach to losing fat without muscle mass, while improving the appearance of your skin. As a nutritionist, it was enlightening for me to see a diet book that explains how to prevent the sagging skin that usually accompanies successful eating plans, especially in older people that lose weight quickly. This book with all its research and references is being squeezed into my fall syllabus, and will be required reading for semesters to come!

• 15) Just Do It

  by Denise G on October 05 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  While it is appealing to have a forum for popular opinion, I was astounded at some of the negative, dissmissive comments about Dr. Perricone's book -- ranging from who can believe in inflamation we can't see or feel -- to some kid noting that he looks like he has had a face lift, so it can't all be diet. This kind of mindboggling drivel is an insult to anyone on a serious quest for life changing weight loss and health information -- and I hope that people scroll down far enough to read some of the substantial reviews. Also, I hope that the negative comments posted about this right on weight loss book will not prevent anyone fom buying it, and embracing Dr. Perricone's theories.
  
  The book is an easy read -- as are his others -- and the theory is sound -- a key theory to insulin-resistant 40 something women is the connection between skin tone and weight loss -- who wants to lose 50+ lbs and need surgery to remove your hanging, wrinkled skin. The smart approach is to improve your skin as you go so that when your weight comes off, you look somewhat better than a shar pei. This one aspect alone is worth the price of the book, but this point is really just one aspect to this fully developed,integrated approach to health.
  
  To Dr. Perricone's skeptics -- I say, you are cutting off your nose to spite your wrinkled faces -- to Dr. Perricone's newbies, I say -- his theories work -- I am fifty and look 38 -- without one drop of botox. I have been following his program since the Wrinkle Cure, and have lost 42 lbs. This book -- designed specifically for weight loss -- is a must have for anyone who needs to lose weight, and is a great compliment to the reference library of anyone interested in natural living and health.
  
  If you cannot afford his supplements or topicals, you can find cheaper options in your local health products stores.
  
  

• 16) Something to think about

  by A. Roberts on December 18 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  A lot of people including so-called medical doctors have made negative comments on this book. I would just like to say as a dental hygienist that inflammation plays a major role in our health wherever it is in your body, and whether you feel it or not.
  
  There has been recent research that links the harmful bacteria in our mouths to several life threatening diseases like diabetes, stroke and heart disease just to name a few. This research has all come out in the last few years. It is ridiculous for people to say they don't believe something is real unless they can see or feel it. People do not see their gums inflammed like I do, and they may not "feel" it either. They also do not feel decay until it is usually so severe they need a root canal.
  
  Just because you cannot visually see or feel it for yourself (like acne on your face), does not mean it is not happening inside our bodies. People have cancers growing inside their bodies that they cannot see or feel, yet that does not change the fact that they are still there.
  
  We need to wake up and realize that our diet plays a major role in our health and that all these processed foods and refined sugars are damaging to our bodies as well as our teeth.
  
  Low-glycemic index foods are good for us because our bodies digest them more slowly and they usually have more fiber and nutrients. Salmon has also been shown to be beneficial because of Omega-3's. This book is not a bad start. The people who have taken these ideas and modified them to fit their lifestyle and budget are the smart ones. There are similar supplements out there if you look. I have even heard the good Dr. state that you do not have to buy his supplements to get results.
  
  If anyone is really interested in their health they should read Dr. Andrew Weil (8 Weeks to Optimum Health, Healthy Aging).

• 17) A great program for the unlimited budget

  by Dennis C. Smith on February 02 2006
    30+ helpful votes

  Please understand that I believe Perricone's anti inflammation premise is valid, and that I have followed the more practical suggestions in his previous "promise" book for several months, and lost 15 pounds before I read the newer "diet" book.
  
  Two quick observations: first, this is a cost-no-object program. Many of the supplements and foods are really pricey--can you afford $1.50 per ounce for flax crackers? And when you are forced to limit your choices to fit your budget, it's hard or impossible to prioritize with the limited informatiion he gives.
  
  Second, Perricone is still changing his mind about which foods are great. For example, he hardly mentioned oats in the "promise" book, giving them no place among his recommended foods. Yet they come out in "diet" as a top choice. Barley went the other way, particularly with pearl barley being moved from "nutricious" status to "not recommended".
  
  And I wonder about the depth of knowledge with which he casually makes these expensive recommendations. Take for example Alpha Lipoic Acid. He never mentions that you should consider the "extended release" version of this supplement. A couple of years ago I was paid $500 to participate in a clinical trial of ALA to see if it would improve the clinical markers of a cronic disease I have. In that 6 month trial I was told emphatically that only the extended release formulation could produce any benefit, and information I found on the web suggested that regular ALA has too short a half life in the bloodstream (30 minutes) to be effective. (By the way, I did see an important improvement, but only short term). I wonder how many others of these supplement recommendations are rendered ineffective by a similar situation? Perricone, after all, is trying to sell such supplements.
  
  Maybe there will be yet another book that will offer better real world suggestions. Do we really have to buy nuts raw and keep them refrigerated to benefit from eating them? I hope not, but the answer is something Perricone has yet to reveal.

• 18) You can judge true pioneers by the number of arrows in their backs

  by Randy Hartnell on September 27 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  As one who annually attends numerous medical conferences, I can attest that Dr. Perricone is on the cutting edge with his anti-inflammatory theory. Indeed many leading scientists and researchers are now discovering that 'silent inflammation' is at the root of our most persistent chronic diseases, including obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It is brought on in large part by the 'Standard American Diet'(SAD) consisting of extremely high levels of pro inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, which are countered by the omega-3 rich ANTI-inflammatory diet Dr. Perricone wisely recommends. Many in the conventional medical establishment attended medical schools that--as hard as it is to believe--didn't even teach nutrition (and many still don't in any meaningful way). Is it any wonder that that they would empty their quiver on one promoting wholesome natural food as a cure to many afflictions. The same folks who point fingers about the cost of his recommendations, have no problem prescribing expensive pharmaceuticals of marginal or worse efficacy. History will judge the accuracy of Dr. Perricone's theories, but I for one don't have to wait to know that our health care system is broken and conventional medicine is closer to the cause than the cure.
  
  How ironic that Hippocrates, considered the father of modern medicine, counseled, "Let food be your medicine," yet so many in the medical field today would criticize Dr. Perricone and others for advancing this simple truth.
  
  I highly recommend this book.
  
  

• 19) The Diet Changed My Life

  by Suzanne Roberts on October 13 2006
    30+ helpful votes

  As I approach the age of 60 my health is failing.
  I bought the book after seeing the doctor on Oprah and PBS. I doubted it would hurt to try. I had been taking supplements and eating whole food for years.
  At first, there was lots of cooking. I have since learned to make a meal quickly.I think his recipes are very tasty.
  What happened to me?
  My skin improved dramatically. I lost a little weight. (I am disabled and exercise is limited)But the most important thing for me was that my appetite was cut in half. I am 115 pounds overweight....just double my weight. I would go on diets and fail because I could not control my cravings. Now I can. If I have cravings they are for fruit, veggies, protein and chocolate...all on the diet.
  So I will continue to eat this way and lose weight. I am hoping the diet will fix my messed up metabolism someday and I will lose weight faster? If not, at least I am losing.
  I have suffered from depression my whole life. I still get depressed, but it lasts a short time on this diet; hours rather than days.
  I am so much more calm. I do not over react like I used to. Cheerful. Hopeful. Not nearly as negative.
  Skin glows & is soft. Even my cat's fur has improved. He gets an ounce of salmon a day and his fur is so silky, he slips out of my arms.
  Better Balance. Better hearing. Better memory. More energy. Joint pain 90% gone. No more chest pain. No more liver pain. Hair stopped falling out. Cuts heal faster. Have not been sick since I began the diet in January.
  The only problem I can think of is I do not sleep enough? And I have not found a way to address this issue with Dr. Perricone.

• 20) Quick read, informative, effective

  by Gail Gershon on October 05 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  I finished this book in one sitting, maybe skipping over some of the more technical explanations of stuff, but absorbing all the concepts as best I could. What I go back and look at several times a day is the 2 week diet in the back of the book - I have lived by it for 10 days and feel better than I ever remember. I am already getting compliments - asked if I got a haircut (I didn't) or if I lost wieght (I did - 10 lbs) or if I was on vacation or in the sun (I haven't been ). I even was asked if I had botox done, which I definitely would never do - especially after reading what it does to you!!! If you ignore some of the medical jargon and references to studies, you can thoroughly enjoy this book and benefit from it like I am in a very short time.

• 21) Serious Review

  by Benjamin Straub on October 03 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  I am compelled to write a review after seeing all the strange "one-hit" reviews from people who look like they didn't even read the book! While it does appear that Perricone has products to pitch, they are usually common supplements that you can get at CVS or GNC. This book presents an easy-to-follow diet for shedding weight and years, while retaining muscle mass. Unlike other diet books, it is written by a real doctor who explains the theories behind why this program works. Furthermore, there is nothing so extreme in this diet that it promotes cravings for lack of carbs or fat or protien, for example. My wife and I have been on the diet for 10 days, and are having much success - she's lost 6 lbs. and I've lost 9 so far. We are not taking any of the recommended supplements (see product pitching above), but have started walking a mile each morning.

• 22) Don't Hate

  by Esther on September 26 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  I have personally been on the Perricone diet for the past 3 months...i started it because i was experiencing skin problems but have lost 30 pounds in the process, without using any of the weight loss supplements he recommends in the book (my skin has also completely cleared up but i also used his skin products) It has been my experience that you can achieve substantial results just by changing yr diet as described in the books--its pretty straight forward + common sense but having it spelled out to me in detail helped me stay on it. Spending a little extra money on food each month has been TOTALLY worth it--i look and feel great.

• 23) Life Changing

  by N1kk1 on September 27 2005
    30+ helpful votes

  I will start my review by admitting that I am a follower of Dr. Perricone's principles, almost in a cult-like manner, but you have to put my devotion in context. Dr. Perricone's philosophies on eating and aging, and even disease, have changed my life. I don't use many of his products, as they are a bit pricey and I can find many of the supplements he recommends for less money at the vitamin shop in the mall - they may not be exact like his own line, but they are probably close and seem to do the trick. However, his diet recommendations and research, all scientifically proven, have helped me and my family - and many of my close friends - look and feel better while following a filling and fun-to-eat menu plan that we can stick to.
  
  It is with that enthusiasm, along with my desire to take off a few extra pounds, that I pre-ordered Dr. Perricone's new Weight-Loss last month and received it when it was finally released last week.
  
  While I lost about 10 pounds in the first few weeks when I followed the diet in Dr. Perricone's previous book, The Perricone Promise, that was it. My skin has looked great since then, but even though I continued his eating advice beyond the 28 days, the weight stopped shedding like it did during the first few weeks. Now, after only a week of following his NEW diet in the Weight-Loss Diet book, I have lost an additional 6 lbs and don't feel lacking at all - AND, my skin still looks great.
  
  This book, like Dr. Perricone's previous books, has tons of valid research and studies to back up his recommendations. I truly believe that if everyone who actually tries the diet in this book has the same experience I have had in the first week and expect to have long-term, The Weight-Loss Diet will be sold out very quickly!

• 24) Best book yet

  by Sarah O. on December 10 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  I am a fan of Dr. Perricones ideas. By following his plan, I was able to control my acne, which prescription drugs could not cure.
  I think that this book is the best book that he has written to date. This book gives very clear vitamin dosages and instructions, which I feel were lacking in previous books.
  Some reviewers have stated that Dr. Perricone promotes his expensive vitamin suppliments. He does have his own line of pre-packaged vitamins, which he does promote, but he aslo provides you with detailed dosages of each vitamin in his program so that you can get them for yourself.
  This book is definately worth a read.

• 25) Astonishing results

  by Melinda W. on February 03 2006
    20+ helpful votes

  This book is a fast read chock full of new information that makes sense. For many years, I was an Atkins dieter who couldn't maintain the weight loss I achieved through a high protein diet. I would inevitably return to high carbohydrate eating and gain the pounds back.
  
  Perricone's skin regime got me interested in his weight loss program. I had phenomenal results from using his anti-aging products after smoke cessation and practicing sobriety- the wrinkles were smoothed out and I began to receive compliments for my skin's radiant quality.
  
  The inflammatory theory made a lot of sense to me- and I began to eliminate inflammatory foods from my diet and replaced them with proteins rich in Omega 3s and fibrous vegetables and fruit. Within a few days I was losing weight and didn't awaken with puffy eyes.
  
  I offer high recommendations for this book; if it is used to create an overhaul of your food intake, you'll not be disappointed.

• 26) The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth

  by A reader from New England on September 28 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  Dr. Perricone first gained world renown when his early books taught that cellular inflammation was at the basis of aging and many age-related diseases. Now in this amazing new book, he tells us that this same inflammation is responsible for the gaining of excess weight and the loss of muscle tissue.
  
  [...] I came across a remarkable new study entitled "First Link Found Between Obesity, Inflammation And Vascular Disease." The article, dated September 16, 2005 stated that researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have found that human fat cells produce a protein that is linked to both inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
  
  It goes on to state that adipose tissue (body fat) is now considered a separate body organ which can produce a number of different biologically active molecules that are associated with inflammation, and the hormone resistin, which is linked to insulin resistance and the development of type two diabetes.
  
  Five days later I read The Perricone Weight Loss Diet. And there it was: a comprehensive description of the link between body fat, insulin and inflammation. Best of all, the book includes an easy to follow plan on how to stop the inflammation, lose body fat and maintain muscle. I found it both gratifying and inspiring to know that there is a scientific basis to weight gain and a scientific solution to eliminating this problem. A workable solution that doesn't involve absurd food choices or deprivation. Add a few targeted supplements such as the near miraculous Omega 3 fish oil that actually blocks fat storage and you are good to go! As usual, Dr. Perricone is far, far ahead of the curve.

• 27) Stay Solid

  by Betsy-the-Soccer-Grammother on September 29 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  Finally, a solid diet that I can follow, with all the food I like (no carb restrictions!!!). And most importantly, a diet that makes me look younger while losing weight instead of making my skin sag - maintaining your muscle tone without any heavy weightlifting. This book is not only a great diet plan, but explains the science of how some of the stuff we are used to putting in our bodies can cause so much more damage than simply making us 'heavy'. I've resisted all my friends' infatuation with Dr. Perricone in the past, as my full figure has hidden my wrinkles - so I didn't really need any anti-aging food advice. But the concept of losing weight and not getting wrinkly is just the push I need, and this book offers that. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to lose a dress or suit size while maintaining your muscle mass, which is what not only makes your body look good, but your face look younger! Buy the book.

• 28) 2 weeks today

  by Lisa B on October 04 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  Am I the first one to complete the full 14 day diet in this book since it was released two weeks ago today? I hope lots of other people had the same success I had - I'm not stopping, either - I'm going to do it another 2 weeks and see if I can lose another 15 lbs! I highly recommend this book!

• 29) Makes you think

  by Zoe Stamos on September 28 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  I bought this book the day it came out - after seeing how good my friends complexion looked after following Dr. Perricone's program for acne I thought I would give this book a try to lose weight. I've read a few diet books in the past, and this is the first one that made me think about all the other implications of being overweight and motivated me enough to follow the plan for more than 2 days. Well, I'm on day 9 and lost 10 lbs, but more importantly I feel more energetic and overall better about myself! I've never been one to think about 'muscle' - I never worked out, but the fact that other diets make you lose muscle while you're losing fat so that you only think about the total pounds instead of your overall health is just a disgrace. This diet is both rich in protein, but also a variety of really good foods that I wouldn't have tried otherwise - but I'm glad Dr Perricone introduce me to them!!!

• 30) Credible Weight Loss Program

  by KennethL on September 29 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  Dr. Perricone's new Weight-loss Diet book is a credible program of weight loss and wellness. His 14 day weight-loss diet is easy to follow. I am on day 7 and have already lost 4 pounds - And, I look and feel better than ever! The book is full of references supporting his diet and recommended vitamins. I highly recommend this book.

• 31) Good Information

  by M. Leavell on January 27 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  I recently took my college age daughter to the endocrinologist, who recommended we pick up this book. My daughter is a good 70 lbs overweight. She has had a weight problem all her life, even as a toddler. I have taken her to many doctors all of whom told me she would outgrow her weight issues. She is now 20 and that never happened. She eats reasonably well and we have consequently done a lot of research on nutrition and of course excercise. The doctor explained that her issue may well be that her body does not metabolize carbs and\or sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup which is in a great deal of the easy processed foods that you buy at the grocery store. She explained that my daughter needed to find a lifestyle that incorporates whole natural foods. She suggested this book, and commented that we needed to apply the idea of what the book is presenting, without buying into the idea that we needed all the supplements and such. The only supplement she recomended was a good fish oil capsule. She started 3 weeks ago and has lost 15 lbs. Having said all this, I guess the idea here is to incorporate more whole natural foods into your lifestyle and leave the processed and fast foods alone. This book does provide good information and gives you some meal plans to follow. Keep in mind that you may have to substitute items at times, therefore making this your eating plan and one that you may follow all your life. I think any book that encourages readers to eat correctly and not follow a fad is a good book. Not only has she lost weight, she is more energetic and her moods have improved dramatically. No cravings after the first week.

• 32) Read the book

  by Lance Ramirez on October 04 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  Reading this book gives you the positive point of view about how you can change your lifestyle and see a dramatic new person in the mirror in less than two weeks. Despite the quick success I had, the book does not emphasize immediate satisfaction, but rather focuses on long term lifestyle changes that make you not just lose weight in the form of fat, but feel better about yourself for the rest of your life. I highly recommend this book to anyone of any age who wants a sensible balanced approach to longterm weight loss and lifestyle improvement.

• 33) Saviour

  by Yennie Chen on December 30 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  This book is truly a saviour for my battle to lose weight. My main problem in weight gain is that I always feel hungry. I take 9 out of the 12 recommended supplements that I think would benefit me, especially fish oil (you can get them at much cheaper price through health stores or other website). After I stopped stuffing food to my face (because I feel full), I looked at the recommended diet. I'm changing my eating habits now (but not completely) and I exercise. So far I lost almost 8 kgs. I don't do the whole 'things', but I'm doing it at my own pace. This way I'm sure that I will be able to maintain the weight loss rather than having a yo yo diet.
  People commented how clearer my skin looks and how healthier I look.
  I thank you Dr. Perricone from the bottom of my heart because as a chronic muscle problems sufferer, his anti-inflammatory approach also relief some of my pain.
  This is much better than taking all those prescriptions drugs.
  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  

• 34) Thank you Dr. Perricone

  by printeagle on September 28 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  I am so happy and thankful that at last there is a diet book that makes sense to me. I have never had to diet in the past, however now that I have surpassed the 50-year-old milestone, my body has changed, inside and out. I read Dr. Perricone's book, and found it to be a sensible approach to taking care of myself as I age. I have begun taking the supplements recommended and I have finally found the energy to exercise and the motivation to follow the Perricone weight loss diet! Thank you Dr. Perricone!

• 35) Good book

  by Joan Hochenbacher on September 29 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  A good book. Seriously, this was an easy to read book considering all the scientific reference and studies it sites; the personal stories and unending discovery more than makes up for the science you have to plow through - the happy end result is a diet program that anyone can follow that will put you on a path to healthier living, even if you only follow the basics of the eating recommendations.
  

• 36) great book

  by ginny jenterra on October 05 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  I agree with the positive reivews I've read here - this is a solid book and a solid diet program. I've dropped 2 dress sizes in 2 weeks and for the first time feel motivated to keep going and keep it off. It's not important how much actual weight you lose, but fat vs. muscle. It is a program you can live with for a lifetime.

• 37) Review of Dr. Perricone Weight Loss Diet

  by Carol Ann Hoel on February 11 2006
    20+ helpful votes

  I began implementing the suggestions of Dr. Perricone and immediately began to lose weight in the abdomen as well as other places. I had been trying without success to lose weight for a long time. I was astounded and am reading the book over and over until I commit to memory the helpful information presented in this book.

• 38) Need willpower to go with this well-written book

  by met on February 23 2006
    10+ helpful votes

  Excellent book with a common-sense approach to weight loss. I've stocked my cabinet with the spices Perricone recommends: they make food and salads in particular taste much better. Book includes many easy-to-prepare recipes. I haven't lost any weight yet but am amazed at how much better I feel. Five stars.

• 39) Very Good Approach to Healthy Weight Loss

  by The Wanderlust Cook on January 03 2007
    10+ helpful votes

  I initially borrowed Perricone's first book "The Perricone Prescription" from the library and decided to buy both that book and this one. Both are very good references and present usable guidelines. I really like the whole approach with healthy eating complemented by supplements contribute to weight loss and improved skin. The explanations are very detailed but understandable, which helped me to stick to the program which has actually evolved into a lifestyle for me. I do believe the advice provided will contribute to reducing my risk of heart disease and cancer while giving me immediate payback of better skin and weight loss-- ten pounds with ten more to go. My skin is truly more attractive with fewer, or less deep, wrinkles (I'm a 53 year old woman)and I do feel more energetic. This book goes deeper into the weight-loss discussion with slightly different recommendations for supplements. I feel committed to this program, which is more than I can say for other diets I've tried, because this is a guideline for lifestyle, rather than simply a "diet." I recommend the books and the whole plan for healthier living.

• 40) Makes sense

  by J. White on April 01 2006
    10+ helpful votes

  The first thing I liked about this book was that it was not a fad type diet. Dr. P talks about doing this a a lifelong habit and includes other aspects that are important for longevity of youth and good health.
  That said, I thought the diet was very similar to the one promoted in South Beach diet, except for Dr. P promotes no grains/wheat foods.
  The recipes were well put together, did not take a lot of time to fix (30 minutes average), and were well liked by other family members, so no double cooking.
  As for the vitamin regimen, I did not follow everything recommended but added the fish oil and the glutamine to my daily multi-vitamin, and I have felt a definite difference in my energy and improved feel to my dry skin.
  I will add finally that I did not lose any weight - hence only 4 stars!!

• 41) Works! Wow! Big life change.

  by Sululu on April 19 2007
    10+ helpful votes

  I picked up this book - well, my roommate did - about 6 days ago and immediately stopped eating grains, and started eating cod liver oil, flax, salmon, sardines, and salads like Dr. Perricone recommends (I've shunned legumes, too, for the heck of it - the paleo diet encourages that). I lost five pounds - in 6 days! All water weight, I'm sure, but that's still killer. Also, I sometimes seem to have an insatiable thirst on this diet...anyone else experience that?
  
  This diet will be really tough for people who don't like veggies or fish. For me, it is the intuitive way to go, though, so..make yourself like it!! - get hypnotherapy, whatever you have to do! For a great supplemental book on flax and its benefits for weightloss, and arthritis/cancer prevention, check out Flax! Fabulous Flax.

• 42) Essentially the same book as the first two, but the recipes are always worth it

  by Grant E. Slade on November 15 2007
    8+ helpful votes

  I first caught Perricone on PBS several years ago. It was all relatively new to me. I don't think I had ever heard of a diet that championed huge amounts of Salmon, but taken altogether it had a true enough ring that I gave it a try. Many years later, Perricone has been one of the best diets that I have tried and one of the few that I have stuck with for any lengthy period of time. It is quite similar to a lot of diets that have popped up since, like the Omega Diet, the GI diet, etc. (or at least I discovered them afterwords) Here is the skinny on Perricone as I view it:
  
  1) It is essentially a diet that calls for eating non-processed foods and staying away from sugar. In many ways it is just another low-carb diet (minus processed foods) but with its own unique qualities like eating Salmon and lots of olive oil. If you have ever done weight watchers it is pretty much what they call a 'core' diet.
  
  2) The recipes are really what differentiate one book from another. Each book has similar content with some minor differences or evolutions, like the introduction of Kefir and Acai in book 2 (The Perricone Promise). Every time he comes out with a new book, I'm always slightly put off because they're the same except for a few new recipes, but I have to say, those recipes are gold. I made the Curried Stew over the weekend and it is just fabulous, eating it for the third day in a row here at work.
  
  3) This diet can be complicated or simple, boring or quite extravagant, it's quite up to you and it may take some time for you to settle into it. In the beginning, when I tried to follow his plan, I frankly found it very taxing. His recipes require a lot of cutting, chopping, and ingredient buying and if you try and make a new recipe every day like in the book you may become disgruntled, not to mention waste a ton of food and money. Over the years, though, I have become quite good at making things more or less Perricone compliant. Last night I had a salad with some pre-marinated lime chicken, mixed some salsa with cilantro and olive oil for dressing, a little sea salt, and voila, a meal I can be satisfied with. I guess my (somewhat long) point is, in the beginning this diet can seem daunting, but over time it gets easier. Lest I discourage anyone from the complexity of the recipes, let me tell you, I have not found many cookbooks with better ones. It is hard to believe that something so healthy can taste so darn good.
  
  4) Of course, the results - I almost guarantee you that if you follow this diet, you will lose weight. It takes some effort, but it has been ultimately more satisfying than other diets that I've tried. It has been easier and I have felt better on this than on any other diet I've tried, and I've tried a lot, from going Vegan, to Atkins, to raw foods, you name it. I am back on it, and after being on it again for a few weeks, it makes me wonder why I ever stopped.
  
  Cheers, and good luck