Mayo Clinic Diet

December 7, 2009
Just in time for New Year's resolutions, experts from the Mayo Clinic present a well-rounded plan for dieting right. Editor-in-chief Donald Hensrud, chair of the Mayo Clinic's Preventive and Occupational Medicine division, packs this straightforward guide with useful tips, concise lists, charts, and color photos. Eschewing fads and quick fixes, the diet sticks to an involved, long-term, but indisputable plan for those willing to make significant lifestyle changes. Part one, “Lose It,” includes a two-week intro program designed to result in six to 10 pounds of weight loss, provided readers take up five new habits, including eating breakfast and upping their intake of whole grains, while quitting five old habits, like eating in front of the TV. Part two, “Live It,” modifies those techniques to sustain one to two pounds of weight loss a week. Part three helps readers with immediate and long-term challenges like behavior modification and stress, as well as meal planning and eating out. Efficiently organized with convenient reference points, this is a worthy guide for any determined dieter.

March 1, 2010
There is a lot to like in this new diet book produced by the medical professionals of the Mayo Clinic. Based on the highly respected research and clinical experience of the clinic's weight-loss experts, this guide brings together some of their best recommendations and insights for us all. It is clearly organized with a detailed table of contents, which allows readers to target a particular area of interest immediately. The layout is colorful, with nicely sized type, spacious formatting, and a skillful use of inserts to draw attention to key points. The "Yes, I Can" boxes offer reframing techniques to keep motivation high. This reviewer particularly liked the "Action Guide to Weight Loss Barriers" chapter that lists common complaints and excuses that prevent healthy lifestyle changes and offers positive strategies for overcoming them. VERDICT While not presenting groundbreaking insights for dieters, this smartly organized resource does one better, with sound guidance for making positive lifestyle changes that will translate to longer-term weight loss.Crystal Renfro, Georgia Inst. of Technology, Atlanta

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