I just finished reading the book entitled, “The DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution” by Marla Heller, MS, RD  and I must say that I’m absolutely impressed.  The author, Martha Heller, a registered dietician in private practice and at a naval hospital outpatient nutrition clinic, provides a simple step-by-step 2 week plan for losing 10 lbs.  She ensures that you will not only reduce your weight, but improve your overall health.

My interest was spurred to read this book after my mother challenged me to start adding book reviews to my blog.  I’m grateful for her suggestion because I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Furthermore, my interest was sparked because the author stated, “You can lose 10 lbs in 2 weeks.”  She provided valuable research based findings on combating heart disease and diabetes as well.  The DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution will ultimately help reduce your weight, lower your blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and reduce risks of developing diabetes or kidney stones.

As I paged through the 2 week plan and recipes that the author included, I realized that this was something that I could do successfully.  Mostly because it includes meals and snacks that I normally eat on a regular basis.  It doesn’t list those foods that I normally will not enjoy eating and leave me feeling like I’m starving.

There are 2 phases to the diet.  Phase 1 reboots your body and appetite.  You phase out starchy foods and concentrate on protein and veggies.  No fruit in this phase as well.  Phase 2 then slowly incorporates items back into your meal plan in a healthy and sustainable way.  The diet involves “preparing meals and snacks that are satisfying and actually help to curb hunger.”

Candidates for the DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution include the following:

• individuals who carry excess weight around the middle
• individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure (see your physician for assistance)
• individuals diagnosed with diabetes (see your physician for assistance)
• individuals who are sick and tired of yo-you dieting
• individuals who desire to take preventive measures to reduce risks of developing high blood pressure and diabetes

So, forget about the junk food, refined grains and overeating.  These will just make you stay hungry, crave the unhealthy foods and keep excess weight on your body.

List of things to avoid:

• refined grains
• junk food
• skipping meals

List of things to enjoy:

• healthy fats (e.g. nuts) they help keep you sustained especially in the late afternoons right before dinner.
• fruits and veggies
• cooking new recipes
• meal planning
• meal prepping

I now enjoy grocery shopping, reading labels and of course my all time favorite thing to do, COOKING!

I enjoy planning my meals followed by meal preparation for the entire week.

I recommend that you download this book or purchase it at your local bookstore.  You won’t be disappointed!  I finished reading this book in 2 days so that’s an indication that you won’t be able to put it down once you pick it up.

Peace and Love