The Diet Selector: How to Choose a Diet Perfectly Tailored to Your Needs

by Judith C. Rodriguez

Atkins, Master Cleanse, Jenny Craig, South Beach, The Zone. So many diets to choose from and so many different books to buy. But, at last, a path has opened in the enormous, overgrown thicket of diet... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0762431709
• ISBN13: 9780762431700
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.5" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

What diet is right fo you? The answer is in this book.

This is an excellent book, well written and full of insight and common sense. In my opinion this is a good book for anyone that is new to dieting and health. If you are interested in losing weight and cannot decide the right diet for you, then buy this book and read it. The colorful illustrations and charts made it easy to read and understand. This book is highly recommended if you're serious about making positive changes.

Weighing in on The Diet Selector

From an end-user standpoint, Dr. Rodriguez' approach is a satisfying relief from the dizzying array of belief-based weight loss schemes stuffing bookshelves everywhere. I particularly appreciate (1) the scientific critique from a team of credentialed nutrition professionals, (2) the attention to pros and cons in each plan, and (3) the concise and visually appealing presentation. Readers who are searching for a balanced analysis of the available weight loss plans will benefit from the unique and comprehensive overview offered by this book. Those who are seeking affirmation of their closely held beliefs may find it less satisfying.

A few notes about The Diet Selector from Judith C. Rodriguez, PhD, Registered Dietitian

* The book was written with input from 10 contributors, eight are Registered Dietitians and seven of them have doctoral degrees in a nutrition related area as well as many years of nutrition related work experience. (Other experts may have been consulted, when necessary.) * Each diet was written by the author or one or more of the contributors. * The drafts were then reviewed for conceptual accuracy by one or more contributors and the author. In general: * A consistent format (diet history, how does it work?, pros and cons, is it for you?, references and sample menu) was used. * For some controversial diets both a pro and con reference were included, such as in Atkins, which lists www.atkins and www.atkinsexposed.org/atkins (I believe the anti-Atkins site affiliated with PCRM is www.atkinsdietalert.org) * In that some diets have different versions, the more recent or liberal versions were used so the reader can see what it might be like to follow the diet and a menu on a long term basis. For example, the recent version of the Atkins diet does include carbohydrates albeit in restricted amounts. (Atkins for Life, St. Martin's Griffin Press, 2004, Chapter 3 is titled "Yes, you can eat Carbs!"). Due to space limitations, the portion sizes, however, are not included. It is important for readers to go to the original source for detailed information about each diet and to be able to plan menus that include portion sizes appropriate to the diet's guidelines. The correct name for Dr. Atkin's first book is The Atkin's Diet Revolution, and the diet was commonly called a "no carbohydrate diet." The Diet Selector is designed to provide helpful information on popular diets and objective ratings so the reader can decide the best way to lose weight and by reviewing the pros and cons of all the diets, develop a personalized lifelong healthy weight management plan. Thank you all for your comments and reviews, they will provide constructive ideas that will make for even better future editions. Wishing you all good health, Judith C. Rodriguez, PhD and Registered Dietitian

A great resource

I have found this encyclopedia of popular diets quite helpful. While the information on each diet is limited, I have found it to be largely accurate and unbiased. Furthermore, I've yet to be asked about a diet that is not represented in this book. I particularly appreciate references to current research findings and the strength of the science related to the diet plan. As a dietitian, I often have clients ask me about specific diets and this book has been a good "jumping off" point in gathering information and providing recommendations. Furthermore, the "Is it for you?" section can help individuals assess if the diet is appropriate for them. As a professor, I often have students evaluate popular diets and this book is a great starting point for their research. They can use the book to select a popular diet and get some background prior to doing a more extensive review. Research tells us that people can lose weight using a number of different approaches that promote a Calorie deficit. While I believe that the best means of losing weight is the development of an individualized plan with the help of a registered dietitian, I recognize that many people choose a specific diet plan from the many available. This book can help them identify the healthier options and assist them in identifying a diet that is appropriate for their lifestyle and eating preferences.

Quick 'n easy diet alternatives

At last, a quick way to have an easy, reliable, trustworthy review of the most popular diets out there. Are you confused and tired of looking for an answer to the many diet choices? Look no more! Dr. Rodriguez presents in her beautiful book an objective analysis of many dietary approaches. You decide what is best for you, with the helpful guidance of a credentialed dietetics professional. Her well illustrated and colorful book is easy and fun to read. She has analyzed the positive and the not so positive aspects of many popular diets that the consumer often wonders about. You will get a brief background about the origins of the diets, the main beliefs behind them, and the pros and cons, including an easy rating for each approach, based on reliable science. As a bonus you get suggested menus, for those who prefer a little more detail on how to follow them. I like that the book is not limited to weight loss diets, but goes beyond them. The book offers a lot of sound and useful information for anyone who is trying to improve their diet, lifestyle or health; or who just want some answers about popular diets. The Diet Selector is great as an easy reading diet guide, a reference or resource. The book is not prescriptive, but rather descriptive in a very simple manner. It is a personal library keeper, but I will share with others who often ask about different dietary approaches.