THE GOOD: The authors encourage the reader to eat healthy foods such as whole grains and lean meats. Also promoted are several small meals throughout the day, rather than 1 or 2 large meals. The authors also believe that exercise is good and should help with weight control and health; however, they are quick to point out one of them has successfully kept off 20 pounds and has never exercised (these are doctors, right?).

THE BAD: The authors suggest that eating fruits with other foods causes delayed stomach emptying and increased insulin levels. Admirable as it may sound, food combining has no merit. Weight loss may occur as a result of eliminating sugar, but not because sugar is toxic, but because it contains calories. Sugar Busters! diet plans average 1,200 calories, enough to cause weight loss in most individuals, not as groundbreaking as the cover’s jacket will have you believe.

THE UGLY: The book will have you believing that foods such as potatoes, corn, carrots and beets are toxic too! Yes, these foods are high in carbohydrates, but they’re also full of cancer protective and heart protective nutrients. No foods should be forbidden; all foods have a place in a balanced diet if eaten in moderation. One major flaw found in the book was a statement concerning Coffeemate. Coffeemate is not allowed in the Sugar Busters! plan because the authors claim it is high in coconut oil, a source rich in cholesterol. This is simply not true. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which may in turn raise your cholesterol, but it does not contain cholesterol itself.