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As a veteran of many diets--I was put on my first one as a fat first grader--
I want to argue with the title of this book. I suppose, though, that "The High Protein Program for Carbohydrate Sensitive Persons" just doesn't have the same "snap."

I like this book. I don't believe I have ever said that about a book of this sort. It doesn't seem like a "diet book," rather it describes an interesting, pleasant lifestyle. When I follow the advice of these doctors, I don't feel deprived. I don't look forward with great eagerness to the day I can "go off" this diet. Instead, I find myself thinking, "This is how I would like to live for the rest of my life." On the Heller program, I feel like a normal person, one who enjoys lovely meals like Caesar salad followed by baked or fried (no breading) fish or chicken, buttered broccoli or asparagus spears with hollandaise, and pie a la mode.

Seriously, who could argue with that kind of eating?

The other day I found myself driving along wondering how I could alter my favorite baked apple recipe to accommodate this plan. The cream, nutmeg, cheese and butter would be okay, but what about the brown sugar? Then I suddenly realized, I could USE the brown sugar, as long as the dish is enjoyed in the context of a balanced meal. Neat!

This method of eating takes awhile to get used to. While there is no measuring half cup of this nor unsatisfyingly small portion of that, there are rules. I used to watch the clock like a hawk to be certain dinner was completed within an hour, for example, but I learned that even leisurely meals in the modern life are done in 45 minutes, often less.

I confess I do at times get tired of all the salads. But I like salad, and the dressing is real, so hey, until they come up with the ice cream diet, this will just have to do.

Actually, it will more than do. I can count the times I've felt "normal" about food on one hand. I like eating this way. It makes me feel great in and of itself. That fact that one gradually loses weight with this method seems like a generous bonus.

The Heller Program isn't the one to follow if you want quickly to lose 10 or 20 pounds before your cousin's wedding. For that, I'd recommend the Atkins Diet. There you emphasize pure protein and kiss carbohydrates goodbye. The weight just falls off, but I don't see many folks on Atkins for life. As Oprah Winfrey said in critique of Atkins diet, "Sooner or later, you're going to want a piece of bread." I certainly agree.

But if it's been a long time since you've felt "normal"-if ever-then give Hellers's book a try. Don't jump in, take awhile to read it, consider it, digest the ideas before the recommended foods. Ask yourself if this way of eating is for you. If the answer is yes, congratulations and enjoy!

Lots of diet books claim they can change your life. This one just might.