Low-Carb Dieting for Dummies® by Katherine B. Chauncey, PhD, RD

Most of us are familiar with the very popular series of fun reference books known as the "For Dummies®" books. I was curious when I found out there was one for low-carbing. Of course, I had to get a copy to review for you.

Low-Carb Dieting for Dummies® by Katherine B. Chauncey, PhD, RD (Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2004) is a 334-page guide for beginning low-carbers. It follows the traditional Dummies® format, with all the tips, references, helps, and information you would expect, with 75+ recipes distributed throughout the chapters.

My first thought when beginning to read this book is that I was not comfortable with the title using the word "Dieting," because all real low carb followers know that it's not a diet, it must be a lifestyle. So I was a little skeptical. Then I read through the Introduction and realized that this book is not a general primer for Low Carb, but Dr. Chauncey's version of a "low-carb eating plan for weight loss" designed at her clinics at the Texas Tech Medical Center. Ah, then it made more sense. Once I realized this book is her version, I could sit back and enjoy reading.

In the Introduction it states, "Unlike many other popular low-carb eating plans available today, this plan helps you control, but doesn't entirely eliminate, the intake of refined sugars and flour, and it encourages you to eat whole, unprocessed food." As I read the book, I realized it was not the basic low carb structure for my personal needs, but there is a great deal of excellent information available, and even as long as I've been learning and reviewing low-carb books, I did learn a few things.

Dr. Chauncey did a good job of covering a great deal of information and touched on the fundamentals nicely. For anyone seeking information on a more modified, healthy "whole foods" approach to low-carb (or more accurately, "moderate-carb"), I would recommend giving this book a look. Chauncey really does cover a lot of ground, from health issues, controversies, nutrition boundaries to eating, recipes, fitness, mental attitude and ultimate benefits.

Low-Carb Dieting for Dummies® is a good reference book for those who are not ready or willing to give up white sugar and white flour completely, or who are looking for a more moderate way to "do low-carb."