The Rosedale Diet    by Ron Rosedale & Carol Colman Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2004 (2004) Hardcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Martina Bexte Dr. Ron Rosedale is a metabolic specialist who says that the key to his new diet is the restoration of your body's leptin level. What is leptin and why haven't we heard about it before now? Rosedale explains that 'as hormones go, leptin is the new kid on the block', first discovered in 1995. Leptin has been identified as a 'key hormone that regulates both appetite and weight loss'. Leptin is produced by fat cells and essentially tells the brain 'when to eat, how much to eat and most important, when to stop'. Rosedale stresses that 'leptin is also critical for the regulation of blood circulation, prevention of blood clots, lowering body temperature, making new bone, and aids in reproduction'. The higher your leptin level, the more likely it is that you're fighting a losing battle with weight loss. You may also be prone to other conditions associated with aging like heart disease and diabetes. Dr. Rosedale suggests that the first step in restoring your out-of-control leptin level and turning off the 'hunger switch' is to follow his 21-day diet plan. His easy-to-follow regimen is loaded with healthy fats and is low in carbohydrates and the various 'bad fats' found in so many of today's processed foods. Add 15-20 minutes of daily exercise and you could be well on your way to a slimmer body, a more youthful appearance and a longer life. Rosedale provides an 'A List' of food choices for his 3 week plan as well as a 'B List' with even more foods to choose from once you've completed those crucial 21 days. There are pages and pages of easy-to-prepare recipes that would tickle anyone's taste buds, especially if you enjoy fish and poultry, both staples of this eating plan. There's even a nice assortment of desserts like 'Raspberry Mousse Cake' and 'Ricotta Cheesecake'. Some people might shy away from Rosedale's optional Diet Supplement Program; it looks rather pricey given the large assortment of supplements required. If you're eager to try this diet but are still a little skeptical, Dr. Rosedale provides a large Reference section at the end of his book. Most titles talk about leptin, others cover such topics as the benefits of good fats and diet supplements. The book is also liberally sprinkled with case studies and testimonials from people who have tried and succeeded on 'The Rosedale Diet'. Over all, Dr. Ron Rosedale presents a very good case for his diet and for leptin's place in helping you get your weight back under control once and for all. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews