Fill Up to Slim Down

I bought this book after seeing an article by one of the authors, in a women's magazine with an explanation of the science behind the meal plan. I can't even say it's a diet because it's not - it's a meal plan. It was extremely easy to follow and, if you're eating the right foods, there really is a LOT of food to eat in a day. I honestly never felt hungry, AND lost 15 lbs. before I knew it. The food was readily available in my local supermarket and there were very, very few options in the meal plans that I didn't eat already, couldn't find, or couldn't substitute with something else. I'm not a weigher or measurer kind of person either. At first, I measured here and there when I was unsure but basically, an apple's an apple - you can tell the difference between an oversized one and one that is a more "acceptable" size. I eat lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains now. Just the switch to whole grains made a HUGE difference in my diet and metabolism. Now there is a wide array of whole grain waffles, breads, pizzas and other options readily available. I honestly would recommend this book to anyone interested in changing their eating habits to a more healthy lifestyle. The weight takes care of itself. The recipes were easy to follow and were delicious. I never considered myself as being on a "diet" and now having followed the plan for several months, it's been very easy to make good food choices while not eating at home. Snacking is a snap, open the fridge and grab a pc of fruit, some whole grain crackers or some crisp veggies. However, PREPARATION is the key. You have to have these items readily available for meal preparations, breakfasts, lunches and snacks. But if you keep a well stocked fridge and pantry with the recommended items - this is truly a no brainer as far as diets go. Seriously - it's a "duh" kind of diet. Many, MANY times I've said to myself - why didn't I do this YEARS ago! It's everything I already knew, put into a book in practical language, with easy recipes and ideas and it WORKS. Oh - and my cholesterol is now within a normal range and I'm no longer pre-diabetic or pre-hypertensive either. Perks I hadn't even thought about when I decided to start this. It's a lifestyle now - not a diet at all.

If I were to recommend one diet book of the dozens I have read over the years, this would be it. The book helps break down the day into about 6 smallish to medium meals, which is in stark contrast to the 3 large meals most Americans eat while snacking on junk trying not to starve in-between. They lay out all of the healthy foods, including plenty of snack choices. While a lot of this is basic info for the experienced dieter, actually putting it to use gets plenty of results. For the first week or so of following the new meal style, I felt so full (a feeling I was unaccustomed to) that I was almost queasy. But after a week, your stomach adjusts and you'll never have that empty gnawing hunger feeling again! I started working out two weeks before I started following these diet layouts, so after 6 weeks of exercise (4 weeks on the new meal plan) I have lost over 15 pounds and 6 inches off my waistline. I'm still a big girl, but I've already dropped 4 pants sizes! I have my favorite 'fat jeans' set aside for one of those annoying after pictures - where I'll look like someone trying on MC Hammer pants. For an easier change to the plan - start small, adding snacks like apples and baby carrots with peanut butter and have a small salad right before dinner and there's no way NOT to lose weight. The only disagreement I have is in the way this diet views fat, I allow for a bit more in my day (but limited to the days I work out). If anyone else out there is having success with this book, leave a review - reading them is not only fun but inspirational!