The authors of Protein Power are back to advocate the "protein-rich, moderate-fat, carbohydrate-restricted diet" that opposes the high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet that every professional medical and dietetic organization (including those who have no diet books to sell) believes to be your best bet for avoiding heart disease, the number one killer. The authors insist, in the face of all this medical opposition, that "the whole idea that fat and cholesterol cause heart disease is just that: an idea." We're meant to be hunters, say the authors: bring on the meat. Let's go back to the Paleolithic diet (no mention of the brief life span of Paleolithic men and women).

The Protein Power Lifeplan is not easy reading--most of the book is made up of scientific explanations, research summaries and interpretations, and nutritional warnings--but no recipes. Besides recommending eating protein and fat, the authors recommend sunbathing without sunblock (but "never, never let your skin burn!") and exercises such as "bringing home the buffalo" and "defending the camp." The authors admit that if you're trying to lose weight, you have to limit calories, but if you're not, you can "munch on nuts, seeds, nut butters, cheeses, jerky, guacamole, and olives all day long." Carbohydrates, say the authors, "are totally nonessential to your health and well-being"--words to make dieticians and cardiologists shudder.


From Library Journal
Just what's needed after the best-selling Protein Power, the brand-name protein powder, and the infomercial. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM OUR EDITORS

In 1996, Protein Power: The High-PRotein/Low-Carbohydrate Way to Lose Weight, Fell Fit, and Boost Your Health -- In Just Weeks! zoomed to the top of the New York Times bestseller list and stayed there for more than a year. Written by two physicians who advocated a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates, the book sparked a heated debate that has waged ever since. Yet during that time, countless people have followed the plan in Protein Power and discovered that it not only improved their health and made them feel better but also helped many of them to lose weight. Now this sequel, The Protein Power LifePlan, addresses some of the criticisms directed at the diet and presents a plan for incorporating the diet into a lifestyle for healthier living.

Once again the authors, both of whom are physicians, present their diet plan, systematically explaining why it works and defending each principle with scientific evidence. They tackle the many criticisms that have been raised by the low-fat, high-carbo advocates, documenting through the use of anecdotal evidence and scientific studies why each one lacks merit. The authors present their arguments and their information clearly and concisely, in easy-to-understand language that includes lay explanations when necessary.

The basic principle underlying the diet is a relatively simple one. The authors believe our modern-day physiology is not that different from that of our ancient predecessors, hunting cavemen whose diets consisted of a high percentage of meat. Our metabolism is geared to handle high levels of protein, and the current American passion for low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets has led to a problem with the overproduction of insulin, a hormone that regulates the storage of fat. They point out that despite the modern-day trend toward "healthy" eating, which advocates the consumption of low-fat foods, the incidence of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer continues to rise. The reason, according to the authors, is the high level of carbohydrate consumption -- particularly refined and processed carbohydrates -- which has led to the overproduction of insulin for many.

This time out, the authors have modified their basic diet slightly from when they first presented it in Protein Power. There are warnings provided for the use of some sugar substitutes, particularly aspartame, and discussion of the new artificial sweetener recently approved in the U.S. after a decade of use in Canada, sucralose. And the diet itself has been modified and broken down into three categories so as to better meet the dietary goals and level of commitment of individual readers. There is the Hedonist plan, which offers the least amount of restriction within the authors' prescribed limits, the Dilettante approach, which is a bit more stringent but still middle-of-the-road, and the Purist plan, which involves the most stringent restrictions but promises to provide the most benefits.

The authors walk readers through the transition process, beginning with an "intervention" phase and working up to a maintenance level on the diet. This time out, certain aspects of the diet have been simplified, such as the calculation of individual minimum protein requirements, which is now presented in an easy-to-use table. Listings and tables for the protein portions and carbohydrate content of foods are also included.

As the title implies, The Protein Power LifePlan is more than just a diet. The book covers several other aspects of daily living designed to provide an overall blueprint for healthier living. This includes an in-depth discussion of the benefits of sunbathing, a bound-to-be-controversial defense of sun exposure, and an eye-opening look at how sun blockers may actually be harmful. The authors thoroughly explore various vitamins and minerals, discussing the benefits and hazards of supplementation and overdosing and offering a surprising look at the problems inherent in excess iron storage. There is also an intriguing look at free radicals: their effects on the body, how they are created, and how certain substances act as oxidants or antioxidants to either combat these free radicals or create them. Of course, there is the requisite discussion of fats -- good fats versus bad fats -- but other than agreeing that trans fatty acids are bad, the authors' take on fat consumption is notably different from that of most other diet gurus. The authors' discussion of the various types of fat, and how cholesterol, triglycerides, and other lipids work in the body, is one of the most comprehensive primers on fat to be found in any diet book.

A plan of exercise is included as well, but even here the authors depart from the advice of many of their peers by proposing that less frequent, highly intensive exercise sessions are more beneficial than the more commonly advocated sessions of aerobic exercise. The actual fitness program the authors describe incorporates this focus on intensity, utilizing sudden bursts of activity alternating with periods of rest (with appropriate modifications included for the less fit or cardiac challenged person). The exercises themselves are more entertaining than some as the authors have tapped into the caveman theme that permeates their book by modeling the exercises after the types of life experiences our predecessors may have had. The book finishes off with a collection of meal plans, recipes, and advice for stocking the kitchen.

There is an abundance of information stuffed into The Protein Power LifePlan. Even those who choose not to adopt the diet advocated by the authors will come away from the book with a much greater knowledge and understanding of nutrition, health, metabolism, and their own bodies. The information on fat, minerals, and vitamins alone is worth the price of the book. For those who find improved health and weight loss by following the authors' advice, The Protein Power LifePlan will no doubt be priceless.

—Beth Amos

ANNOTATION

"Focuses on limiting carbohydrate intake...includes latest findings on insulin resistance & supplements...examines the dangers of excess iron storage and discusses how eating some fats can reduce risk of heart disease."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Good health is our birthright. Contrary to popular belief, our bodies were designed by nature to metabolize and thrive on protein and fat, and simply weren't built to handle today's typical diet of carbohydrates and processed foods. The authors have linked the rise in disease to our increasing reliance on the low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet that first appeared at the dinner table relatively late in human history. The keys to good health can be found by understanding how we evolved and by eating a diet typical of our ancestors', rich in protein and good fats and full of fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant and cancer-fighting abilities

SYNOPSIS

A New York Times bestseller for over a year, Protein Power sparked provocative debate with its assertion that our mainly carbohydrate-based diet-and not one rich in protein-is responsible for rampant obesity and heart disease among Americans. Now the authors of this exciting guide expand both their theory and their nutritional program, and show how The Protein Power LifePlan can combat diabetes, high blood pressure, auto-immune disorder, and more. Whether you're a Protein Power veteran looking to fine-tune your dietary lifestyle or increase your success, or a newcomer to the plan, astonishing health benefits can be yours with...The Protein Power LifePlan.

Good health is our birthright. Contrary to popular belief, our bodies were designed by nature to metabolize and thrive on protein and fat, and simply weren't built to handle today's typical diet of carbohydrates and processed foods. The authors have linked the rise in disease to our increasing reliance on the low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet that first appeared at the dinner table relatively late in human history. The keys to good health can be found by understanding how we evolved and by eating a diet typical of our ancestors', rich in protein and good fats and full of fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant and cancer-fighting abilities.

The Protein Power LifePlan offers: A Three-Tiered Nutrition Plan designed for your level of commitment: the Hedonist, the Dilettante, or the Purist

The latest findings on Insulin Resistance: what it is, how to correct it, and why, once it is corrected, you will lose weight and avoid health problems associated with it

Important information on supplements: vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, chromium, and coenzyme Q10

Tips for obtaining the optimum health benefits of natural sunlight

A look at the dangers of excess iron storage and how to determine if it is a problem for you

A primer on fat: learn which good-quality fats can reduce elevated cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and reduce the risk of heart disease-without medication

Meal plans, recipes, kitchen stocking advice, and more. The Protein Power LifePlan gives you a blueprint for not only losing weight and feeling fit, but one designed to restore your body's innate sytematic approach to good health. Comprehensive, thorough, and written for results, this book will help you look and feel better than you ever have in your life.

Which is better for you: Whole wheat or red meat? Magnesium supplements or vitamins with added iron? UV-protection sunglasses or spinach and broccoli? A salad with fat-free dressing or one with olive oil? Sunscreen on a daily basis or light sunbathing without protection? The truth may surprise you. The authors who defied conventional wisdom, turned the food pyramid upside down, and helped to vastly improve personal health continue to break the rules...The Protein Power LifePlan.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal