October 25, 2004
Bestselling endocrinologist Schwarzbein (The Schwarzbein Principle
; The Schwarzbein Principle II: The Transition
) expands on familiar topics in her third book touting her health and weight-loss plan. Schwarzbein's philosophy is that good health should precede weight loss, which is not the goal but the natural outcome of achieving a healthy metabolic system and body. While we can't control genetic aging, Schwarzbein says, we can control metabolism. To do so, she suggests readers follow her five-step program, which prescribes healthy eating, stress management, tapering off such toxic chemicals as nicotine and alcohol, cross-training exercises and hormone replacement therapy for those who need it. While many of Schwarzbein's recommendations aren't groundbreaking (e.g., eat whole grains and fresh vegetables), some readers may be encouraged by her insistence on eating good fats and carbs ("eating too few carbs breaks you down"), not skipping meals, not over-exercising and getting plenty of rest. Schwarzbein opts for resistance training and stretching, claiming that "overdoing" cardiovascular or stimulating exercises will damage the heart and metabolism (like eating too few carbs, it also "breaks you down"). Schwarzbein offers a moderate, balanced approach that may actually result in weight gain before weight loss kicks in. Her moderate plan is almost revolutionary in these exaggerated dieting times. (Dec.)
Forecast:
Schwarzbein already has a following, established with her first book, and that, along with an endorsement by Suzanne Somers, should start this book off strongly.
Starred review from January 15, 2005
Endocrinologist Schwarzbein's "The Schwarzbein Principle" detailed her idea of balancing metabolism to re-energize the immune system. Here she lays out a step-by-step program for integrating her system into daily living, using healthy foods, stress reduction, vitamin supplements, and the exercise trinity of aerobics, strength training, and flexibility. The popularity of the first book insures that there will be demand for this one, the third in a series.
Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.