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Choose to Lose[The 7-Day Carb Cycle Solution] [CHOOSE TO LOSE] [Paperback]
Choose to Lose[The 7-Day Carb Cycle Solution] [CHOOSE TO LOSE] [Paperback]
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First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 19, 2012
I have a lot of respect for Chris Powell, and I think his overall view of fitness is pretty good. This is why I gave his book 3 stars instead of 2. His idea of "tricking" our bodies into losing weight by cycling our calories and carbs is appealing, but there were still a few things in the book I take issue with. First of all he is mostly focusing on individuals with a lot of weight to lose. For these individuals, carb cycling is probably uneccessarily complicated. Also, I would like to have seen his food options be a little cleaner. I don't subscribe to the concept of protein powders, protein bars, and sugar substitutes (except my diet coke of course!). But my number one biggest gripe with his book is the same gripe I have with almost any fitness book I have ever read. He starts by claiming that we must eat in order to lose, and that Cutting calories too much can backfire. I totally agree. Then later in the book he states that most women should cut their calories to 1,200-1,500, and men should cut their calories from 1,500-2,000. That is a reduced calorie diet, and not a very easy one to maintain. I would never recommend a woman cut her calories to 1,200. I guess it is like anything in the fitness world, you take what works for you and disregard the rest. I will probably dabble in the carb cycling just to see how well it works.
March 28, 2012
If you're going to buy a diet book, this one makes a lot of sense. The writing isn't spectacular, but it's A DIET BOOK, so it's completely forgivable. The theory is to alternate one day with carbs, one day without, and do a variety of exercises called shapers (like push ups) and shredders (cardio). Basically, if you follow the plan, you can't not lose. A smaller calorie intake and increased exercise equal a reduction in waist size. If you're someone who needs guidance when it comes to that equation, this is a great book to provide it; it's straightforward, simple, and the author really seems to care about the people he's helping.
August 28, 2012
You can tell that the author is a sincere person. He goes into how he got into being a trainer & I found that very interesting.
He really seems like he is a positive motivating person. I enjoyed his book. I enjoyed the inspiring way he thinks & talks to his clients.
It is mostly basic info that I already know, BUT the parts about attitude & motivation, keeping the goal in sight is always good to hear. The attitude is everything stuff is what really sets Chris apart from some other books I have read.
I have followed the 5 meal a day plan for quite a while, & though it is not always do-able on every day, i make an effort to stick to it. It was nice to see a trainer like Chris recommend the 5 meals a day but ALSO nice to know WHY he recommends it. I liked the fact that he does his best to explain the WHY of certain aspects of what he is recommending. Every little aspect of his plan may not suit evryone, but the info is good, & you can suit it to your needs within reason.
Very inspiring. He makes you want to try something you are afraid you can't do. To train for something.
And I loved his "Athlete in Training" focus.
He is a person I think would be really cool to meet. I have seen a few of his shows & he seems very personable & down to earth. His book reflects his personality, easy to read, to the point & seems sincere.
He really seems like he is a positive motivating person. I enjoyed his book. I enjoyed the inspiring way he thinks & talks to his clients.
It is mostly basic info that I already know, BUT the parts about attitude & motivation, keeping the goal in sight is always good to hear. The attitude is everything stuff is what really sets Chris apart from some other books I have read.
I have followed the 5 meal a day plan for quite a while, & though it is not always do-able on every day, i make an effort to stick to it. It was nice to see a trainer like Chris recommend the 5 meals a day but ALSO nice to know WHY he recommends it. I liked the fact that he does his best to explain the WHY of certain aspects of what he is recommending. Every little aspect of his plan may not suit evryone, but the info is good, & you can suit it to your needs within reason.
Very inspiring. He makes you want to try something you are afraid you can't do. To train for something.
And I loved his "Athlete in Training" focus.
He is a person I think would be really cool to meet. I have seen a few of his shows & he seems very personable & down to earth. His book reflects his personality, easy to read, to the point & seems sincere.
April 1, 2014
Down 12 lbs in 10 weeks with no gym. Been busy working too many hours. Starting to incorporate cardio and training this week and really watch the plan work. This plan is brilliant. I was in the gym industry for many years and did a similar plan years ago that also worked well for me. Kudos to Chris Powell. He genuinely cares about helping people change their lives.
June 1, 2014
Picked this up at the library because "Good Calories, Bad Calories" was out and I wanted to read something health-related. Since I've been changing my carb intake, I thought it might be a good read. Not so much.
From the use of "loosing weight" (copy-editors are still worthwhile, earth to publishing houses!) to the incredibly complicated plan that is so counter-intuitive to me, I did not enjoy this. The food suggestions aren't bad and I'm sure the workouts are great, but I can't stand all the charts and counting and keeping track of days and the suggestion that you can throw all caution to the wind for one day a week or three meals a week... studies have shown people can easily undo all of their weekday gains by indulging on the weekend.
This seems to be designed more to sell a new program to people who love new programs than to be particularly useful... I may incorporate a heavily-modified version of this into my lower-carb eating plan and occasionally go up above my 150g max to "confuse" my body, but in general I was disappointed with this book and how regimented and stuck in the "old" diet science it is.
Eat whole foods. Move your body.
You don't need a book to tell you that ;)
From the use of "loosing weight" (copy-editors are still worthwhile, earth to publishing houses!) to the incredibly complicated plan that is so counter-intuitive to me, I did not enjoy this. The food suggestions aren't bad and I'm sure the workouts are great, but I can't stand all the charts and counting and keeping track of days and the suggestion that you can throw all caution to the wind for one day a week or three meals a week... studies have shown people can easily undo all of their weekday gains by indulging on the weekend.
This seems to be designed more to sell a new program to people who love new programs than to be particularly useful... I may incorporate a heavily-modified version of this into my lower-carb eating plan and occasionally go up above my 150g max to "confuse" my body, but in general I was disappointed with this book and how regimented and stuck in the "old" diet science it is.
Eat whole foods. Move your body.
You don't need a book to tell you that ;)
December 29, 2011
Chris Powell is a genuinely nice guy. I had an issue with a company he works with and his wife personally handled it for me. He and his wife are really great people.
This book is Chris's history, dreams, and visions along with the Carb Cycle eating plan. He provides everything you need in the book. I read it in 24 hours, it really is motivating, especially for people like myself who have more than 50 pounds to lose. He writes about health holistically and I believe it will change my life.
This book is Chris's history, dreams, and visions along with the Carb Cycle eating plan. He provides everything you need in the book. I read it in 24 hours, it really is motivating, especially for people like myself who have more than 50 pounds to lose. He writes about health holistically and I believe it will change my life.
March 11, 2017
I loved this book. It's a great way to see how your body works and then how to make it work right...for a lifetime!!
August 12, 2023
I've been on a plateau for months and months, nearly 18 months now. I realized that my problem was that I was allowing myself to get to hungry by trying to "fast" or not eat at all between meals, thinking that was somehow the better way. Then I would binge it all away.
I've only just started this program and I'm already seeing results. I like that it is very flexible, not highly restrictive, not complicated, and makes sense. Yes you must count calories. I don't know if carb cycling really does anything, but counting calories sure does, and varying the food everyday makes it psychologically more easy to adhere to. I have been keeping very careful track of my calories, and varying the amount each day, but staying within my weekly goal. So if I am slightly under on every day, I can splurge on dessert day (but not too much!). I don't care if my weight loss is slow, after 18 months of wasting time, who cares? What is important is eating in such a way that I don't have impulsive episodes where I feel out of control. I eat 5 times per day now: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, supper, and evening snack.
I am not planning to do as much cardio as he recommends in the book. 6 days per week is not sustainable for me. I know myself, I will get exhausted and not stick with it, and too much cardio usually makes me uncontrollably hungry. I am planning to do kettlebells two or three times per week, short walks as many days as I can, and "shapers" whenever I have the time and desire.
I've only just started this program and I'm already seeing results. I like that it is very flexible, not highly restrictive, not complicated, and makes sense. Yes you must count calories. I don't know if carb cycling really does anything, but counting calories sure does, and varying the food everyday makes it psychologically more easy to adhere to. I have been keeping very careful track of my calories, and varying the amount each day, but staying within my weekly goal. So if I am slightly under on every day, I can splurge on dessert day (but not too much!). I don't care if my weight loss is slow, after 18 months of wasting time, who cares? What is important is eating in such a way that I don't have impulsive episodes where I feel out of control. I eat 5 times per day now: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, supper, and evening snack.
I am not planning to do as much cardio as he recommends in the book. 6 days per week is not sustainable for me. I know myself, I will get exhausted and not stick with it, and too much cardio usually makes me uncontrollably hungry. I am planning to do kettlebells two or three times per week, short walks as many days as I can, and "shapers" whenever I have the time and desire.
July 16, 2023
I was looking for a book to learn about carb cycling, to see if it’s something that would help keep me in check as my metabolism begins to change. This was the only one I found on overdrive, and I was hesitant because it seemed more like a full blown diet book. It’s actually more than that. It is a book for people who need to lose 100 lbs or more, which I don’t; I just want to drop ten and eat some carbs without worrying about them affecting my normal weight. It also seems like this book is for those who need a lot of encouragement. Keeping that in mind, I still give it three stars. For someone who is struggling, it’s not super simple when you get into the exercise portion, so I see those needing to lose a lot of weight getting frustrated and losing interest because of all of the rules and variations.
For me, I took a few notes on the carb cycling sections, but that part really didn’t have a lot of info. That being the case, the book is more like a two for me because I know about as much as I learned in 20-30 minutes on Google before reading the book.
For me, I took a few notes on the carb cycling sections, but that part really didn’t have a lot of info. That being the case, the book is more like a two for me because I know about as much as I learned in 20-30 minutes on Google before reading the book.
March 25, 2017
I find Chris Powell very inspiring. I trust what he says since he's proven on TV he can handle anything. I haven't tried this only because I'm currently on The Fast Metabolism Diet but a lot of the principles of both diets are the same so I feel extra validated with what I'm doing already. If I start to plateau I might consider switching to this one for a while just to change things up.
The only thing I don't like with this is a cheat day once a week since it's a "psychological and emotional need". I think it's more important to deal with the emotional needs rather than to eat them. We need to break that connection so that we don't just gain it all back.
The only thing I don't like with this is a cheat day once a week since it's a "psychological and emotional need". I think it's more important to deal with the emotional needs rather than to eat them. We need to break that connection so that we don't just gain it all back.
May 18, 2024
Interesting similarities to the low-fat constant-snacking era with a modern twist. Reminds me of “fit for life” and some other books from the 80s. I don’t like all the artificial food-like items that he recommends. I would be much more interested by a version of this that focuses on real food. Also disappointed that there is no index and he is silent on many diet related topics. No one should ever write a non fiction book without an index.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2017
Great book
Great book. Just need the discipline to keep it through. Every thing is well detailed: when what to eat, food to avoid, how to use exercise for best result.... he explained every thing very well. You will have no excuse to start. Anyway I am happy with my purchase and I am planing to start tomorrow. Good luck to me!
Great book. Just need the discipline to keep it through. Every thing is well detailed: when what to eat, food to avoid, how to use exercise for best result.... he explained every thing very well. You will have no excuse to start. Anyway I am happy with my purchase and I am planing to start tomorrow. Good luck to me!
December 1, 2018
This book is definitely geared towards those who need to lose a lot of weight (which I don't). I did however, find the chapter on carb cycling very interesting, since that is something I've never done before. It's good to know some strategies to boost metabolism and to push pass weight loss plateaus, especially as I age and my metabolism slows down.
May 7, 2018
Definitely an easy read. I don't generally read non-fiction but I read this very quickly. If you've watched Chris's shows you can hear his voice when reading the book...sounds just like he talks! Going to give carb cycling a try.
May 14, 2018
Great advise and things someone can really follow.
December 16, 2019
Some good advice for eating better
January 23, 2020
If this book had a few more details, I'd give it 5 stars. I need very specific portion amounts listed which are not always done.
September 12, 2020
Not what I am looking for
July 27, 2021
It was okay. Not sure it was the solution I needed.
February 8, 2015
Up front I will say that the carb cycling idea is more complicated than simply eating low carb or just watching calories. If you don’t have a lot of background in nutrition and weight loss methods you might find the program daunting. However, if you’ve tried low carb or slow carb or South Beach, you would probably find it pretty easy to pick up.
The program alternates low carb and high(er) carb days, advocates eating every three hours, and focused muscle building and cardio. The carb cycling would probably work best for someone who is a moderator–I’m not sure how abstainers would do having to put so much thought into what they can and can’t eat every day. I think one reason abstainers tend to do well on low carb diets is that it removes the requirement to dither over every tiny choice. Either you eat it or you don’t. Moderators, on the other hand, get stressed by the idea that they can’t have something, so for them it would be better to carb cycle or do another diet that has a built in cheat day, because that removes the stress of feeling deprived. Eating habits are one of those areas where it helps to know yourself.
{Read my full review here}
The program alternates low carb and high(er) carb days, advocates eating every three hours, and focused muscle building and cardio. The carb cycling would probably work best for someone who is a moderator–I’m not sure how abstainers would do having to put so much thought into what they can and can’t eat every day. I think one reason abstainers tend to do well on low carb diets is that it removes the requirement to dither over every tiny choice. Either you eat it or you don’t. Moderators, on the other hand, get stressed by the idea that they can’t have something, so for them it would be better to carb cycle or do another diet that has a built in cheat day, because that removes the stress of feeling deprived. Eating habits are one of those areas where it helps to know yourself.
{Read my full review here}
September 20, 2013
amazingly informative. i absolutely love chris powell and heidi.
i love how he shared his story about how he got into all of this. this also starts out like most of the "diet self help" books i've read so far where it kinda talks the first half of the book about what it can do and other people's stories.. & then the other half is the plan and guidelines.
i think this is a brilliant way to go about weightloss and eating habits. i will most definitely give the high/low carb day a chance. if anything, it is at least a new way for me to go about losing weight. i have lost 145lbs so far (with calorie counting) but its getting slower. id love a nice new recharge.
can't say im crazy about the exercises.. might opt out of those and do some things i already do.. but again an excellent plan.
id highly recommend everyone to read this!
i love how he shared his story about how he got into all of this. this also starts out like most of the "diet self help" books i've read so far where it kinda talks the first half of the book about what it can do and other people's stories.. & then the other half is the plan and guidelines.
i think this is a brilliant way to go about weightloss and eating habits. i will most definitely give the high/low carb day a chance. if anything, it is at least a new way for me to go about losing weight. i have lost 145lbs so far (with calorie counting) but its getting slower. id love a nice new recharge.
can't say im crazy about the exercises.. might opt out of those and do some things i already do.. but again an excellent plan.
id highly recommend everyone to read this!
December 8, 2013
I like his theory and ideas about metabolism and he has the credentials to back it up. At first, I thought this diet would be easy to follow and that my own eating habits weren't that far off. However, he does get really specific about what you can and can't eat and what exercises you need to do. So I think that it would be really hard to follow unless you are at home planning your meals all day long.
I am going to eat five meals a day, like he recommends, alternating high carb and low carb days. However, I am going to do my own workouts. I also think he overpromises somewhat in the book. Maybe you can lose several pounds a week when you have 100 pounds to lose, but I don't think I will be losing that much.
I am going to eat five meals a day, like he recommends, alternating high carb and low carb days. However, I am going to do my own workouts. I also think he overpromises somewhat in the book. Maybe you can lose several pounds a week when you have 100 pounds to lose, but I don't think I will be losing that much.
October 21, 2014
I actually finished this in about a day or two - since I didn't need to read the many inspirational stories.
This plan is great for anyone struggling to both lose weight AND have a sustainable meal plan. Weight Watchers never really worked for me, so I wanted to try something that was focused on micro-nutrient levels. This plan is EASY, very adjustable to almost any lifestyle, and therefore easy to continue week after week.
In regards to how well the book guides, I would have to say 3 out of 5. I've developed a lot of questions about the products he suggests (mainly, Newman's Own) verses others because either the fat or carb level doesn't seem to match. However, on a whole this guide get's you going and I've been successful at it so far.
This plan is great for anyone struggling to both lose weight AND have a sustainable meal plan. Weight Watchers never really worked for me, so I wanted to try something that was focused on micro-nutrient levels. This plan is EASY, very adjustable to almost any lifestyle, and therefore easy to continue week after week.
In regards to how well the book guides, I would have to say 3 out of 5. I've developed a lot of questions about the products he suggests (mainly, Newman's Own) verses others because either the fat or carb level doesn't seem to match. However, on a whole this guide get's you going and I've been successful at it so far.
January 5, 2015
I have to say that I am a big fan of Chris Powell. I have been a fan of his show for some time, but mostly because of him. I love how he treats his clients and his methods sincerely make sense. I also love how humble he seems. I am much more likely to listen to the instruction of someone who doesn't tell me how awesome they are, unlike some celebrity trainers. Aside from the diet, I made my husband try his hangover cure after a night out this weekend and IT WORKED. Seriously, how did I not know about this in college? So I am interested in trying his 7 day cycle program. The end result seems strict, but it makes a lot of sense and I think it is a lot more livable than other clean eating diets. I think a gentle transition will be best for this busy mama.
May 20, 2016
I have no doubt this program works. The science is sound and long-proven. However, for someone working a job that doesn't have a regular daily/weekly schedule, nor will allow me to eat 5 times a day, nor go to the restroom as often as consuming a gallon of water a day would demand... well, I don't see this program as doable for me, as written.
I will, however, adapt the principles as much as possible in my specific circumstances. I'm absolutely going to be adopting the exercise program, and using the principle of carb-cycling as much as I'm able.
Again, this WILL work, if your lifestyle will allow for the scheduling it requires. Otherwise, you may want to investigate a less regimented program.
I will, however, adapt the principles as much as possible in my specific circumstances. I'm absolutely going to be adopting the exercise program, and using the principle of carb-cycling as much as I'm able.
Again, this WILL work, if your lifestyle will allow for the scheduling it requires. Otherwise, you may want to investigate a less regimented program.
June 4, 2013
I started watching Extreme Weight Loss Edition and really seemed to connect with Chris because of his caring nature. So I read this book wondering about the eating side of his plan since they do not talk much about this on the show. I will say that I loved the inspirational part of this book and him talking about how to work on your emotions. I also liked how he explained what shedders and shapers were and when to do them. I do think this book did not give enough information on the eating side of his plan and still seemed somewhat confused. Plus I would have liked some more recipes or meal ideas. This is the reason I gave it four instead of five stars.
December 28, 2021
I purchased this book yesterday 1/4/14 and sat down and read the entire thing. I loved the down to earth tone of the book. Felt like I was talking with a friend.
Based on what I read, you can use this program no matter how much you need to loose. Its just a matter of adjusting it based on the principles to suit you.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to loose weight. Anyone who wants to understand the physics behind weigh loss in terminology that is targeted to the general public and not a doctor.
You can tell Chris Powell has a passion for what he does. That he wants to help people no matter how much you need to loose.
Based on what I read, you can use this program no matter how much you need to loose. Its just a matter of adjusting it based on the principles to suit you.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to loose weight. Anyone who wants to understand the physics behind weigh loss in terminology that is targeted to the general public and not a doctor.
You can tell Chris Powell has a passion for what he does. That he wants to help people no matter how much you need to loose.
February 17, 2014
The book was so-so. I liked some of his techniques, our inner athlete and all. I think losing weight is lot more than just carb cycling, but that works for some and not for others. I have tried lots of things so I guess I don't get impress easily with this kind of books. I kind of like his show so I decided to read this book. I felt it didn't quite speak to me, with few exceptions where I felt I needed a particular mantra or sentence from the book to get me motivated again. I think it depends where you are on your journey to lose weight. You can learn few things from this book.
December 7, 2012
This is far and away the best way to lose weight! Being on Extreme Makeover:Weight Loss Edition as a protege of Chris Powell I can honestly say it is the only method that has ever worked for me when losing weight. He breaks everything down for you and tells you why the things he tells you to do work. He knows the science behind the body or "the machine" as he calls it and can get you where you want to be.
October 3, 2012
I just love Chris Powell so I was so excited to read this book. Chris has a theory of lower calories then a lot of other lifestyle/diet books. He also does carb cycling which works well for me. One day you have higher carbs, then the next day you have lower carb - higher protein meals. I think that I would need to buy this book so I could read it again if I was going to follow the pla. The notes I took are not detailed enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews