Book Review – Dana Carpender “How I Ditched My Low Fat Diet and Lost 40 Pounds”

After reading “Diabetes Solution” by Dr. Bernstein, we came across the name “Dana Carpender” and purchased her 500 Low Carb cookbook. In a number of related books, we discovered that his book “How I Ditched My Low-Fat Diet and Lost 40 Pounds – and How You Can Too!” came highly recommended.

As a diabetic, I was fed up with hypoglycemia and high sugar levels as part of a normal diet and was willing to try Dr. Bernstein’s suggestion to cut carbs, but I didn’t even know where to start. I was also fed up with bland foods, low fat meals and avoiding foods that I loved.

Dana’s cookbook was a great starting point with a few new ideas, but this book was just plain fascinating. I ended up taking turns reading it with my mom as we were eager to talk about the different chapters and what it might mean for my health and lifestyle.

What appeals is Dana’s honesty – she doesn’t offer just one diet, she explores the benefits of the Atkins diet (not suitable for diabetics) and the newcomer to the scene, the Primal diet. The book also gives information on how to determine your own carbohydrate and protein needs – some simple calculations that allow you to take control of your own diet. Another benefit of the book is that Dana bases her suggestions on medical research — it’s comforting to know that it’s not just an idea she came up with, but that her diet suggestions are based on years of research.

Best of all, most of your friends won’t even notice you’re on a diet. On a low carb diet you can still eat meat, most vegetables, butter and cream – this is not a diet where you feel deprived or hungry, you will feel satisfied and full after each meal.

If you’re considering switching to a low-carb diet, the book makes it clear why you should, an explanation that deters sugary snacking better than your hesitant willpower. Either way, understanding the processes involved and what sugar does to your body can motivate you to improve the diet you’ve been looking for. Dana also explains the interaction between insulin and food, making it clear for the first time why a low carb diet should and does work for many diabetics.

If you’re sick of not understanding your life-threatening illness, but want to understand food and your body, this is a book you really shouldn’t be without.