Book Reivew: Lets Do Lunch!

I belong to a program run by a publisher in which they send me advance reader copies or a free book and I read it and give my honest review on my blog. I love reading and I love free books and it's a Christian publisher, so I do it! See the disclaimer at the bottom of this review. Also, I've had this book for almost a year and it's high time I published my review. UGH! Procrastination. Here goes!

I recently read the book "Lets Do Lunch" by Roger Wilson. Well, not recently. Probably about a few months ago. I liked it, but it took months to put it into practice, and I did it without realizing I was using his principles. The reason is, as a registered nurse, I know this diet works, but I think it leaves out a few key nutrients that I don't think are as fattening as the author thinks.

Let me give you an overview. Roger was very overweight, had comfort foods, wasn't a good exerciser, but felt the need to lose weight. Over a series of discoveries, Roger found that some foods were less fattening and others were more fattening. He began a "program" that on which he ate all the less fattening or non-fattening foods that he wanted while limiting or cutting out the more fattening foods. That's basically it! He didn't portion control or starve himself and if he had a craving that he HAD to have, he chose the least fattening version of it and ate just enough to curb the craving. Over time the cravings ceased and he learned a new way to to eat. In this book, Roger shares all the upswings and downfalls of his journey in an easy to read, conversational, funny manner. It truly was an easy book to read and follow. He provides meal ideas, meal plans and recipes that are all "safe" on this plan.

I decided to read this book because I was trying to learn more about foods. In the past eight months I've done a ton more research and while I think this book makes several very good points and that you'd lose weight if you followed this, I don't agree with a few points. Roger has you cut out mostly all dairy. He does eat a limited amount of a few cheeses, low-fat milk in some drinks, etc. You can't have candy and only limited amounts of sugar. You also have to trade out carbs (including bread, pasta, potatoes & rice) for beans, corn products and peas. This was really hard for me to swallow. All the things I love, I can't have on this diet. Now, I realize, since it seemed so hard for me, I should have made one change at a time and then when I liked that change, moved onto the next one.

Recently, due to medical reasons, I've cut out all gluten, sugar in any form, and most corn products. I eat raw whole milk from a local farm, pastured-cow butter and tons of eggs, fruits, veggies, beans, raw honey, raw cheeses, small portions of local meats and I eat at much as I want whenever I want. I've lost ten pounds (I'm a lightweight to begin with!) and my medical problems have improved. And, over time, the cravings and my want for food have decreased. I'm not controlled by my cravings over time! Just a note: These changes were REALLY hard to do. There were tears, frustrations and cheating along the way. HARD.

So, yes, Roger was right, I just had a hard time following the "program" the way he prescribed. As you see, I didn't cut out dairy, cheeses, oils or butters and I inhale rice, but it works for me! Overall, the concepts in this book are excellent. I recommend it! Just don't get overwhelmed. It is possible. And please drink milk and eat dairy products if you are getting them raw from a local farm. They are good for you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”