Title: Stop The Diet, I Want To Get Off!
Author: Lisa Tillinger Johansen, MS, RD
Publisher: J. Murray Press
ISBN: 978-0996310208
Pages: 291
Genre: Health/Nutrition/Education

Reviewed by: Carol Davala

Hollywood Book Reviews

As a registered dietician with a master’s degree in nutritional science and years of clinical and health education experience, Lisa Tillinger Johansen is all too familiar with diets, weight loss, and fads that fuel a multi-billion dollar industry. While the word “diet” often references losing weight, it also translates to what we eat and drink every day, including prescribed recommendations for certain health conditions. But for those who are looking to shed some pounds with lasting results, and avoid being held captive on the up-and-down carousel of weight loss and gain, Johansen’s “Stop The Diet, I Want To Get Off!” is a well researched and well-rounded exploration of popular diets, food crazes, and trends. More importantly this is a book with a common sense approach that points readers in the direction of healthy, balanced eating.

In the challenge of weight loss, clearly knowledge and behavioral changes are key. Johansen is quick to point out “There are lots of diets out there. Some are good. Many aren’t.” From the grapefruit and cabbage soup diets, to liquid meal replacements and fasting, celebrity endorsed products to various high protein or vegetarian based eating plans, Johansen discusses the pros and cons of each. She also includes an informative and entertaining history of several fad diets. Many of these provide little more than nutritional imbalances, bad side effects, and serious health risks.

At its core, Johansen reduces weight loss to a simple mathematical equation. Taking in more calories than you burn results in weight gain. Absorbing fewer calories than you expel equals weight loss. In this all encompassing work, here the traditional food pyramid is replaced by the author’s own version of a healthy meal plate featuring half nonstarchy vegetables, and the other half equal portions of starch and lean protein. Fruit and low-fat dairy are side additions. Johansen notes the excess of typical portion quantities and offers visuals to help readers gage appropriate serving sizes.

Simple charts provide easy comparisons for various weight loss programs. The importance of nutrition facts labels is stressed, with information that allows us to make better food decisions. Readers will also receive guidance about making wise choices in restaurants, and come away with smart shopping tips. Major components of hydration and exercise are addressed, not only in view of their overall health benefits, but particularly in application to basic weight loss efforts. The book also includes a copious listing of websites and resources that should prove a beneficial reference for readers.

Clearly quick-fix diets are not the answer. Slow and steady life style changes with improved eating habits certainly seem a more viable solution. Comprehensive and insightful, Johansen’s book is a smart choice for those tired of the never- ending, diet merry-go-rounds that bring us right back where we started. There’s a saying that knowledge is power. Here with Johansen’s solid advice and sensible approach to eating, a healthy weight goal is surely within our sights. Like the proverbial brass ring, it also appears truly obtainable.