Living the Low-Carb Life . From Atkins to the Zone Choosing the Diet Thats Right for You

This text provides a very lucid and interesting history of low-carb dieting, as well as an insightful analysis of some particular diets. It is best used as an additional text to the more direct dietary advice given in books such as Syndrome X (Challem, et al), The Zone, Atkins New Diet Revolution, The Schwarzbein principle, The No-Grain Diet, Dr. Bernsteins Diet Revolution, etc.

For 75pct. of the population, the USDA/ADA recommended diet is simply unhealthy, to varying degrees. For about 25pct. of the population, the USDA/ADA diet will be deadly. The solution will be some form of low-carb dieting, which takes various forms, as Bowdens text elaborates.

It should be noted that the mainstream medical community, influenced by the AMA, which is in turn influenced by USDA, which is influenced by grain and sugar consortium lobbyists, still asserts the problematic nature of low-carb dieting--DO NOT BE FOOLED BY COMMERCIALISM. Think about it What were humans designed to eat Twinkies and chocolate and donuts and cereal and bread Or meat, Fish, vegetables, nuts, and fruit (when available--i.e. limited quantities).

LIVING THE LOW-CARB LIFE is a good starting point in low-carb research. It should be read in conjunction with the other texts listed.

If you can only read one book about low carbohydrate dieting, read this one. Jonny Bowdens Living the Low Carb Life offers a wealth of information about why low carb works, with overviews and ratings of all the popular varients and debunking of the myths. Hes got the knowledge to help you make the right choice for your life and body. He writes well, too. this book is remarkably entertaining. Ive written a lot about low carb diets myself, and I found myself reading Jonnys book thinking, Damn, I wish *Id* written this. A must-read.

This book is an excellent example of objectivity in scientific research. Bowden exposes the myths and nonsense appeals to authority that dominate nutrition-related professions. The caloric theory of weight loss is one example. It is a misapplication of the 1st law of thermodynamics to human metabolism and hormone regulation, as demonstrated in various isocaloric studies, which are noted in Bowdens book. Weight loss is primarily about reduction in insulin secretion, insulin being the main fat storage hormone (once glycogen stores are replenished). This is perhaps the best book to refer to dieticians, nutritionists, and doctors, because it passes rational, evidence-based judgment on the various claims being made on both sides of the debate--and the low-carb life comes out the winner by a landslide.

For background, Ive had type I diabetes for 10 years and am a very physically fit 35 year old who does a lot of strength training. Ive never been overweight, but Ive made a point to read the various books on health, diet, and nutrition, as well as double check their claims by reading the actual studies. The ineluctable conclusion is that low carb, higher fat, optimal protein diets (similar to what Paleolithic man ate) are by far the healthiest. My improvement in blood readings (holding other variables constant) are an indicator of this, albeit anecdotal. I switched from the mainstream recommended high carb/low fat diet about 8 years ago, thereby cutting my insulin requirements in half and improving my short and long term health. Regulating insulin secretion via carb consumption has more benefits that just weight loss.

Have you ever read a book and honestly believed that author somehow jumped into your mind and pulled out every thought you have had about the subject he was writing about Well, thats exactly how I felt when I was reading Living The Low Carb Life by Jonny Bowden. I introduced you to Jonny previously at my blog (livinlavidalocarb.blogspot.com), but lets just say my appreciation and admiration of this man has grown even stronger since reading this excellent contribution to the low-carb community.

If you or someone you know is struggling with questions about what low-carb living is and which plan is right for you, then you definitely need to get this book. Believe it or not, Jonny does not believe in a one-size-fits-all weight loss method. But what he does for the reader is outline the proven science behind low-carb and why the various plans out there can and will work for you.

Living The Low Carb Life presents the history of the low-carb movement (guess what It didnt start with Dr. Robert Atkins.), explains why doing low-carb is effective for weight loss and better health, examines 17 of the most popular low-carb plans (did you know there were that many), carefully scrutinizes the various supplements and diet drugs on the market, refutes the five most common myths about low-carb, answers those burning questions you may have about low-carb, offers 50 tips for doing low-carb the right way, helps you create the low-carb program thats right for you, and offers valuable resources to continue your education about livin la vida low-carb.

The information in this book is incredibly useful whether you are thinking about doing low-carb, already started and struggling, well on your way to your goal weight, or in lifetime maintenance. If it hasnt already achieved this status already, then I believe this book is the encyclopedia of all things low-carb and the starting point for people wanting to lose weight and get healthy.

Jonny has a lot of credibility on the subject of health and weight loss as a well-respected nutritionist. In other words, this man has done his homework and offers his expert advice with solid facts to back up every claim he makes. He provides real-life examples to further embolden every argument he offers in favor of doing the low-carb lifestyle.

Chapter 1 provides a timeline on how low-carb originated and contains fascinating information for people who enjoy history. It really gives you a greater appreciation for the enormous impact this way of eating has had in the United States and around the world. Additionally, it is a chapter that debunks the oft-repeated myth that low-carb is just a fad diet destined for failure. Not hardly.

Chapter 2 should be required reading for every doctor advising patients about how to improve their health and nutrition as well as the so-called health experts in the media. This is the chapter Jonny explains the mechanics of low-carb in language that even a layman could understand. Before you proceed with any low-carb plan, you need to read this chapter to know why low-carb works. The information presented here arms you with the facts about low-carb and not with the hyperbolic innuendo that pervades the media these days.

Chapter 3 was the fun chapter for me because Jonny honestly looks at the various low-carb programs and makes recommendations based on their effectiveness. Several rise to the top of the heap (Atkins, South Beach, Fat Flush, Hamptons, Protein Power, Zone) and others bring up the rear (Scarsdale, Somersizing, Sugar Busters, Curves, Lean For Life). He offers an overview of the various diet plans and presents you with the pros and cons of each. You have to appreciate his honesty as he offers you his opinion about the low-carb options that are better for you than others.

Chapter 4 looks at diet pills and vitamin supplementation as a means for aiding your weight loss. Jonny says people looking for a magic pill that will make them lose weight need to wake up from their dream. He does reveal what the number one supplement for controlling weight is in this chapter. I knew it already, but youll have to read the book to find out.

Chapter 5 is where Jonny does a tremendous public service for people wanting to refute the negative claims in the media about low-carb. He narrows it down to five of the most popular myths that are spread about low-carb in the media and completely blows them out of the water with sound research and reasoned logic. If you get frustrated by all the negativity in the media, this chapter is your refuge from it all.

Chapter 6 is unique because it contains answers to all of those burning questions people may have about low-carb. For example, it explains the difference between net carbs and effective carbs, why you get leg cramps, why you have carb cravings, what is ketosis, should you drink diet sodas, can an athlete do low-carb and more. These frequently asked questions should answer just about any question you have about low-carb.

Chapter 7 is where Jonny offers his top 50 tips for doing low-carb for life. These suggestions are borne out of his desire to see you succeed at livin la vida low-carb. While he doesnt recommend you do them all, this is a good chapter to reference when you get stuck during your weight loss.

Finally, in Chapter 8, Jonny brings it all together and breaks it down to the nitty gritty for people serious about doing a low-carb lifestyle. He presents 10 simple principles that will get you started on the right food doing low-carb for life.

At the end of the book, Jonny points the reader to more resources found on the Internet to get the latest information about low-carb. There is also a great Pocket Carb Counter companion book to Living The Low Carb Life that provides the most comprehensive information about the nutritional content of foods from popular fast food restaurants as well as on grocery store shelves.

We owe Jonny Bowden a heartfelt thanks for this 1-2 punch in support of the low-carb lifestyle. His obvious passion for educating and encouraging people on the benefits of low-carb shines through loud and clear in his writings. This is a man worth getting to know even better. Read more about him at

This is an extremely handy book to have sitting on your bookshelf if you are interested in nutrition and health. It is also a must-read if you are considering going on one of the many low-carb diets out there, and it will be very helpful if you are already livin low-carb. You do not necessarily have to read the book straight through to get the wealth of information to be found here. It makes a great reference book for the low-carb lifestyle.

The first and only book that combines history, science, tips, facts, and resources in a concise yet comprehensive review of all the low-carb programs, so that dieters can choose the right one of them.

The low-carb revolution is changing lives and ordinary bodies into beauties, but the sheer volume of information on the subject can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion, showing dieters how to choose and customize an effective low-carb plan for their own metabolisms and lifestyles. In straightforward language, weight-loss coach Jonny Bowden rates and discusses the differences between the top-selling low-carb dietsfrom Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution to The South Beach Diet to Sugarbusters and moreproviding readers with the facts they need to make informed choices. Theres also an explanation of the science at work behind low-carb dieting, and hundreds of practical food tips and insider secrets to make the lifestyle work.

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About the Author

Jonny Bowden, a certified nutrition specialist, is an associate editor at Total Health Magazine and the author of Shape Up Workbook. Eight Weeks to Diet and Fitness Success. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.