The South Beach Diet by Arthur S. Agatston M.D. (2003, Hardcover)

This diet book works, if you are willing to strictly follow it. The first two weeks are the hardest, as the body adjusts to the withdrawl of carbohyrates, the demon in Dr. Agatston's world order of "do's" and "don'ts" for the prospective dieter. But the rational is sound as Agatston is able to back up his diet with some common sense science.

Unlike Orstein's diet regime with its extreme requirements, (aimed primarily at people with heart problems), or other diet fads, South Beach is sensible about our love of carbs, especially sweets, and therefore, the dieting person can gradually work some treats back into his or her weekly menu. Hence, eating doesn't end up looking like a task or chore, as with Orstein's diet, or some of the fad diet regimes.

The book laid out well, readable, and will keep the dieting person on course without having too many hoops to jump through. The pay off is weight loss, which is ganranteed, as I, the reviewer have tried the South Beach diet, and lost thirty pounds over the course of months. The key is sticking to the diet, which, in the end, involves the dieter's will power, always the bottom line, whatever diet one chooses to go with to loss weight.