A Nutritionist Weighs in...

Bill Phillips' plans are easy to read, helpful and informative. The exercise instructions are very useful and easy to adjust, which helps you stick to them! The portion recommendations, meal plans and many of the recipes are wonderful. One problem, however, is that the recipes lack nutritional information, making their nutritional content difficult to determine. Also, some of the recommended foods should be avoided. There is a consistent use of numerous "fat-free" and processed food products such as fat-free cheeses, salad dressings and desserts. There are too many condiments recommended as well. Many of these items are loaded with refined sugars, excessive sodium, and additional chemical preservatives and stabilizers. Other sources of sugar and chemical sugar substitutes are also allowed in large amounts. You would be better off avoiding these "fake" foods, and instead, choosing the whole versions in greater moderation.

Another problem is that there is excessive use of protein powders. In addition to often recommending two "nutrition shakes" a day, desserts, and even some breakfast recipes, include these protein supplements. One serving of the suggested powders contains over 300 calories, 25 to 50 grams of protein, and more added sugars. Even two servings of these powders each day can lead to too many calories and more protein than most people need in an entire day! Purchasing the large amounts of recommended powders can also be expensive (20 servings cost over $60).

Enjoy learning about diet and exercise, and get excited about improving your health!

There are many practical applications of this diet, but you need to be motivated to make many necessary changes involving your diet and exercise. Resources from the books and the website do help to make it possible for dieters to make healthy choices when dining out. The website includes an "Eat Smart Restaurant Guide" and other articles on the subject.

Dieters are given a lot of variety and choice when planning their meals. Many dieters may also appreciate the "free day," when they are allowed to eat whatever they want, but this may encourage poor eating habits. It is important for dieters to enjoy their favorite indulgence foods in moderation, but leaving it all for one day of splurging each week can be dangerous and has the potential to sabotage weight loss.

But, What Can I Eat?

See what's in & what's out

What do other members think about this diet?

Read Rants & Raves