Curves : Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting

by Gary Heavin, Carol Colman

The power to amaze in 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week. Two million women have discovered Gary Heavin's secret to permanent weight loss at more than six thousand Curves fitness and weight-loss centers around the country. In thirty minutes, three times a week—and without a restrictive diet—many have been able to take off the weight and keep it off for good. The Curves

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Health, Diets

323 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2003

Reviews

[Patricia]

This was a good book, incorporating exercise, and healthy eating. In some ways it was easier than most plans, but mostly it made me wish there was a Curves location near me!
The Metabolic Tune-Up was interesting, but again, hard to manage on one's own.

[Ajoke · Rating 3 out of 5]

My actual rating for this book is 3 & 1/2 stars because it was not a bad read. Though filled with pretty much the same information on nutrition as any other diet book, I like the different approach to dieting. Heavin's theory is fascinating and believable. No miracle pills, just very hard work. There are two types of diets, the calorie or the carbohydrate sensitive. There is also a test to determine which diet suits you best.

The book is filled with great straightforward information on fats, carbs and proteins. There is also a whole chapter dedicated to vitamins, minerals and other supplements to enhance weight loss, a 5 week meal plan for the calorie sensitive and the carbohydrate sensitive diets. A few starter recipes, shopping lists and various charts to track your meals and weight loss progress.

The only downside to this diet is that I cannot imagine getting by on only 20g of carbohydrates a day (even if it's only for two weeks). What the heck would I be eating? Leaves? I mean he has a pretty descent meal plan for each type of dieter (calorie or carb sensitive) but I can't imagine it being enough food for anyone. And I cannot realistically say that I am anxious to give it a try. I'm working up the courage though and will update this review if and when I do try it.

[Ladiibbug · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard for me to rate this book as I'm not qualified from a health or medical standpoint to give an informed opinion on the recommended diets.

First, the book was orig. published in 2003. I need to look for more current books.

Assuming (and that's a big assumption - see below) the recommended eating programs are medically sound, the book provides lots of good info. But again, I've read conflicting info from more credible sources, so ... ? IF you want to subscribe to the eating programs offered, the book makes it very easy with tons of sample menus, shopping lists, blank pages.

My biggest concern is the high protein/low carb diet. Lean proteins are emphasized, but the low carb aspect seems way out of the norm. A daily total of 60 grams of carbs? 1/2 cup of pinto beans = 20 grams! One serving of grape nuts cereal = 38 grams!

The carbs allowed must be the good complex carbs, but still.

This sounds similar to the Atkins Diet and isn't an eating program that seems to fit into what is generally recommended by Dr.'s and weight loss professionals.

[Isabelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the theory of combining strength training with aerobics. But this particular method in practice: weighing yourself every day? Yikes! I also don't agree with cutting calories down to 1500 right off the bat, especially if you're extremely overweight. Plus I don't like exercising with bands, I feel you don't get as good a "whole muscle" workout as you would using hand weights.

In short, just not the method for me.

[Carol Nain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it and am reading it again

[Hind · Rating 4 out of 5]

so far it's great, it really helps you understand many of our diet mistakes.