ISBN:  0-7573-0235-1

The following review was contributed by: Kathryn Atwood: Click Here To View More Of Kathryn's Reviews

Because The Gold Coast Cure claims to create a “health and body makeover” in five short weeks, a quick scan at the title may give the impression that the book is just another faddish weight loss book. Not so. Definitely not so. Although it claims to have the power to slim the strict follower of the plan, much of the books is just plain, common, dietary sense. We are to avoid empty carbs (i.e., those made with refined flour and sugar), but healthy carbs found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables are a big yes.

Some of the facts in the book, however, were new to me. Although I try to keep current on health issues, I like junk-food crackers as much as the next person (as long as they have whole wheat flour in them); that is, until I read this book and was alerted to the dangers of “trans fats.” Did you know that hydogenated oils, have, well, hydrogen in them? You’d think that an English Major would have caught the connection, but I’ve munched on tasty, hydrogen-laden crackers for years in blissful ignorance. No more! Trans fats are more dangerous than cholesterol and saturated fats; the reason for the difference is that there are safe levels for the two latter, but none for trans fats. Although the two heavyweight trans fat items are margarine and vegetable shortening, hydrogenated oils (and partially hydrogenated oils) lurk everywhere, especially in processed foods and should be, according to this book, avoided at all costs. I’m going to miss those crackers.

If you only read the first few chapters, you will be in a great position to improve your health, but The Gold Coast Cure does so much more, it is almost like having an in-home nutritionist. There is also a section on revamping your panty, suggested exercises (with an accompanying DVD), suggested supplements, and, best of all, recipes.

Containing much information, yet written in a thoroughly readable style,The Gold Coast Cure could not have come at a better time for an America is in the throes of a diet-related health crisis. Anyone wishing to improve their health simply and naturally will do well to read this book.