This is a theory and practice book about living well, and whilst food is key to that it's also the sleep, exercise, and mindset that makes it all work.
I've followed the program and results and process are quite something.
Starting in Aug 2022 to present (Jan 24) I've managed to remove the need for alcohol, bread, sugar, processed foods, and sweet foods completely.
Im off the mental and emotional rollercoaster I was on, have lost 3 stone in weight (14 to 11), and consider this a platform to enable new things/projects (started reading regularly, a year in to CrossFit, renovating a campervan, started up a business to name but a few)
It's so powerful.that I'm at a loss as to why it's not a bestseller, other than maybe the 'ignorance is bliss' strategy of British (Americanised?) consumerism is highly effective.
It's telling that those on the authors 'program' are diabetic/severely obese and are desperate/chronic enough cases to be given this 'treatment'.
I say 'treatment', but it's really just taking control over your inputs to have a more sustainable, happier life.
* The content throws a bucket of cold water over everything we've been told about food and nutritional health.
...we often use food as a crutch to feel better and when convenient...
....this means we are on a rollercoaster mood wise as the sugar highs and lows take hold....causing us to repeat the cycle endlessly
...There are a few critical takeaways that once you know them youll always know them (even if you don't follow them)
1. Eating windows are a thing
2. Bodies only know what real foods are
3. Exercise only uses sugar in blood, muscles, then liver....more than 1300cals before touching fat!
4. Sleep is heavily impacted by how well you achieve the above, and also enables it
5. Stop calorie counting all together, and start using hunger to drive eating.
* From experience the effect of this 'diet' is transformational
....it will put you in to a neutral mood zone quite quickly, which can feel low to start but actually is just reality...allowing you to control what you eat/do next
...you'll begin burning fat almost immediately
...you'll be in crisis at times as you realise you don't know what to eat, and thats ok....start prepping batches of food (my solution)....
* But certain things need to be in place
...do it with someone close to you, preferably your partner, so there's mutual habit forming and not disruption/friction
...start it in a holiday at home where you can really invest time and focus
....you'll absolutely need to be prepared to relapse in to convenience food because of time and emotional drivers
* As a book, it is structurally very well written
....from readers perspective (problem, 'choices')
....a lesson in coaching too (takes care of many ways you might think and questions you might ask, and gives you tactics on how to respond. Also, critically, presents everything as choices that you make....you aren't 'allowed' or not allowed anything.