Flavor Point Diet

Sounds pretty much like another fad diet book to me. Where it's basically the same info (fewer calories, smaller servings, yada yada) but this time the author emphasizes the flavors. I suppose eating good-tasting food is better than eating bland stuff, but it's not rocket science to learn how to use herbs and spices to jazz up your food.

I agree with Spectra. I'm through throwing good money after bad, for the same information.

I bought the book out of curiousity. I am a nutritionist and big fan of Dr. Katz. The research on sensory-specific satiety is what particularly drew me to the book in the first place, (I saw Dr. Katz on TV talking about it).

The book does come off a little gimicky and I found it difficult to relate to the testimonials. The good news is that I already eat most of the food staples in this plan and it has affirmed what I have long felt was proper nutrition for a family. I appreciated the information about the food industry's trickery above and beyond high fructose corn syrup and the like.

I will experiment with the flavor themes after my next grocery shop, however I suspect the appetite that gets in my way is due to boredom and not so much chemical stimulation. Stay tuned...I will report my findings.

My problem would be that I'm a little picky and probably wouldn't like half of the "flavours", so this wouldn't work for me or probably other picky people.

I actually just read an article about this diet in a recent issue of Health magazine. The writer and her husband tried it out for about a month, and lost absolutely nothing (she confessed that they often cheated, though). However, the writer absolutely loved the recipes and how quick and easy they are. She also really liked "Chocolate Day" ;)

OK - that does it - I am going to write a diet book too.

After this one and the Dr. Phil nonsense apparently anyone can. It doesn't seem to matter if you don't know what you are talking about and are still fat.

http://www.antiagingatlanta.com

This reminds me of another recent book, Fill Up to Slim Down. It talks about foods that are more filling for the same number of calories. The problem I have with that book is the same as I have here - don't make a whole diet out of it!

This Fill Up to Slim Down sounds like a rip-off from "Volumetrics"...

I've only found one way to lose weight. Starve and exercise.

Actually, it might be the same woman who wrote both....

I don't know, it certainly presents interesting points. I'm not about to buy this, or any, book, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who has found myself at the end of a meal (or excessive snack) wondering, "why did I just eat seven of those cookies? they weren't even that good..." Apply this to anything. Healthy and flavor-packed meals should pack more (taste) for less (portions)!

I just finished this book. It's quite interesting,BUT I can't help but feeling a little sad. I am a sweetsaholic and I just can't imagine my brain not knowing the difference between a flavor point peach flatcake and a big bowl of peach ice cream. I am going to give it a go and hope for the best. I do find the part of the book interesting about the food industry and the "hidden" food additives which keep us comming back for more.....and more....and more. I have read "Fast Food Nation" (it's referenced in the book), and I do believe that the industry has succedded in making us indeed obese. However, I really want to get healthier and use my brain when it comes to chosing food. My brain, however, loves 'junk food'. We'll see.

Hello, folks. I appreciate you all taking the time to share your thoughts about Flavor Point- thank you. I just wanted to point out that the concept on which the book is based- called 'sensory specific satiety'- is certainly not the same old thing in every diet book. While very well studied in the scientific literature, it has never before been used to assist with weight control. When flavors are spread out thoughtfully over the course of the day, you really do fill up on fewer calories. At least one of you noted that Flavor Point restricts calories- and of course that's true! Only hucksters claim you can lose weight without restricting calories, and all diets restrict calories- it's just that some don't admit it! The Flavor Point claim is that you can trim calories without being hungry, by focusing more on how flavors are spread throughout your days, meals, snacks, and foods. As at least one of you notes, the choice for dieters has long been: be heavy, or be hungry. Flavor Point truly does offer something novel, designed to fix that problem.

I sincerely hope it works well for those of you who try it. Based on a 12-week pilot test in 20 'real world' working adults with families, and comments I've had from others who have gone on the plan, I am confident it will.

Best,
David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP
Yale University School of Medicine
Author, 'The Flavor Point Diet'

So I read the article in Health magazine and was wary. Still, I liked that they raved about the recipes, so I figured I'd buy the book and give it a try. I've been on Weight Watchers since last February, lost 16 pounds, but was in a rut and with more to lose, I figured I had nothing to lose (but more weight, hopefully).

The good news is that I'm on Day 12, and I've been ENJOYING it! My husband (who has never needed to diet) hopes that I'll stay on this forever because he loves the food. He's always resented my diets in the past because I'm a gourmet cook and he suffered when I switch to preparing "diet-friendly" food. Even my 12 year old daughter (who lives on pasta) tried some of the stuff on this plan and liked it.

The better news is that the scale is finally moving again, and I just hit the 20 lb. mark.

So I have to say that for now, I'm hooked. I have more energy on this diet, I'm not hungry, and I really enjoy the food. I have fewer cravings, and when I do have one, I try to pick something "flavor friendly". I'm a little confused about what will happen once the six weeks are up, but I'll worry about that in a month. Meanwhile - here's to good eating!

If you give a moment of thought to how early men ate and thrived on this planet, this diet makes a lot of sense. The idea of eating something from each food group at each meal always struck me as unnatural.

I would imagine early man would find a source of food... like an apple tree, and eat a LOT of apples! Perhaps until he got the trots, and decided to move on! Then he might eat berries for a while, and again, only move on when the thought of another berry was so repugnant, he'd rather risk being hungry while seeking another type of food.

I honestly cannot fathom why anyone would think this diet could be anything BUT natural!

I bought the audio CD and love it. I play it in my car and it reminds me stay focused with my plan. The CD is easy to listen to and very thought provoking. The topic of 'sensory specific satiety' is not one I have herd before and it makes since. I gain and loose the same pounds over and over. This program has given me the tools to eat what I love without over eating. Thank you Dr. David L. Katz! When will you start an on-line support group?

I recently heard Dr. Katz on Wisconsin Public Radio and found him to be a well-informed and eloquent speaker. I realize that he wishes to withhold specific information about his program so that we will purchase his book, but I do not understand the philosophy of his method. What is the premise of his approach? I guess I don't understand how eating the same thing all day, even with a variety of recipes that include that ingredient, increases health benefits. I nor my family members need to lose weight as we exercise a lot and eat a lot of grains and vegs. Still, this program fascinates me. If anyone can fill me in on the specifics, I'd appreciate it.

Besides being a dance instructor I am also a child & family therapist. Many of the children & adults that I work with (in therapy) are quite overweight although they "have no money". We all know that means that the kids are left to fend for themselves, to eat a bag of Fritos, a Double Cheeseburger their uncle brings them from McDonalds, breakfast cereal or Ramen noodles, etc. every day for every meal.

These parents spend their government money on cigarettes and alcohol and other drugs. The children know this and, understandably, feel unimportant, angry, undervalued and invisible. This drives them to search for a family-type scenereo where they are appreciated and feel that they have some concrete stability, like gangs and other unhealthy social groups. Again, any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, be safe, happy & healthy!

Jules

I have always read about many diets, but have never found one that made enough since to even try. This diet actually seems logical to me. Basically, you don't seem to be cutting back on food, just calories. So, it is just a healthy way to eat. The recipes sound absolutely wonderful! With all the different flavors, it shouldn't be as boring as other diets seem. Plus, many diets aren't as healthy long term. This one seems like it is! I am willing to give it a try.

I love THE FLAVOR POINT DIET! I feel qualified to say that as I have actually read the book. Not only have I read the book but I have tried the recipes and have been on the plan and am delighted with the results. I am enjoying the delicious, easy to prepare, filling foods.
I find I have more energy, less in-between meal cravings
(can't even eat all that is allowed on the daily plan)
and I look forward to my morning visit to my scale.

My husband,a practicing Cardiologist is thrilled to, at last, have a book he can whole"heart"edly recommend to his patients. He believes the nutrition is excellent in every way, every day of the program. It offers an essential life change that is delightfully satisfying and at the same time controls his patients intake of sodium, sugar, calories, and artery clogging saturated and trans fats. He feels this diet is appropriate for everyone, at any age, and can help improve lifetime health.

I have always loved to cook but, like many cooks, always thought that more was better - more salt, more sugar - more spices. The Flavor Point Diet has reawakened my enjoyment of individual flavors - subtle flavors - and while I find myself eating less, I find myself enjoying food more. What a concept.

I wish to add one last thought and that is that while I celebrate the internet's ability to disseminate information, I am appalled by the fact that anybody with a basic knowledge of the alphabet and the ability to type can comment on a book they have obviously not read and a diet they have not tried. My advice? Put your money where your mouth is and go out and buy the book, try the plan and then,if so inclined, post an informed comment.

I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING DR. KATZ'S FLAVOR POINT NOW FOR 9 DAYS AND HAVE BEEN VERY SURPRISED THAT I AM FOLLOWING IT. I, TOO, WAS SKEPTICAL ABOUT USING ONE FLAVOR ALL DAY, BUT I HAVE FOUND THE PLAN VERY EASY TO FOLLOW AND HAVE BEEN USING THE RECIPES IN THE BOOK AND HAVE BEEN VERY WELL PLEASED WITH ALL OF THEM. I ALSO AM ATTENDING WEIGHT WATCHER MEETINGS AND THE RECIPES ARE VERY LOW POINT VALUES. I WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS PLAN.

I wanted to give you all a little personal feedback on the flavor point diet. I was one of the 20 people that that participated in the pilot test. I have been eating healthier now for 10 months. At the end of the 12 weeks, I had lost 17 pounds. My total weight loss now is 27 pounds. I am not on a diet and have never been on one! What I have done is changed the way I eat. I know that we all have heard that we need to eat "healthier" but, how many of us really know what that means or what we should be eating. This book has opened a new door for me. I now have the knowledge to live and eat healthier. I was losing the weight so easily because I was never hungry. The weight loss is great but, there are other positive results as well. In the first 12 weeks I dropped my cholesterol almost 60 points. I had also been diagnosed with I.B.S (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I could not eat salads, nuts or fruits. Popcorn was definitely off my list and so was the occasional glass of wine. My IBS was affecting my life. It was painful. I am happy to report that I have not had even 1 episode of IBS since I changed my eating lifestyle. The recipes are fantastic and very very tasty. I have taught my children that their health is important. I have now given them the tools they need to make smarter choices with what they put into their bodies. I know that they will live healthier lives.
I have been asked why I would recommend this book. My answer is simple, because if you want to live a healthier lifestyle, and enjoy tasty satisfying foods The Flavor Point Diet can guide you and educate you. This is not a "diet book" this is a change of life book.

I recently tried Flavor Point and have nothing but good things to report. I'll try to address a few concerns I've seen raised as I tell you the positives. First, Dr Katz readily states that the way to lose weight is by cutting calories and exercising. Most fads out there cut calories by cutting out major food groups (low-carb, low-fat etc) Flavor point is well balanced, nutritious, and reduces calories without cutting out a major food group. The next problem with most diets is that you get hungry on reduced calories. Flavor Point combats this through the flavor themes. Actually not boring. I think people see the idea and get turned off by the thought of "ew I can't eat apples all day" but they are really a "theme". so while you may have an apple as a snack, apple is the background flavor in other dishes. You don't really notice it. And the recipes are great. The new recipes alone made the book worth getting. I don't know if it was the flavor themes, or the increase in higher volumes food, but I can tell you that I was full after trying it. I was realy pleased with the ease of the dinners. Most of the dishes are easily prepared, in short amounts of time. Lunches do take some planning if you pack it like I do. Do it the night before, not that morning. Bottom line - If you are trying to lose weight try the plan, or if you are trying to eat healthy, the recipes alone make it wothwhile.

Just to add some comments- I have been following this way of eating and it is great- really just healthy food choices and great recipes. Exercise is mentioned and is a must! I know Dr. Katz has a site www.thewaytoeat.net but is there going to be a member site for this new book?
I really hope so, it would be a great addition.
I don't know how to get an answer... anyone know?

This is day one for me. I have a library of diet books and had stopped buying or believing in them. I saw Dr. Katz on tv and looked up information. I'm impressed and I'm hopeful. Will check in later.

FLAVOR POINT DIET - As a recent recipient of a cardiac stent, "close to my heart," as the saying goes, I am here to say that it is really a good idea to read Dr. Katz's book from cover to cover before deciding to blast it. His heart and mind are in nutrition and the extension of human life. His credentials are flawless, and his advice is sound. I trust him with my life, and I keep his FLAVOR POINT DIET within reach.

I didn't plan enough food for work the first day, so I did get hungry- should have followed directions! The food is OUTSTANDING! My appetite was down already on day two! The portions are great and pretty simple to throw together! The pineapple shrimp last night was so good, I had to share with my grandson-and I still got full! Day three and not waivering!!

Started the diet on Jan. 18th. saw the book on Good morning America. Sounded very logical, especially when finding out about how food companies add non-essential ingredients to cause me to eat want to eat more. Greedy companies are the cause of obesity in this country, greed, greed, greed. everything from cereal to fast food. I have read many labels since starting this diet on the foods that I used to eat, and it is unbelievable the amount of "junk" I was consuming and not even knowing it. Especially the trans-fatty, hydrogenated oil stuff. No wonder so many people try and cannot lose weight, and even people who are not overweight develop illness from food additives that are not needed, in order for the food companies to be able to sell more product. They do not care about people dying. I have lost 8 pounds since being on this diet, and feel much better already, and plan to continue to stay on it. My only problem with the diet is that the ingredients in the recipies in the book can realy run into a substantial amount of money. Not that good health is not worth the price, however, I do not have the money to double my food budget each month. Am going to modify the daily meal plans to leave out the expensive spices, the exotic, hard to find ingredients, and simply fix the food. Sure, it will not taste as good, but it will still be natural without the "processed" junk that I have been eating all my life. Will continue to but the extra virgin olive oil at eight dollars for a pint, because it is the only one without trans faty acids that kill. We have followed the meal plans to the letter since Jan 18th, and spent almost $400 in ten days on all of the things to prepare for each day for two people. So, even though it may not taste as good, we will stay on it and economize.

Just wanted to comment to Tom who is on the diet, liking it, planning to stay on it but is concerned about the cost. I believe that there is some investment that must be made while in the process of "restocking" your pantry with healthy, non-processed foods. Spices, once there, last a very long time and so that expense is probably a once a year (or even longer) thing. Beans can be cooked in a slow cooker and purchased inexpensively in bulk as can all uncooked grains (and cereal) cutting down not only on expenses but on the need to be a frequent shopper. The Flavor Point Diet is an investment in good health that will last a lifetime. Hang in there Tom! I'm sure you will find, as I have, that once you make the changeover and adjust to a different way of buying food, the cost will go down and the health benefits will keep going up.

I am in the 4th week of the Flavor Point Diet. I only wanted to lose 14lbs. which has been impossible for me but I have already lost 8lbs with very little exercise because of problems with my feet. I LOVE this diet!! I have NEVER found a diet where I could say I love it. I had a lot of reservations about the food but decided to try it whether it sounded good or not. And almost everything turned out to be sooo good tasting. I have always wanted to eat healthier but never knew which grains, beans and veggies to add to my meals and how. This tells you exactly how to do that and how to cook it so it tastes great. I am NOT a cook and don't like to cook but these menus are so easy. My husband said, "Who would guess that after 20 yrs. of marriage my wife would begin cooking such awesome meals." Who has ever heard of husbands loving diet food! My children weren't too crazy about it at first. We have always eatten white bread, butter, mayo, and white rice. But I have persisted. Last night I was rewarded. My daughter who was running to an activity asked that I make sure to save her some pineapple shrimp, they both ate brown rice with no comment at all and my son asked me when apple day was coming again because he wants some apple multigrain pancakes again. The amazing thing to me is that if I go off the diet, I go off in a mild manner and WANT to go back to the diet again because the food is so good. Before if I went off I splurged like crazy and then just gave up and didn't go back to the diet. I have to admit that the first two weeks I felt hungry but read that the third week would be easier and after that like all the rest of the people I don't even eat all the food. I think I will stick to this for life. I also would like to see an oline support group with more recipes!

I saw the Flavor Point Diet on GMA late last year and made the decision that my boyfriend and I would give it a try after the first of the year. I can't believe it, this is the first "new years resolution" that has ever stuck. I've never blogged before, but I'm so enthusiastic about this eating plan that I want everyone to try it. I'm 37 years old and have struggled with my weight and appetite all my life and have also had problems with low blood sugar and anemia. On Flavor Point I have lost 15 pounds and better than that, I feel energized and I'm fitting into pants that I have not been able to wear for two years. The recipes are delicious and I am rarely hungry on this plan, the snacks and meals are so frequent. I've been cooking all the meals for both myself and my boyfriend, who is enjoying the foods immensely. The hardest part for me was rearranging my busy schedule to grocery shop, cook, prepare the next day's food and work out. And I'm in agreement, this is not a cheap plan. But by gosh I feel good, I have a new bounce in my step, my skin is getting more radiant, my attitude has improved in general -- and that is well worth the time and money. Now that I'm past week six and I am "on my own" I would like more information on recommended recipe sources(are Cooking Light and Low-Fat Moosewood recipes generally good?), and I would also love to see some kind of message board to ask questions of Dr. Katz and each other. Example - there's no cous cous in the plan meals, but it seems that would be a natural grain to have with the dinners for some variety? And is there a reason there's no tofu as part of the main courses, or does it work to substitute tofu for the meats?

I decided to order the book from Amazon and give it a whirl. I am sooooo hungry on Weight Watchers and hearing that eventually you will not want all the food (and it's suppose to be tasty food at that) really caught my attention. I'm throwing out certain days, like tomato day (not a fave. of mine) and doing most of the days two days in a row to save on time. I did not find it the shopping to be anymore expensive then what I usually spend and certainly not $200 person in 10 days.

Tonight I made the cranberry muffins for breakfast tomorrow. I don't know if it my lack of baking skills or the recipe, but they were gross and they were dumped in the trash. I made the alternate, a smoothie, instead and that was very tasty. We will see how tomorrow goes.

I hope it is everything it claims to be. I'm looking to lose about 20 pounds. I will post back again to give results.

I just bought a copy of the book and am eager to try this diet. My big question is how to adapt the plan for vegetarians? Certainly many of the meals and foods are vegetarian, but what about the chicken and turkey dinners? Can I substitute tofu or beans? I can't seem to find this information anywhere--guess I'll just go ahead and experiment. Dr. Katz if you are reading this, please comment! I would think thatmany others would have this question and concern.
Thanks!

Flavor Point should be easily adapted to quasi-vegetarianism. During the first few weeks of the plan, it may be simplest to double-up on the "non-meat"
dishes, and skip those with chicken. (There are not dishes in the meal plan with beef, although we do suggest opportunities to suggest beef in for our more
carnivorous adherents.)If, however, you want to go with a chicken day, and replace the chicken, the options include:
-tofu
-fish (which fish will work well depends on the sauce/theme to some extent, but tilapia makes a good default)
-eggplant
-portobella mushrooms
-eggs (not sure this helps, if you prefer to avoid not just chickens, but their attempts at procreation as well...)
To increase protein on any day you are taking chicken or fish out, you can increase your intake of beans,lentils, nuts, seeds, and/or dairy.

Another suggestion for replacing lunch on a fruit day is to make the smoothie recommended for that particular fruit, but add 6oz of fat free yogurt (plain or Vanilla) instead of the 1 Tbsp recommended for the breakfast version to the amount of fruit in the recipe and either add some smooth tofu, or protein powder to increase the protein. It's delicious and very filling and you can make it the night before and freeze it so that when you pack it in a thermos in your insulated lunch box, it will be perfect!

Weaving this together: assess the theme days that have poultry; think which substitution is likely to work best with that flavor, and make it- if it reduces your protein intake, try to increase it a bit at other meals that day. If there is a poultry day for which no good substitute comes to mind, skip that day, pick another theme day you like, and repeat it instead.

I hope this is helpful. My thanks for sharing your impressions, and my very best wishes for your pursuit of weight loss and better health- DK

I am just finishing the firt week and there is seriously something to this!!! I have tried (and failed) on every diet under the sun. I get excited and can stand it for a few days and then invariably walk past the Reeses in the grocery store. It's like falling of the wagon, one candy and it's history. I have even "cheated" a few times this week and gone out with my kids, but haven't totally blown it when I did. I would be one who would be constantly hungry if someone told me what to eat when, but I really am not! There is something scientifically correct about this flavor thing and your brain chemistry. I plan to stick it out for a long time and I usually would be seeing the "end of the diet" by now and only hanging on by my fingernails! We had already switched to more organic foods, but I am NOT a fruit and veggie person. Give me carbs anytime! Will be looking back in here to see if others are having success, but so far I am thrilled! I just need to keep my sites on the progress and know it will take a long time. I would like to drop 100 pounds and I didn't put that on in a week......

I was concerned about going on this diet due to the large amount of salad and green veggies. I am presently on a blood thinner and I am limiting my intake of food that contains a large amount of vitamin K. I found that I do fine using big bags of chopped iceberg lettuce mixed with prechopped cabbage. Just finished my first 10 days and I have lost 8 pounds. My husband and I just love the recipes...many thanks to you Catherine. Being seniors, we eat early and I do get hungry in the evening, but lately I've been saving one of my snacks for before bed and that seems to be working.

Thanks to Catherine for the vegetarian suggestions--very helpful. I shopped for week one yesterday and am starting today, hoping to loose 10-15 pounds. I already eat lots of vegetables and whole grains so the recipes don't seem very different than what I'm used to. But I am very curious to see if restricting flavors will be the key to shedding the pounds that have crept up on me in spite of my basically healthy eating and fairly regular exercise.

My teenage son is incredulous. Raisin Day??!! Mom, what are you thinking?? Stay tuned, let's see if I can win him over.

I did find some of the health-food products hard to find or really expensive where I live, but figure I can substitute oatmeal for the dry cereals and maybe a slice of whole-wheat bread for the TLC crackers. Not as much variety maybe but easier to find and pay for.

Hello to all,
Just wanted to add my " two-cents " to the discussion about flavor point.
When I started in February, I weighed over 380 pounds, today I weigh under 350.
The food is very good and my blood sugar readings are the best they've been in many years. I have discontinued using the Novolog insulin taken with meals and greatly reduced the Lantis insulin used at bedtime.
For me this eating plan has worked when no other ( including low carb ) has given me anywhere the results.
I was searching for a surgeon to perform a gastric by-pass, but no doctor would operate on me due the fact that I have cancer. I find this plan to have anti-inflammatory benefits as well and has helped ease my symptoms of atrial fibulation.
I can only speak for myself, but this way of eating is helping me acomplish many health benefits.

I wrote earlier when I was in the 4th week. I am now in the 16th week and I have lost 20lbs. when I only planned to lose 14lbs. Infact, I cheat here and there especially on the weekends so I don't lose anymore. I have gone from a size 10 to a 6. This is the best diet I have ever been on and the first one where I have cheated and not quit because of it. I just love how healthy it is. It's just too good to stop being on it!

No one has written here since May 12? Is this diet still working for people.
I am thinking of trying it again...got a little frustrated at first, pinnapple day,aplle day, what if there are leftovers? Freeze for another day or throw away?
Different flavor everyday got a little overwhelming.
How does this diet compare to Sonoma Diet?
Anyone?

Greg asked for an update...I lost about ten pounds in 8 weeks which was fine. For the first six weeks or so I did follow the recommended diet pretty closely, making vegetarian substitutions. I was either freezing leftovers or letting the rest of my family eat them (although in truth, some things weren't all that popular.) Following the diet very closely for the first Phase (4 weeks) was a good thing for me--it got me off of old habits of snacking, taking large portions etc. Some of the meals were really surprising and there are good cooking tips, ways to use spices etc. that are excellent. I stayed pretty enthused for Phase one.

As I entered "Phase 2" I found myself losing interest in the following the menu plans exactly, and started to skip around a lot more (i.e: lunch from one day, dinner from another.) Partly because it really is pretty hard to make the vegetarian substitutions. Some things just didn't work out very well, and others were so good I wanted them more often. But my weight loss continued at about the same rate in any case. At ten pounds, I was happy with my weight loss, and then summer came along with its many social situations revolving around food, at which point I kind of drifted away from consulting the book all the time. But I have learned a lot and have not put any weight back on. I am buying different foods and preparing them in more healthy ways. I adhere to the general principles most of the time, while enjoying cookouts and parties in moderation. Currently I just use the book for certain recipes that I like. My appetite overall has definitely decreased, and I am happy with quite a bit less food than before.

As for the Flavor Point theory--I would say that limiting flavors does indeed cut cravings expecially for sweets and junky food. I have to say that I did experience plenty of hunger pangs in those 8 weeks--but knowing I would have a good snack or meal before long helped me to ignore the discomfort. This diet is a very tasty, lowfat, low calorie plan and I recommend it. Good luck Greg, if you decide to try it--