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The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet: Lose Weight Fast and Reprogramme Your Body
Dr Michael Mosley, author of the bestselling 5:2 Fast Diet, reveals a game-changing approach to one of the greatest silent epidemics of our time - raised blood sugar levels. The food we eat today, high in sugar and easily digestible carbohydrates, is not only making us fat, but is putting us at risk of type 2 diabetes, strokes, dementia, cancer and a lifetime on medication. More than a third of adults in the UK now have raised blood sugar levels and most don't know it. In this timely book, Dr Mosley explains why we pile on dangerous abdominal fat and shows us how to shed it, fast. He demolishes common myths, such as the claim that steady weight loss is always better than rapid weight loss and that those who lose weight rapidly will inevitably put it back on. This is a book not just for those at highest risk but for anyone who has struggled with their weight and wants to regain control of their health. "I feel amazing. I have been given another chance at life." Cassie, 28 - lost 20kg. Average weight loss: 14kg in 8 weeks. Includes a detailed 8-week programme with menu plans.
271 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2015
1397 people are currently reading
2041 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
July 8, 2023
You don’t need to be diabetic to read this but if you are buying it to loose weight it may work however the concepts are pointing to blood sugar levels, so mostly to help diabetics to control sugar levels instead of doctors throwing pills with lots of side effects at you! Then blood pressure pills, then cholesterol pills!
I’m not saying they do not aide the levels of blood sugar as having diabetes is like having a life sentence (well, that’s how it seems to me).
This isn’t a quick fix on losing weight.
Calorie counting is excellent for that, trust me.
This is more about selecting the right kind of foods and why. We all know what we should eat and what not to eat and what to limit in reason right?
One sentence stands out to me in this book, and yes we all know as diabetics to control our certain carbs as certain ones turn into a sugar hit for us….
The sentence was “ eat high protein like fish, chicken, Turkey, pork, then what vegetables we are having ….or salad and then look at the carbs as a side dish”
That hit home to me.
So if only for that I have taken that away with me.
I also related to a guy in there, overweight, diabetic, thrown tablets on to try, didn’t help, tried others, nope side effects, tried another….
Then, oh your blood pressure is high
More tablets
You’re cholesterol is high
More tablets
You need to lose weight
You need to eat healthier
Try helping with nutrition I say.
That doesn’t mean, I think tablets don’t have a place, but our doctors throw tablets to “cure” things instead of treating the cause.
Calorie counting I’ve almost 5 stone that’s 70 pounds? I think?
BMI going down. Not easy, no quick fix to heal myself but…….
I did enjoy a lot of things in this book, common sense but it helps to be reminded.
I’m not saying they do not aide the levels of blood sugar as having diabetes is like having a life sentence (well, that’s how it seems to me).
This isn’t a quick fix on losing weight.
Calorie counting is excellent for that, trust me.
This is more about selecting the right kind of foods and why. We all know what we should eat and what not to eat and what to limit in reason right?
One sentence stands out to me in this book, and yes we all know as diabetics to control our certain carbs as certain ones turn into a sugar hit for us….
The sentence was “ eat high protein like fish, chicken, Turkey, pork, then what vegetables we are having ….or salad and then look at the carbs as a side dish”
That hit home to me.
So if only for that I have taken that away with me.
I also related to a guy in there, overweight, diabetic, thrown tablets on to try, didn’t help, tried others, nope side effects, tried another….
Then, oh your blood pressure is high
More tablets
You’re cholesterol is high
More tablets
You need to lose weight
You need to eat healthier
Try helping with nutrition I say.
That doesn’t mean, I think tablets don’t have a place, but our doctors throw tablets to “cure” things instead of treating the cause.
Calorie counting I’ve almost 5 stone that’s 70 pounds? I think?
BMI going down. Not easy, no quick fix to heal myself but…….
I did enjoy a lot of things in this book, common sense but it helps to be reminded.
May 14, 2016
My last two HBA1c's were in the non diabetic range because I'd been on the ketogenic diet for the last year. I'd started to slip a little and put weight on as well as seeing much higher blood sugar when I tested.
I bought this book to get myself back on track and to try a variation to the keto diet. The results have astounded me. I'm now fasting at 4.1 - 4.6 and my sugars rarely visit areas above 5.5. I've lost over 12lbs too.
I've only been on the diet for two weeks!
My wife (non diabetic) has joined me and the weight has fallen off her too. Her blood sugars have also dropped, although they were never insidiously high to begin with.
The recipes are outstandingly tasty, and because of the low carb content I rarely feel hungry.
If you are deciding whether to use this diet or full blown keto, I would recommend this one. The keto diet did the job, but I developed gastritis because of it -- it's not for everyone, but this diet is.
I bought this book to get myself back on track and to try a variation to the keto diet. The results have astounded me. I'm now fasting at 4.1 - 4.6 and my sugars rarely visit areas above 5.5. I've lost over 12lbs too.
I've only been on the diet for two weeks!
My wife (non diabetic) has joined me and the weight has fallen off her too. Her blood sugars have also dropped, although they were never insidiously high to begin with.
The recipes are outstandingly tasty, and because of the low carb content I rarely feel hungry.
If you are deciding whether to use this diet or full blown keto, I would recommend this one. The keto diet did the job, but I developed gastritis because of it -- it's not for everyone, but this diet is.
March 22, 2016
I am a big fan of Dr Michael Mosley - and this one did not disappoint.
My View:
It is not secret I am a big fan of Dr Michael Mosley – I love listening to him (he has a great voice) and I am intrigued by the lengths he goes to test a hypothesis – he uses his own body to conduct scientific experiments on and shares with the reader/viewer the process and the results. His advice is simple, easy to understand and based on science and medical knowledge (he s a qualified GP come film maker).
Before I started reading this book I came across a video “How to Stay Healthy, What the Latest Science Tells Us by Dr Michael Mosley at the All About Women Conference 2016. You can watch it here: http://ow.ly/Z8BNN I was inspired to read the book afterwards.
In this book Dr Mosley looks at the epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes that has recently engulfed the world. Look around at your own family, friends and colleagues and tally up how many people you know that are at risk of or have already been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I don’t have to look very far to find a few who have already been diagnosed in my immediate family.
The book is informative and provides sections on: The Science - the why this disease is flourishing and ways to solve it. The Diet – talks about the core principles of the Blood Sugar Diet and is followed up with a Recipes and Menu Plan. This is a compact, easy to read, motivating read that will change your life. And if you listen carefully you will hear Dr Michael Mosley narrating the video playing in your head as you read – perfect!
My View:
It is not secret I am a big fan of Dr Michael Mosley – I love listening to him (he has a great voice) and I am intrigued by the lengths he goes to test a hypothesis – he uses his own body to conduct scientific experiments on and shares with the reader/viewer the process and the results. His advice is simple, easy to understand and based on science and medical knowledge (he s a qualified GP come film maker).
Before I started reading this book I came across a video “How to Stay Healthy, What the Latest Science Tells Us by Dr Michael Mosley at the All About Women Conference 2016. You can watch it here: http://ow.ly/Z8BNN I was inspired to read the book afterwards.
In this book Dr Mosley looks at the epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes that has recently engulfed the world. Look around at your own family, friends and colleagues and tally up how many people you know that are at risk of or have already been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I don’t have to look very far to find a few who have already been diagnosed in my immediate family.
The book is informative and provides sections on: The Science - the why this disease is flourishing and ways to solve it. The Diet – talks about the core principles of the Blood Sugar Diet and is followed up with a Recipes and Menu Plan. This is a compact, easy to read, motivating read that will change your life. And if you listen carefully you will hear Dr Michael Mosley narrating the video playing in your head as you read – perfect!
August 10, 2020
TAKE: 4 'mature' people, all overweight, most with a health issues, two with Type 2 diabetes and all wanting to be more healthy. ADD: 1 TBC book recommend: The Eight Week Blood Sugar Diet by Michael Mosley
4 WEEKS LATER:
3 only used information to improve own diet but still lost LOADS of weight;
1 is now below the Type 2 benchmark and hopes to come off meds soon;
1 has significantly improved mobility;
1 followed the diet religiously, losing 10 pounds in the first week!
All are delighted with the changes they have made and will continue to live a healthier life. 2 younger people now using the book to get healthier and many more 'mature' people going to purchase it based on the visible results of one of the four.
A GREAT BIG "Thank you!" to Heather Hill for her recommendation. My friends and I are delighted and the word keeps spreading.....
4 WEEKS LATER:
3 only used information to improve own diet but still lost LOADS of weight;
1 is now below the Type 2 benchmark and hopes to come off meds soon;
1 has significantly improved mobility;
1 followed the diet religiously, losing 10 pounds in the first week!
All are delighted with the changes they have made and will continue to live a healthier life. 2 younger people now using the book to get healthier and many more 'mature' people going to purchase it based on the visible results of one of the four.
A GREAT BIG "Thank you!" to Heather Hill for her recommendation. My friends and I are delighted and the word keeps spreading.....
August 14, 2024
4*
I haven’t read this word for word, having skimmed here and there, particularly the endless ‘miracle’ stories/examples which, whilst helpful, became a tad repetitive after a while. Otherwise it’s an interesting and helpful read, for oiks like me, keen to keep blood sugars down. Useful, interesting recipes. 800 calories a day is a challenge though!
I haven’t read this word for word, having skimmed here and there, particularly the endless ‘miracle’ stories/examples which, whilst helpful, became a tad repetitive after a while. Otherwise it’s an interesting and helpful read, for oiks like me, keen to keep blood sugars down. Useful, interesting recipes. 800 calories a day is a challenge though!
November 7, 2016
If you’re interested in health and nutrition then this book is well worth a read, and if you're a type 2 diabetic, or getting close to it, then this book is essential reading
I adopted the 5:2 approach to eating since reading 'The Fast Diet: The Simple Secret of Intermittent Fasting: Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, Live Longer' back in January 2014. It’s a permanent lifestyle change rather than a diet, and has worked brilliantly for me. As such, I am always interested in what Michael Mosley has to say and, whilst I don't believe I am at significant risk of developing type 2 diabetes, I wanted to catch up with this, his latest work.
If I was diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic then this approach is a complete no brainer. There are 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK. That's more than one in 16 people in the UK who has diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed). This figure has nearly trebled since 1996, when there were 1.4 million. Not only that there are over 7000 diabetes-related amputations done every year in the UK.
Disappointingly, at the time of writing, the NHS Choices website makes no reference to Michael Mosley's approach despite its clear scientific basis and compelling evidence.
The current obsession with low fat food has encouraged manufacturers to add sugar to their products to make it more palatable with disastrous results. Fortunately people are waking up to the dangers of sugar but progress remains slow. I think this book should be required reading in schools. I recently had an over 50s health test at my local GP and, despite having a BMI of 21 and low blood sugar levels, I was advised that my cholesterol was too high and that I should consider taking statins. The dietary advice leaflets demonised fats and advocated plenty of carbs which is precisely what has caused the recent surge in obesity in the developed world.
Michael Mosley advocates a Mediterranean style, low carb, high vegetable and high protein diet for eight weeks, only eating 800 calories a day, aligned to exercise and appropriate medical support. He suggests this approach will get blood sugar levels down, and reverse type 2 diabetes - which is quite a claim. As with 'The Fast Diet: The Simple Secret of Intermittent Fasting: Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, Live Longer’ there is a wealth of scientific and anecdotal information to support his arguments. This book contains everything you need to know before embarking on this approach.
Coincidentally I've been experimenting with a low carb diet (not no carb) and for the last month have not drunk beer, eaten pasta, bread or breakfast cereals and limited my consumption of root vegetables. I've compensated for this by taking on a lot more leafy vegetables and whole foods. I feel discernibly more energetic and have yet to identify any downside. I feel completely satisfied after meals and do not have any urge to snack. It's still early days but this seems to tally with other accounts I have come across, including the numerous examples cited in this book.
If you’re interested in health and nutrition then this book is well worth a read, and if you're a type 2 diabetic, or getting close to it, then this book is essential reading.
I adopted the 5:2 approach to eating since reading 'The Fast Diet: The Simple Secret of Intermittent Fasting: Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, Live Longer' back in January 2014. It’s a permanent lifestyle change rather than a diet, and has worked brilliantly for me. As such, I am always interested in what Michael Mosley has to say and, whilst I don't believe I am at significant risk of developing type 2 diabetes, I wanted to catch up with this, his latest work.
If I was diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic then this approach is a complete no brainer. There are 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK. That's more than one in 16 people in the UK who has diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed). This figure has nearly trebled since 1996, when there were 1.4 million. Not only that there are over 7000 diabetes-related amputations done every year in the UK.
Disappointingly, at the time of writing, the NHS Choices website makes no reference to Michael Mosley's approach despite its clear scientific basis and compelling evidence.
The current obsession with low fat food has encouraged manufacturers to add sugar to their products to make it more palatable with disastrous results. Fortunately people are waking up to the dangers of sugar but progress remains slow. I think this book should be required reading in schools. I recently had an over 50s health test at my local GP and, despite having a BMI of 21 and low blood sugar levels, I was advised that my cholesterol was too high and that I should consider taking statins. The dietary advice leaflets demonised fats and advocated plenty of carbs which is precisely what has caused the recent surge in obesity in the developed world.
Michael Mosley advocates a Mediterranean style, low carb, high vegetable and high protein diet for eight weeks, only eating 800 calories a day, aligned to exercise and appropriate medical support. He suggests this approach will get blood sugar levels down, and reverse type 2 diabetes - which is quite a claim. As with 'The Fast Diet: The Simple Secret of Intermittent Fasting: Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, Live Longer’ there is a wealth of scientific and anecdotal information to support his arguments. This book contains everything you need to know before embarking on this approach.
Coincidentally I've been experimenting with a low carb diet (not no carb) and for the last month have not drunk beer, eaten pasta, bread or breakfast cereals and limited my consumption of root vegetables. I've compensated for this by taking on a lot more leafy vegetables and whole foods. I feel discernibly more energetic and have yet to identify any downside. I feel completely satisfied after meals and do not have any urge to snack. It's still early days but this seems to tally with other accounts I have come across, including the numerous examples cited in this book.
If you’re interested in health and nutrition then this book is well worth a read, and if you're a type 2 diabetic, or getting close to it, then this book is essential reading.
January 9, 2024
I read this book to provide practical information about how high blood sugar levels could be reversed.
After reading “Life Without Diabetes: The definitive guide to understanding and reversing your type 2 diabetes” by Roy Taylor” I was very keen to learn more.
Reading both books in sequence gave me a really good start to commence my journey to regain control of my health and reverse type 2 diabetes. This is quite an expectation, but I feel it’s realistic and achievable.
The science contained in the book is sound and the numerous case studies prove ample examples of how this can be achieved.
The underpinning of the diet is well explained and the overall approach is affirming.
This book is very readable and written in a highly informative and accessible manner.
So my confidence levels are up and I feel that I am ready to commence.
I have years of experience with diets and dealing with my health issues. I know what works for me and the types of approaches that are achievable.
I’d recommend reading the two books in sequence, however, Michael Mosley’s book will stand on its own.
The book contains an extensive recipe section and is well-supported by an excellent website.
Highly recommended.
After reading “Life Without Diabetes: The definitive guide to understanding and reversing your type 2 diabetes” by Roy Taylor” I was very keen to learn more.
Reading both books in sequence gave me a really good start to commence my journey to regain control of my health and reverse type 2 diabetes. This is quite an expectation, but I feel it’s realistic and achievable.
The science contained in the book is sound and the numerous case studies prove ample examples of how this can be achieved.
The underpinning of the diet is well explained and the overall approach is affirming.
This book is very readable and written in a highly informative and accessible manner.
So my confidence levels are up and I feel that I am ready to commence.
I have years of experience with diets and dealing with my health issues. I know what works for me and the types of approaches that are achievable.
I’d recommend reading the two books in sequence, however, Michael Mosley’s book will stand on its own.
The book contains an extensive recipe section and is well-supported by an excellent website.
Highly recommended.
June 19, 2016
To be honest there isn't really anything new in this book about eating and what sort of foods you should eat. Even though I am not diabetic I thought it would be a good diet to still follow to lose weight whilst eating the right foods. Unfortunately apart from recipes which, especially for lunch times I would have struggled to prepare at work, there wasn't a great deal that I fancied. Personally I would have preferred a list of foods that I could eat so I could make up my own meal ideas with the foods that I like. Have heard a lot of good things about the diet but as there is no detailed food list it makes it pretty impossible for me to follow.
May 4, 2018
Goede start voor iedereen die bezorgd is over eventuele te hoge bloedsuikerwaarden of overgewicht. Helder geschreven en haalbaar levensstijl advies.
January 20, 2025
Dr Michael Mosley, who sadly died last year, was one of the great communicators about science and medicine. His radio shows and podcasts taught millions of us about things we could do to improve our health. He was a strong advocate for things like intermittent fasting, writing several books on the subject. This book is somewhat different. The focus here is on very rapid weight loss — something which many doctors reject, preferring to encourage slow and steady. But Mosley backs up his arguments with evidence. I know from my own experience and that of others that rapid weight loss in a diet, any diet, can encourage compliance and persistence. But the diet Mosley advocates — a very low calorie diet — may be difficult for most people to follow.
January 10, 2019
I read this as I am interested in reversing diabetes through dietary changes and Michael Mosley’s books on intermittent fasting (Fast Diet) has been regularly recommended to me. I saw this at the library I thought I would give it a go. This is a short book that covers in easy to read language how you can reverse your Type 2 diabetes with a short 8 week change to your diet, followed by ongoing dietary changes for life.
I found it easy to read and follow, however it seemed like he was trying to sell you on a concept at times. A sentence that I think demonstrates this is when he says ‘ So, do you want to lose weight, improve your health and get your blood sugar under control? Do you want to achieve this while eating tasty, wholesome food? Well you’re in the right place.’ Overall the writing style seems to follow the format of his documentaries, and I feel that he is speaking to you whilst reading it.
He talked about the essentials of the diet you need to follow for 8 weeks initially, which is essentially eating 800 calories a day, of a higher fat, lower carb diet. It follows a Mediterranean diet for the most part and has menu planners and recipes to help to get you started. I particularly like the Baked Chicken and Cauliflower Rice meal suggestions as well as adding some baby veg to miso soup and there were options for lettuce cups including chicken, walnut, celery and crème fraiche and mustard.
He essentially recommends that you start on 800 calories a day, each day but that if you find it harder to stick to that you can move to doing an 800 calorie day 2 days a week - which is more in line with his 5:2 diet, although for that diet he recommended 500 calories a day for women on low calorie days, and 600 a day for men on low calorie days.
It was interesting to see that he recommended removing extraneous fat that is naturally present (cutting fat off cuts of meat and removing fat off the top of spaghetti bolognese etc.), although this book is over 3 years old now so his advice here may now have changed in light of recent findings in this field of science.
He also recommended gentle exercise to start with and moving to HIIT/Interval training once you were comfortable with it, as well as beginning to practice mindfulness.
Some of the science felt a little bit dumbed down for the lay reader, but given the audience he is targeting this maybe not a bad thing. Having a science background I would have liked a bit more detail on the science and mechanisms of diabetes.
Overall I felt the diet had a lot of merits and the book is a quick and easy read.
I found it easy to read and follow, however it seemed like he was trying to sell you on a concept at times. A sentence that I think demonstrates this is when he says ‘ So, do you want to lose weight, improve your health and get your blood sugar under control? Do you want to achieve this while eating tasty, wholesome food? Well you’re in the right place.’ Overall the writing style seems to follow the format of his documentaries, and I feel that he is speaking to you whilst reading it.
He talked about the essentials of the diet you need to follow for 8 weeks initially, which is essentially eating 800 calories a day, of a higher fat, lower carb diet. It follows a Mediterranean diet for the most part and has menu planners and recipes to help to get you started. I particularly like the Baked Chicken and Cauliflower Rice meal suggestions as well as adding some baby veg to miso soup and there were options for lettuce cups including chicken, walnut, celery and crème fraiche and mustard.
He essentially recommends that you start on 800 calories a day, each day but that if you find it harder to stick to that you can move to doing an 800 calorie day 2 days a week - which is more in line with his 5:2 diet, although for that diet he recommended 500 calories a day for women on low calorie days, and 600 a day for men on low calorie days.
It was interesting to see that he recommended removing extraneous fat that is naturally present (cutting fat off cuts of meat and removing fat off the top of spaghetti bolognese etc.), although this book is over 3 years old now so his advice here may now have changed in light of recent findings in this field of science.
He also recommended gentle exercise to start with and moving to HIIT/Interval training once you were comfortable with it, as well as beginning to practice mindfulness.
Some of the science felt a little bit dumbed down for the lay reader, but given the audience he is targeting this maybe not a bad thing. Having a science background I would have liked a bit more detail on the science and mechanisms of diabetes.
Overall I felt the diet had a lot of merits and the book is a quick and easy read.
February 19, 2017
I know the science is right, I'm just not sure my willpower is, but hey ho here we go!
January 3, 2018
För mig blev boken mest en repetition av sånt jag redan läst om GI, HIT och Mindfulness. Receptdelen var dock inspirerande, med många enkla, smarta och vad jag kan utläsa goda recept som ska prövas.
May 3, 2021
Inspired to give this a go after Ramadan. Years ago I saw an endocrinologist who said all I needed was to cut out refined carbs for (was it 6 weeks?), and the insulin resistance would fix itself.
So let’s give that another go, along with regular walking and swimming when my gym reopens, and altogether less sitting now that I have myself a standing desk.
I’m not piling on the pressure and cutting this (dairy), that (the fun things in life) and the other (meat! Although I eat less these days). My only intent is to cut refined carbs, to do that with a diet I can keep to, and to eat much more fruit and veg. No idea if I will do only 800 calories a day.
I will try the Monday and Thursday fasting, and inshallah, will just cut out all rice, bread, potatoes etc - none of which I actually enjoy (oooh masala chips - that was the old me. The new, fasting me, was horrified even by the thought of mashed potatoes, but not stuffed crust pizza with nacho sauce - which made for a lekker small portion iftar, if I am honest).
Load up the veg. Have lean proteins. What could be more simple. Occasional sausages and cannelini bean mash a la Patrick Holford, I guess. A lot more Mediterranean food though.
I shall try to persevere. I shall report back.
The average weight loss reported on the 800 calories a day diet in this plan is 14Kg in 8 weeks. Ha, that would be a miracle. But I am not going for calorie restriction.
I will succeed in this if I have interesting, unrefined carbs, to eat.
So let’s give that another go, along with regular walking and swimming when my gym reopens, and altogether less sitting now that I have myself a standing desk.
I’m not piling on the pressure and cutting this (dairy), that (the fun things in life) and the other (meat! Although I eat less these days). My only intent is to cut refined carbs, to do that with a diet I can keep to, and to eat much more fruit and veg. No idea if I will do only 800 calories a day.
I will try the Monday and Thursday fasting, and inshallah, will just cut out all rice, bread, potatoes etc - none of which I actually enjoy (oooh masala chips - that was the old me. The new, fasting me, was horrified even by the thought of mashed potatoes, but not stuffed crust pizza with nacho sauce - which made for a lekker small portion iftar, if I am honest).
Load up the veg. Have lean proteins. What could be more simple. Occasional sausages and cannelini bean mash a la Patrick Holford, I guess. A lot more Mediterranean food though.
I shall try to persevere. I shall report back.
The average weight loss reported on the 800 calories a day diet in this plan is 14Kg in 8 weeks. Ha, that would be a miracle. But I am not going for calorie restriction.
I will succeed in this if I have interesting, unrefined carbs, to eat.
January 9, 2018
The diet may be sound and the science behind it valid, but this book shit me. Mosley comdemns GPs with the same sweeping generalisations that he says they use. Same with dietitians. I call bullshit on his claim that the medical profession haven’t told people to lose weight rather than happily giving out diabetic medication and on his claim that they all call for eating more carbs. However, I do like his push for healthier eating (which aligns with my GP’s and my exercise physiologist’s advice for many years). More fish, more leafy greens, more water, cut flavoured and soft drinks, reduce alcohol, less processed foods and cut snacks. A good reminder for us all.
His plan of eating, moving and mental health is much like The Geeat Aussie by Dr John Ticknell which is gove five stars.
His plan of eating, moving and mental health is much like The Geeat Aussie by Dr John Ticknell which is gove five stars.
January 9, 2016
I like Mosley's attitude. This diet and exercise plan seems pretty firmly based on science and the new understanding of how nutrition and the human digestive system works, and what we ned to do to get fitter and stay fitter. It doesn't seem too faddy and most of it sounds simple and sensible. The last half of the book is meal plans and recipes, and there's a website as well.
Obviously sweet foods are off the list: cakes, biscuits, sweets, ice-cream, etc. And vegetables and protein are good for you, especially if you cook them yourself. I like it because it puts some fatty foods back on the list of things you can eat: nuts, eggs, cheese, full-fat milk, butter. I dislike it because it takes many things off the list (because your body turns carbs into sugars): potatoes, rice, pasta, crackers, bread. You can still have them, but preferably brown or wholemeal versions, in smaller portions and less often.
This book is very firmly aimed at Type 2 diabetics, people with pre-diabetes, and people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, especially obese people and people with high-sugar diets full of processed food. It seems to be very effective for some of those people, letting them come off their medication and get their blood-sugar back under control very quickly, with diet and exercise alone.
It's a harsh regime at first - 800 calories a day to get the weight off fast and get the blood sugar back into normal ranges quickly - so Mosley advises people to get medical advice if they are on medication or have other serious medical conditions. It's not a diet that will suit everyone, and you may need to pick a good time to start it. It may not be a good diet for you at all if you have or have previously had an eating disorder; the 800 calories is only meant to be for a few weeks, though, and then you use these principles to build a life-long maintenance plan that suits you.
If you're not diabetic or in those other groups, trying this probably won't hurt you, but you may be better off with his 5:2 diet instead. If you like the 5:2 diet, and you're a completist or a nerd, you may want to look at this as well. This book is more recent than the 5:2 book, so it has more up-to-date information in it. (I have to point out, the information on the benefits of drinking small amounts alcohol have just been overturned by a large-scale study, so that part of this book is already outdated.)
There were a couple of problems with the book: Mosley is sometimes painfully urban, wealthy, and so middle class it made me wince. He assumes people have a certain income level, access to smartphones and the internet, access to medical experts and tests, a certain kind of lifestyle, and so on. He does try to offer cheaper, quicker, easier options for people who may have difficulties.
There's also a chapter on mental health that is nice to see, but not that helpful. He recommends mindfulness or meditation, and acknowledges problems like emotional eating can really affect people. He mostly skims the surface of that area, so if you have serious mental health issues, you may need to look for other books or resources as well.
In the interests of full disclosure: I wrote this review after I finished the book, but I haven't actually tried the diet and exercise regime yet. I plan to re-read it to make a plan, go through my cupboards getting rid of things, buy some others, and start properly later this month, when my life is calmer.
Obviously sweet foods are off the list: cakes, biscuits, sweets, ice-cream, etc. And vegetables and protein are good for you, especially if you cook them yourself. I like it because it puts some fatty foods back on the list of things you can eat: nuts, eggs, cheese, full-fat milk, butter. I dislike it because it takes many things off the list (because your body turns carbs into sugars): potatoes, rice, pasta, crackers, bread. You can still have them, but preferably brown or wholemeal versions, in smaller portions and less often.
This book is very firmly aimed at Type 2 diabetics, people with pre-diabetes, and people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, especially obese people and people with high-sugar diets full of processed food. It seems to be very effective for some of those people, letting them come off their medication and get their blood-sugar back under control very quickly, with diet and exercise alone.
It's a harsh regime at first - 800 calories a day to get the weight off fast and get the blood sugar back into normal ranges quickly - so Mosley advises people to get medical advice if they are on medication or have other serious medical conditions. It's not a diet that will suit everyone, and you may need to pick a good time to start it. It may not be a good diet for you at all if you have or have previously had an eating disorder; the 800 calories is only meant to be for a few weeks, though, and then you use these principles to build a life-long maintenance plan that suits you.
If you're not diabetic or in those other groups, trying this probably won't hurt you, but you may be better off with his 5:2 diet instead. If you like the 5:2 diet, and you're a completist or a nerd, you may want to look at this as well. This book is more recent than the 5:2 book, so it has more up-to-date information in it. (I have to point out, the information on the benefits of drinking small amounts alcohol have just been overturned by a large-scale study, so that part of this book is already outdated.)
There were a couple of problems with the book: Mosley is sometimes painfully urban, wealthy, and so middle class it made me wince. He assumes people have a certain income level, access to smartphones and the internet, access to medical experts and tests, a certain kind of lifestyle, and so on. He does try to offer cheaper, quicker, easier options for people who may have difficulties.
There's also a chapter on mental health that is nice to see, but not that helpful. He recommends mindfulness or meditation, and acknowledges problems like emotional eating can really affect people. He mostly skims the surface of that area, so if you have serious mental health issues, you may need to look for other books or resources as well.
In the interests of full disclosure: I wrote this review after I finished the book, but I haven't actually tried the diet and exercise regime yet. I plan to re-read it to make a plan, go through my cupboards getting rid of things, buy some others, and start properly later this month, when my life is calmer.
August 26, 2024
How to rate this? I can't rate it scientifically, I find it a bit sparse in some details (on drinks, all it says is alcohol is good in moderation, juice and smoothies are out), but on the other hand, boy is it motivating. I want to do it, despite not being diagnosed with high blood sugar (not tested) because I want the fat to drain out of my liver and pancreas (if there is any in there). My cholesterol levels are up, and how much of that is due to a B12 deficiency I just don't know. I want them down.
November 7, 2016
I read this book way back in February 2016, so why am I reviewing it in November? Well, seems to me the best evidence of a diet book’s validity is a personal test. And I can say that this one definitely worked for me!
The book is aimed at individuals in danger of becoming type 2 diabetes sufferers and is subtitled ‘How to Prevent and reverse Type 2 Diabetes (and Stay Off Medication)’. I was never ‘obese’, but my BMI (body mass index) suggested I might become a candidate for type 2 diabetes. It was clearly time to do something about that.
The book is divided into three sections: ‘The Science’, ‘The Diet’ and ‘Recipes and Menu Plans’. The science is well explained and reasons are provided for weight gain, weight loss, and the dangers of being overweight and advantages of reducing that heaviness. The diet is clearly described and easily followed. And the recipes provided give clues about the sort of meals/food that can be safely consumed.
Dr Mosley is a well-respected medical doctor who has made many TV documentaries for the BBC. He has a proven track record and frequently subjects himself to various experimental treatments to determine whether they’re safe and whether they work. In the case of this diet, he responded to the fact that he was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic by using his knowledge and experience to set about developing a method of defeating the condition and preventing its re-appearance. He was successful and no longer needs medication; he is, in fact, no longer a type 2 diabetic.
The information in the book is given in easily understood and absorbed sections. The motivation is clear. The effects of such dieting are spelled out plainly. And I can tell you that the diet works!
I lost 10 kilograms (22 pounds, or 1 stone and 8 pounds) while on the diet. And I’ve maintained my weight at a safe level since. So, the book does what it says. If you’re overweight and having difficulty losing those extra inches and pounds, have a look at this plan and try it.
The book is aimed at individuals in danger of becoming type 2 diabetes sufferers and is subtitled ‘How to Prevent and reverse Type 2 Diabetes (and Stay Off Medication)’. I was never ‘obese’, but my BMI (body mass index) suggested I might become a candidate for type 2 diabetes. It was clearly time to do something about that.
The book is divided into three sections: ‘The Science’, ‘The Diet’ and ‘Recipes and Menu Plans’. The science is well explained and reasons are provided for weight gain, weight loss, and the dangers of being overweight and advantages of reducing that heaviness. The diet is clearly described and easily followed. And the recipes provided give clues about the sort of meals/food that can be safely consumed.
Dr Mosley is a well-respected medical doctor who has made many TV documentaries for the BBC. He has a proven track record and frequently subjects himself to various experimental treatments to determine whether they’re safe and whether they work. In the case of this diet, he responded to the fact that he was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic by using his knowledge and experience to set about developing a method of defeating the condition and preventing its re-appearance. He was successful and no longer needs medication; he is, in fact, no longer a type 2 diabetic.
The information in the book is given in easily understood and absorbed sections. The motivation is clear. The effects of such dieting are spelled out plainly. And I can tell you that the diet works!
I lost 10 kilograms (22 pounds, or 1 stone and 8 pounds) while on the diet. And I’ve maintained my weight at a safe level since. So, the book does what it says. If you’re overweight and having difficulty losing those extra inches and pounds, have a look at this plan and try it.
October 11, 2017
Even before reading this book I was working on cutting down my sugar intake! I now appreciate the importance of doing so.
I am now more conscious of the dangers of too much sugar and although I did not feel the need to rigorously carry out the diet recommendations. I like to think that having lived in Italy for many years that I already have a reasonably healthy diet and I try to lead an active lifestyle.
My personal feelings are that too much of so many things are not healthy for us, so I try to be moderate in all my eating habits. I do still eat bread, pasta rice and potatoes but much less than I used to!
I would recommend this as a worthwhile read to any one interested in a healthy lifestyle not just those worried about being overweight and the dangers of diabetes.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
I am now more conscious of the dangers of too much sugar and although I did not feel the need to rigorously carry out the diet recommendations. I like to think that having lived in Italy for many years that I already have a reasonably healthy diet and I try to lead an active lifestyle.
My personal feelings are that too much of so many things are not healthy for us, so I try to be moderate in all my eating habits. I do still eat bread, pasta rice and potatoes but much less than I used to!
I would recommend this as a worthwhile read to any one interested in a healthy lifestyle not just those worried about being overweight and the dangers of diabetes.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
March 24, 2018
I thought this was an interesting read. It is pleasing that people are finding other ways around treating illnesses and not just taking medications. I do not suffer from pre diabetes or iverweight but I feel sluggish and think that my body could go through a bit of a change. After watching my step father pass away who had diabetes and was going to have his toes amputated It makes me inspired to change my havits so I do not fall in the same biat. After reading this and seeing the author live and speak will definitely give this way of eating a go.
I also liked the fact there were photos aswell as recipes of the foods to eat.
I also liked the fact there were photos aswell as recipes of the foods to eat.
November 5, 2016
This book gives hope and emphasizes that each one of us has a big responsibility when it comes to our health and wellness. The research and stories are interesting and motivational but the recipes seem just complicated and not very tasty. I will do my own dishes but try to stay Medi.
March 6, 2017
I wish just reading this book was enough to make me lose weight!!! It's a very easy to read explanation of the science behind a very low calorie (low carb but not low fat) diet and how it can really help your blood sugar levels. There are also same great recipes included as well as exercise tips.
May 18, 2017
Very good advice and recommended to me by my GP Surgery. The book tells you to use a Blood Monitor but my surgery say they wont provide the strips and needles ..... hmmm.... written in a simplistic and easy to understand the science part way.
March 5, 2018
Ik zal maar beginnen met te zeggen dat ik een fan ben van Michael Mosley. De documentaires die hij maakt voor de BBC zijn altijd fantastisch. En dit boek volgt helemaal zijn stijl: helder uitgelegd en met heel veel studies om zijn claims te ondersteunen. Net als in zijn documentaires, speelde hij ook voor dit boek zelf proefkonijn. Hij kon zo zijn diabetes type 2 genezen.
Ik heb door het lezen van dit boek een duidelijker beeld van wat prediabetes is en wat de oorzaken én gevolgen zijn. Moest je zelf met een vermoeden zitten dat je insulinewerking een verstoord is, dan kan ik dit boek ten zeerste aanraden omdat het allemaal zo helder wordt uitgelegd.
Soit. Er begon zich tijdens het lezen van dit boek een plan te vormen en nu is het een kwestie van dat plan verder uit te werken en er mee aan de slag te gaan. To be continued.
Ik heb door het lezen van dit boek een duidelijker beeld van wat prediabetes is en wat de oorzaken én gevolgen zijn. Moest je zelf met een vermoeden zitten dat je insulinewerking een verstoord is, dan kan ik dit boek ten zeerste aanraden omdat het allemaal zo helder wordt uitgelegd.
Soit. Er begon zich tijdens het lezen van dit boek een plan te vormen en nu is het een kwestie van dat plan verder uit te werken en er mee aan de slag te gaan. To be continued.
October 22, 2018
Книгата е посветена на откритието на Нюкасълския университет, според което ако диабетици тип 2 се подложат на 8 седмична много нискокалорична диета (800 калории на ден), диабетът им се оказва обратим. В първата си част книгата обяснява от научна гледна точка защо този метод работи, втората част се спира върху практическото приложение, а в последната има рецепти за нискокалорични ястия.
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January 20, 2019Sooooo..... I do feel inspired and encouraged. At the same time 90% of the recepies are useless to me because I can´t get the indregients where I live.
Rating to be added later..... once I try all this :D
Rating to be added later..... once I try all this :D
February 9, 2025
Nothing groundbreaking is said in this book, but it is presented with the customary charm and straight-to-the-point attitude from Michael Mosley, just like he did in his BBC programmes. To some extent I found the book quite convincing and inspiring to do a little change in my life.
February 12, 2018
This book and diet is excellent. My doctor recommended it to me to lose some weight. It has been the only diet that has worked for me, and I have tried many diets.
January 2, 2019
Having just been told I have pre-diabetes my doctor recommended this book for research.
I have watched some of Michael's documentaries, and his book is like his shows- very well explained, with science ( and personal experience) to back up his hypothesis.
Lots of food for thought here and quite inspiring. I have bought the companion recipe book ( although this is not really needed) as this book has a diet plan, and there is a website to assist you with your journey.
Only day two into this diet and so far so good :)
I have watched some of Michael's documentaries, and his book is like his shows- very well explained, with science ( and personal experience) to back up his hypothesis.
Lots of food for thought here and quite inspiring. I have bought the companion recipe book ( although this is not really needed) as this book has a diet plan, and there is a website to assist you with your journey.
Only day two into this diet and so far so good :)
January 6, 2018
The book is very repetitive. The diet and activities to burn calories can fit into just a few pages. The author sites the relevant research well. Rest of the book is nothing but Mediterranean food recipes (it would have been better if the food recipes catered to a larger audience). This diet works.
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