The Mini-Fast Diet: Burn Fat Faster Than Ever with the Simple Science of Intermittent Fasting Hardcover – June 25, 2013

I've been researching fasting for weight loss. I actually first discovered this book at the public library. I would have gotten it, but it was only available through inter-library loan. The title intrigued me, so I decided to see if it was available for my Kindle. It was. So requested a free sample. I was so impressed by what I read, I ordered the full book. It is obvious that Dr. Whitaker knows his stuff. He writes in a way that is easy to understand and based on common sense. There are no weird pills, powders, meetings, counting, or measuring. He does mention a couple of supplements, but makes it clear that they are completely optional, and not required to lose weight. He understands how difficult it is to lose weight and the roadblocks (both medical and psychological) that often make it hard for people to lose weight. But he doesn't just discuss the obstacles themselves, he actually gives concrete suggestions and on how to overcome them. I like that there is flexibility built into this plan. No food is off limits, though he does (obviously) encourage the reader to eat healthy meals. I also like there is no counting, measuring, meetings or tons of restrictions. I know that I could never stick to a diet that is overly restrictive. I did Weight Watchers for awhile. I lost about 60 pounds. But I got tired of counting points and have gained a good chunk of the weight back. This diet is different. It is incredibly easy to incorporate into your life. It allows you to cut calories in a way that is pretty painless.Dr Whitaker is an excellent writer. He is able to break things down in a way that is easy to understand. But he doesn't seem condescending or like he's talking down to you. He also includes a variety of success stories throughout the book. I just recently started this diet, so I can't say yet how much weight I'm going to lose, but this is definitely a diet I can see myself sticking to for life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interesting in fasting for weight loss, but is intimidated by books that require you to fast for an entire day at a time. This book gives you the best of both worlds. It gives you the benefits of fasting, without making it seem overwhelming or impossible to implement. I'm not finished with the book yet, but Dr. Whitaker makes a lot of sense and definitely knows what he is talking about.EDIT: This is still a great book, and I still recommend it. But the diet itself just isn't for me. Skipping breakfast just doesn't work for me. I don't feel dizzy or anything like that, but I take medication that is supposed to be taken with food. I was just eating a few crackers, and it did the job. But I also found that I got majorly hungry by the time lunch rolled around. I am going to try a diet where you don't eat anything after 6 p.m. and then eat normally the rest of the day. It seems like that will be a little easier for me to handle.

In the Mini-Fast Diet book Dr. Julian Whitaker shares how to lose weight with what he calls the mini fast diet which is a 16:8 fast plan.The 16:8 plan can be very effective. With 16:8 you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8 hour window. For many people 16:8 can be much easier than ADF (alternate day fasting), 5:2 and other fasting plans. And it can be easier than drinking weight loss shakes, following a strict diet, eating low fat etc.In this book, Whitaker explains how to follow a 16:8 fast and combine it with exercise for the best results.The book is similar to the 8 Hour Diet by David Zinczenko but Whitaker's book is more thorough and in my opinion will yield more effective results. With Zinczenko's plan when you break the fast you can pretty much eat whatever you want. But in my experience and the experience of members of fasting groups I am in this does not work. You have to eat sensibly in order to lose which is what Whitaker advises.I personally have tried ADF and 5:2 and I think they are excellent plans for weight loss and health. I know many people that have been successful on them. However, I personally have trouble sticking to fasting several days a week. I find it easier to fast in the morning only. I have been following a 16:8 plan most days of the week and have found it to be a simple, effective way to lose weight. Everyone is different in what will work for them.This book has helped me tweak my 16:8 fasting plan and take it to the next level. In the mountain of books that have been released on regaining health and losing weight with intermittent fasting, this one seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle but it is one of the easiest, most effective plans. I highly recommend it!

Due to bad joints, I'm not able to do much in the exercise department. Even so, I am losing, but at a slower rate.When this cold lets up, maybe can walk a little bit. Won't even try it on ice.As a diabetic I had to sneak up on the mini-fasting. Reduced my meds after only 2 or 3 days. I'm taking less than half doses now.FEEL GREAT!I'm surprised at how easily I was able to stop eating every 3 hours and eat only when I was hungry.My life revolved around: Should I eat? Should I not eat? If so, how much?I feel I've escaped a type of slavery to food.

i think it is the last word on weight loss and control. so much of what he writes makes so much common sense. finally, someone who actually understands ALL of the weight management problems faced by an individual and addresses them ALL in a logical, reasonable manner, not just a couple and the other problems sabotage you. it's permanently doable and can fit most if not all people's lifestyles and he's not pushing you to buy anything. yeah! wish i could buy multiple copies to give away

Read the book in an hour. Mainly because it's the same information repeated for endless chapters. I found it to be a little bit redundant. Good information and good explanation of how and why it works, just went on too long.

still working on it, slow read

This diet suits me. So far good results. I mainly exercise in the mornings so works well. I have found I do not over eat either. Downside for me is the evening glass if wine but even this is allowed as long as I stick to the limit.