If you are confused about all the different diets out there and you are looking to lose weight, this is the perfect book to get informed.

​The Great Weight Debate helps you evaluate which diet will work for you and which can hurt you. It is your essential, trusted resource to sift through the minefield of recommendations and misinformation when choosing the best diet for weight loss success. The Great Weight Debate summarizes many popular weight loss plans and explains the principles and research behind each diet. It also highlights the factors that may or may not make the diet a healthy choice for you. It explains why and how to choose a diet that takes into account your food preferences and meets the needs of your lifestyle, schedule, and food availability. It will help you discover and understand the rules, food restrictions, and health risks of each diet. In addition, read up on the new trends, the latest buzz, and the results of the most up-to-date research science has to offer. So...Whether you choose Paleo, low carbohydrate, intermittent fasting, Whole30, or Mediterranean, do it with realistic expectations and do it smartly. Find weight loss success with The Great Weight Debate.

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

A few years ago, I discovered intermittent fasting and it helped me lose the 25 pounds I had gained because of a medication I had taken for only 6 months. I also strongly believe nutritious food is medicine and have adopted a mostly plant-based diet. Let me begin by saying that I have read a lot of books on diets, including keto, paleo, lectin-free, raw, bulletproof, etc. So I was curious to get Amy's view on some of these prominent and trending diets.

One of the things she says toward the beginning of the book resonated with me: "The key to making healthy food decisions and lifestyle choices is mindfulness. Mindful eating is a nonjudgmental awareness of the nurturing aspects of food selection and preparation; choosing foods without censorship that are satisfying, enjoyable, and nutritious..." This pretty much sums up the spirit of the book. But to become mindful, one needs to be informed. I'm constantly surprised by what people consider to be "healthy foods". Hence, this book is ideal for the person starting on their journey of better food choices. It's important to be informed. Reading facts from someone not touting their own horn about one particular diet can give the reader clarity to make the right decision that is best for them and their particular health needs.

The reader will get a good idea and a good summary of the different diets and discover that ultimately not all diets are good for everyone. What has worked for me may not work for you. Amy's professional experience is evident as she clearly explains how the various trending diets work, going into detail and providing the benefits and the drawbacks, making this an excellent reference book.

If you are confused about all the different diets, Amy includes all of them here, many of which I have never heard of. She lists the pros and cons that are easy to understand, and includes stats and scientific details for the more informed. She also gives sound advice about how to be successful in your goal to lose weight. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their food choices for weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

Amy Shapiro RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian and professional speaker promoting wellness in corporate, clinical and private settings. With degrees in both Psychology and Nutrition, Amy’s focus is on behavior modification and lifestyle management. Additionally, Amy is a personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise and a wellness coach. With thirteen years of experience educating and coaching clients and worksite wellness groups to achieve weight loss success, Lose It For the Last Time is Amy’s first book. She is the mother of two grown children and lives with her husband on Long Island New York.

Ends August 13, 2021