by Ron Rosedale, MD and Carol Colman

HarperResource, September, 2004.
Hardcover, 336 pages.
ISBN: 0060565721

Dr. Ron Rosedale, a metabolic and nutrition expert who practices in Denver, Colorado, believes that the hormone leptin is the culprit which must be controlled if one is to lose weight and avoid adult onset diabetes. Leptin regulates appetite and one's ability to lose weight, according to Dr. Rosedale. Unlike Atkins, The Rosedale diet discourages eating animal fat, and instead promotes the eating of heart-healthy high-fat foods, such as olive oil, salmon and nuts. It also discourages processed starches, sugars, grains, cow's milk, legumes, and encourages the eating of non-starchy vegetables. There's no need to strictly count calories.

The book is divided into two parts: first the science behind the diet is explained, then the reader is given the way to put the diet into practice. Supplements are suggested, and there are some delicious recipes included, such as Dilled Salmon With Fresh Asparagus, Lasagna, Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese on Manna From Heaven Bread and Turkey Sausage With Poached Eggs. The only controversial part of the book is Rosedale's prohibition against eating any grains -- even whole wheat grains or oatmeal -- for the first three weeks of the diet, on the grounds that they convert to sugar in the body. (Dr. Andrew Weil disputes the notion that whole grain breads are bad for one, for example.) Basically, one is told to avoid sugar altogether. The Rosedale Diet is a good option for those who are disillusioned with Atkins and The South Beach Diet. And even if you don't follow the regime strictly, the book is worth buying for the interesting discussion of leptin and supplements and for the recipes.

The Rosedale Diet is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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This review was published in the September-October, 2004 of The Internet Writing Journal.

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