The Rosedale Diet

As they say, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It's another thing entirely, however, to misrepresent something with inaccurate half-truths, which is what one reviewer did earlier(specifically, Vergle Wagner's review from December 6, 2004). I can't sit back while this reviewer's carelessness could scare someone off who could really benefit from Dr. Rosedale's knowledge and advice. Here are the points I wish to make: 1. This program can't just be lumped into a "low-carb" category. While Dr. Rosedale's recommended way of eating definitely excludes regularly eating a bunch of sugar and starch (which means most fruits and things like potatoes and corn), it isn't about avoiding carbohydrates - or all fruits and vegetables - altogether. That's a main reason why this is NOT the same as Adkins. Dr. Rosedale insists people eat carbohydrates that are high in fiber - in other words, vegetables! And blueberries, too, which - last time I checked - are considered fruit. 2. It is the food sources, not supplements, that are emphasized as primary sources for nutrients. Dr. Rosedale makes recommendations on supplements that can be used. They are RECOMMENDATIONS, not requirements. It's right there in the book. 3. Leptin and insulin are BOTH hormones. Leptin has only been recently discovered (in 1994). When Dr. Rosedale talks about leptin, he is not trying to "pitch" any new idea that is really talking about insulin. Leptin and insulin are two different hormones that are BOTH an integral part of the metabolic process and they must BOTH be addressed if a person is to truly help their body work more efficiently. This program is the best thing that's come along to help people suffering from obesity and diseases caused by hormone imbalances. I'm taking the time to write this review because for the first time since I gained weight, I have renewed hope. I'm someone who didn't grow up fat, but gained 100 pounds in spite of exercising 5 days a week and experimenting with vegetarianism, veganism and working with a nutritionist. I also found out I have several reproductive problems that are hormone related (which is what led me to this book in the first place). I believe in this program - it has given me hope that I will get back to my normal size and reverse some of the problems caused by my whacked out hormones. On an even greater note, it is my sincere hope that as information on leptin and insulin resistence becomes more readily available to the public, more people will learn about the complexity of obesity and stop treating people who are overweight as ignorant, lazy or worthless. In any case, I hope my rant at least compels you to read the book (heck, I checked it out at the library first!) and judge for yourself.

Since I was a child I've struggled with weight. Several times I've met my "goal" weight only to regain even more weight over time. In recent years I moved from being overweight to morbid obesity. I've now lost 48 pounds and I feel better than ever. I'm not even tempted to "cheat" and I don't feel like I'm anxiously "clawing" my way to health. This is not a grin it and bear it approach to health. This is a live it and love it approach to health. Dr. Ron Rosedale has inspired in me a new courage that has not only revolutionized my health but my self-esteem, optimism, and vitality both at work and at play.

If you have tried every diet out there and have not been able to stick with it for more than a few days or even hours, then this book is for you. I have been overweight for most of my adult life. I have tried every diet out there, including the "healthy" Weight Watchers and the controversial Atkins. Except for Atkins, all of the diets I'd used before relied on 'healthy' carbs. Well, after reading this book, I understand just how bad whole wheat and supposedly good complex carbs can be for leptin resistant people. If you are obese, you're probably leptin resistant. Sooner or later, your willpower will weaken whenever you're feeding yourself the bad carbs, which include healthy grains. The Rosedale Diet is the first diet that I have been on for 8 solid days without cheating even one little bit. I have already lost 5 of the 50 excess pounds I'm lugging around. The reason, as Dr. Rosedale explains, is that I have become a fat burner, rather than a sugar burner. By following his diet, which allows you lots of high fiber carbs (unlike Atkins) and lots of good healthy fats and adequate proteins, you'll have your leptin (hormone) levels under control and becomne a fat burner too. Don't worry about the daily dose of cod liver oil. The first swallow of lemon flavored cod liver oil was surprisingly easy to get down. (modern methods have improved quality and storing it in the fridge prevents rancidity). I thank God that I'm finally going to be able to stick on this diet and rid myself of the ball and chain spelled F - A - T. Dr. Rosedale says that you'll feel so good you'll want to eat like this all the time as he does. Praise God for answering prayer!

We all know people who seem to stay trim and fit on a high-carb, low-fat diet. But most of us also know folks who, no matter how hard they try, can't seem to make this "standard healthy diet" work. So they blame their weak willpower, or they throw up their hands and say they were born unlucky. If you're one of these, or you know someone who's in a losing battle against their appetite, this book is perfect. Ron Rosedale gives a clear-headed explanation about why . . . and how . . . changing to a diet that's low in starchy carbs and high in good-quality fats, can restore a body's natural ability to match appetite with energy needs, WITHOUT counting calories or exercising like mad. It may sound crazy, eating more fat to lose unwanted pounds and reverse disease, but read the book and see what you think. Considered one of the nation's deepest thinkers, when it comes to the links between nutrition and health, Dr. Rosedale gives clear explanations about why his dietary approach may help people get off of medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and depression, to name a few. There are plenty of recipes, plus an extensive reference section of scientific papers. This book is bound to be controversial, since it challenges standard dietary thinking, which is another reason that it's exciting to read.