While there are now many books out on the so-called glycemic index (GI), most of these pretty much miss the point that the low-GI approach to eating, while better than the usual, is still inadequate. By itself, relying on only the glycemic index misses some important issues in postprandial responses to various carbs. What really counts, regarding the postprandial state, is the glycemic LOAD of one's carbs. Dr. Thompson has done his research homework and explains the scientific rationale for the GL approach to controlling postprandial insulin spikes, and does so probably better than anyone else I've read. That's why readers here are so enthusiastic about the book. They should be; the low-GL approach to (lifelong) eating not only produces great results in terms of blood sugar, it balances some of the defects of a purely low-carb approach to eating. And, it gives more variety to low-carb-conscious folks who want to include things like fruit and legumes but are afraid to do so. Probably the best part, though, is that if you choose your food choices wisely and control the post-prandial spikes, you don't need to reduce your food intake; in fact, "diets" don't work long-term anyway. Eating heartily while still taking the weight off is a novel concept to many but it has been proven in the research.

But let's talk a minute about the critics of the GI/GL approach to carbs. This, surprisingly, includes a majority of the medical profession, many of whom are still 30 years behind the research. In fact, one could (quite accurately, unfortunately) go so far as to say that if someone wanted real advice on what to eat and nutrition in general, the last place they should probably go is their family doctor. That one nutrition course they had in med school 35 years ago, if they had any at all, unfortunately isn't enough. It gets worse. As one on-target cardiologist prominent on the web remarks, whose name I won't give here, if you want to increase your chances of getting diabetes, just follow the ridiculous carb advice still given by the American Diabetes Association; and if you want to increase your chances of getting heart attacks, just follow the current dietary advice of the AHA. These drug-company-dominated groups aren't exactly following the Hippocratic Oath very well ("first, do no harm"), but then again, it's hard to give up perks like free fancy hotels, fine dining, and other extravagant perks enjoyed by MDs attending seminars given by the big drug companies...But I'll leave that soapbox alone.

The low-GL approach to eating (I didn't say "diet", diets don't work) is the middle road between extreme low-carb and extreme low-fat advice, and it's the most reasonable way for most people to go. That includes about
all of us, not just the 25% of so estimated to have metabolic syndrome. This is an important point. Pretty much everybody has decreased ability to handle dietary sugars as we age throughout life; it's one of the unavoidable physiological negatives of getting older. Hence, the low-GL way of life not only makes sense for the insulin-resistant folks, it makes sense for everyone. The only thing I would add here to Dr. Thompson's book is that one can tweak this plan in various ways he doesn't mention much of. Various supplements are quite a help, and some pleasant food items like 1-2 glasses of red wine daily with dinner can really boost one's insulin sensitivity (wine is kind of glossed over in the book). Oh well. Next edition, I expect this cardiologist to include a section praising the virtues of raising a glass or two...Cheers!

I'm insulin resistant and the books I read about insulin resistance & the glycemic index (different from glycemic load) years ago never mentioned slow twitch muscles or starch. I've been "slow twitch" walking every other day and I'm at about 80% on my food choices. I lost two pounds in the first week. I plan to increase my frequency of walking and become completely starch, pop & refined carb free! This book has provided a lot of answers for me in the food/mood/craving/weight gain connection. I'm back today to buy one for my mom who is diabetic. I highlighted the entire book on the first read and intend to start reading it again tomorrow - it's been a godsend in keeping me on track because it explains really well WHY carbs, starches and slow twitch muscles work the way they do. The recipes weren't really for me, but I would not hesitate to suggest this book for the rest of it's content. It's made me feel like I have control again. Love it!!

I was so impressed with this book, I purchased a number of them and gave them out as gifts. What an awakening. It was easy to read and follow. This book has changed our whole lifestyle. Thank's to Dr. Thompson for writing this book.

The book provides some information regarding the GL approach to dieting but the values it publishes for Glycemic load are not supported by ANY OTHER SOURCE available to the average reader (i.e. the internet). As a result the reader is left wondering how to follow the plan when the numbers given in the book are not supported by other nutritional sources. Sadly, the only reference given for additional sources of GL values is the author's own website.

I do not give evaluations of books very often, but this is an exception. Dr. Thompson has written a very easy to read and understand book that clarifies the Glycemic Index/Load and provides a sensible plan for weight loss based on the glycemic load and moderate exercise. His formula for determining the GL is a bit different from most other sources, but if you just remember to multiply other's figures by 10 or divide his by 10 you will be real close. In addition to a very readable book, Dr. Thompson is a very approachable author. I, and several others on a website that I frequent, have sent him emails to ask questions. Guess What!! He actually responds to our emails and answers our questions. Truly remarkable. A great book, a great plan that works for the present and the long term.

Thanks to THE GLYCEMIC LOAD DIET, I am comfortably wearing clothes that I haven't been able to wear in ages! It's been painless to lose what now amounts to 15 pounds and keep it off -- and keep going. Dr. Thompson's book is very readable with just enough science to explain what makes the plan work. It's not a big deal -- more like a tune-up of your eating habits. Beyond the simple basic eating plan, there are practical strategies on how to balance your metabolism to stay on track, especially when eating out in restaurants. Beware of the bread basket! I love his explanation of the slow-twitch muscles, how to activate them, and the role they play in weight loss. The book has about 100 pages of unbelievably good low glycemic load recipes. My favorites (so far) are Molly's Chicken Tonnato Salad, Asian Asparagus Vinaigrette, and Raspberry Studded Mini Cheesecakes with Pignoli Crust. Obviously I highly recommend THE GLYCEMIC LOAD DIET!

An interesting and informative read, but for beginning a low-glycemic-load eating pattern I would have preferred more specific guidance on recipes and foods.

I love this book! I recommend it to everyone I know. It really explains the lastest research on diets. I could never stay on a low fat diet. I had good sucess on atkins but didn't like how restrictive it could be, I still had cravings. I love this diet, it really makes sense. As someone who has a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, keeping a healthy diet is very important. This diet is one I will be able to stay on as a lifestyle change. Love, love, love it!

I have spent a lot of time reading and researching low carb diets. While this does not make me an expert, I have learned a lot over the years. I've studied Atkins, South Beach Diet, the Zone Diet, Protein Power, and others. I've posted hundreds of messages upon bulliten boards discussing the best way to eat healthy, exercise and lose weight.

Rob Thompson's Glycemic Load Diet book takes the most effective parts of the various low carb and low starch diets and puts it together in a clear and concise manner. This book does not necessarily define a diet as it does describe a way of eating that is easy to follow and effective for weight loss.

The Glycemic Index ranks foods by their effects upon your blood sugar. However it is only the glycemic load that takes into account the serving size when measuring the effects of foods on our bodies. Rob Thompson's book explains the importance of glycemic load and how it can be used to ensure your blood sugar levels remain stable.

The simple fact is that most low carbohydrate plans go too far in restricting foods. This book simply advises that you refrain from eating starchy food such as breads, potatoes, and rice. The book advocates eating proteins, vegetables and fruits as staples of your meals and even gives practical advice on how to have dessert without sabatoging your blood sugar.

Who should read this book? Everyone. Literally everyone can benefit from the practical knowledge of the effects of various foods and how to temper them. Rob Thompson's advice is simple yet powerful: avoid foods that will make you fat, exercise at least once every 48 hours (walking for 40 minutes is ideal), and see how over time your body will become healthy. The weight will come off slowly but surely; anywhere from 1 to 2 pounds a week can be expected.

I am personally following this way of life and love how easy and satisfying it is to follow. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. It may not be magic, but it could save your life.

Now that the media has jumped off the low-carb bandwagon and has resorted to bashing it to no end, they are desperately looking for another diet plan to embrace. What's interesting is that most of these "new" diet plans are nothing more than just an advanced look at the low-carb lifestyle.

From the glycemic index to the glycemic load of foods, it can all be very confusing. That's where Dr. Rob Thompson's "The Glycemic Load Diet" book comes into play.

Dr. Thompson, a board-certified cardiologist for nearly three decades and author of "The New Low Carb Way Of Life", believes that too many of the diet books focus heavily on the glycemic index while all but ignoring the glycemic load.

The glycemic load does more than look at what is in the foods you eat, but also in the serving size that it comes in. As Dr. Thompson puts it, "Low carb dieting suddenly becomes a pleasure" when you take into account the glycemic load.

"The Glycemic Load Diet" does something very important for any effective and permanent weight loss plan -- the book encourages exercise at least every other day that will not harm your body and will keep your insulin levels stablized and ultimately get you slim and trim. Too many other diet plans out there brag about not needing any exercise, but that is a sure-fire way to sabotage your weight loss plan.

The crux of "The Glycemic Load Diet" is around hormonal imbalance and how it causes people to crave foods they just don't need to eat. Dr. Thompson identifies what those "toxic" foods are that cause the cravings (HINT: sugar, white flour, starchy and processed foods -- sound familiar anyone?) and shows you how to eliminate those foods forever so the cravings go away.

"The Glycemic Load Diet" is divided into three distinct parts focusing on various aspects of your plan for success: Understanding Insulin Resistance, The Glycemic Load Diet And The Slow-Twitch Muscle Activation Plan (very interesting concept!), and Proven Strategies To Balance Your Metabolism And Stay On Track.

While what you read about in "The Glycemic Load Diet" is certainly friendly to people who are livin' la vida low-carb, Dr. Thompson believes the science behind insulin resistance has moved beyond what Dr. Robert C. Atkins has previously written about. That's why he believes people should pay attention to the glycemic load.

Dr. Thompson contends that people who reduce their glycemic load will not only lose weight, but will also lose their desire for starchy and sugary carbohydrates which cause spikes in your blood glucose and ultimately weight gain. However, he contends that "sugar can be your ally" in weight loss because it can stimulate your tastebuds. I don't think so! Sugar is very addictive and can lead some people who cannot control their urge to eat more and more of it to go overboard. With all due respect to Dr. Thompson, that part of his diet is not very wise.

Finally, "The Glycemic Load Diet" discusses fat, cholesterol, and other factors in keeping your metabolism in check for permanent weight control. Of course, Dr. Thompson shares a few of his favorite recipes to get you off on the right foot to begin this new way of eating. There's even a glycemic load food chart in the back of the book so you can follow your progress in your lifestyle change.

In the end, Dr. Thompson says it may not be your fault if you are overweight because of your family history of insulin resistance. But he did say "The Glycemic Load Diet" is "something you CAN do" to change that now.

If you've tried every other low-carb diet plan and none of them made sense, then perhaps the glycemic load concept will be just what you need to lose weight and get healthy. I'm sure Dr. Thompson would agree with me that there is hope for you as long as you apply sound scientific research to your life. That's what "The Glycemic Load Diet" is all about.

I've read this book 5 times, cover to cover. No other book makes so much sense, no other way of eating made me feel so good. I have been a fan of Dr. Atkins since 1972 and thought his diet was the only one that would work for me.

Dr. Thompson gives Dr. Atkins his well-deserved credit, but uses further research into insulin resistance to create a way of eating that incorporates fruits, most vegetables and nuts from the first day to the end of your life. All you want. No counting of anything. Did you get that? NO COUNTING OF ANYTHING.
And you can eat chocolate and sugar in small quatities, and after a meal. I thought I could never eat my beloved chocolate covered almonds again. Now I eat two or three every night.

I feel free. I don't have to worry about where I go to eat. I don't have to spend time feeling guilty about my every little mis-step and how it will set me back a week. I don't worry that carbs snuck out of the potatoes into the juice of that wonderful pot roast! I don't measure portions diligently and more precisely than a scientist measuring his chemicals.

This book is probably the most important I will ever read in my life.

Having metabolic syndrome, I bought several books about this and sent everything back accept the Glycemic-Load Diet. I am an avid reader and want to know the science before I can accept something. It is ALL HERE! Dr. Thompson explains it all clearly and in such an interesting way. I cannot believe how easy it is and how fast it works. My daughter is forensic scientist and was very impressed with it. This is already changing my life. I have been losing and gaining the same five pounds for the last six months. Now I know why. Now I am on top of it. Finally. Thank you, Dr. Thompson.

This is a revision of my first review of this book, which is now removed. Why revise it? Because my first review just didn't do it justice.

Quite simply stated, this is the best book on glycemic load out there, and can benefit you whether you are overweight, have diabetes, heart disease, or just plain want to cut your carbohydrates. I could go on and on like I did in my first review, but in doing so I think I took away from the main attraction: All you need to know is that this is written by a doctor who talks to you like you are a friend and not a patient, you follow simple guidelines without counting any carbohydrates or calories, etc., and the guidelines are simple and make sense!

This is the most common-sense, user-friendly book ever written on the topic of glycemic load. Just read it!